Overview & Reviews

Chrysler is generally considered part of the Big Three, a title that refers to the traditional triumvirate of domestic automakers. The current accuracy of this classification is open for debate, but there's no debating the fact that Chrysler has experienced a revival of sorts over the past few years.

Chrysler Corporation was founded in 1925 by Walter P. Chrysler, a noted machinist; he'd purchased the Maxwell Motor Corporation of Detroit and used it as the foundation for his new company. The automaker quickly earned a reputation for advanced engineering. In 1928, Chrysler Corporation expanded with the purchase of Dodge and the creation of the DeSoto and Plymouth divisions.

The 1930s saw Chrysler boldly looking toward the future with the introduction of its revolutionary Airflow. Powered by a front-mounted inline-8, the car was one of the first to be designed with aerodynamics in mind, and featured swooping lines and a prominent grille. Perhaps a bit too ahead of its time, the Airflow was a flop with the public. Chrysler was able to survive the lean years of the Depression thanks to strong sales of its entry-level Dodge and Plymouth brands, whose vehicles boasted more traditional designs and much lower price tags.

Chrysler shined postwar. For a period in the late 1940s, it even surpassed Ford as the No. 2 U.S. automaker. The company's storied "Hemi" V8 engine debuted in 1951. Offering 180 horsepower, it was a significant improvement over Chrysler's previous 135-hp V8. The Hemi engine was meant to trounce the V8 offered by Cadillac, Chrysler's rival, and it kick-started Detroit's horsepower race of the 1950s and '60s. The '50s also saw the debut of treasured Chrysler classics like the handsome Town and Country and the sleek 300C.

By 1961, Chrysler had trimmed its line of brands by dropping the DeSoto nameplate. New technologies were also afoot, such as unibody construction (Chrysler was the first of the Big Three to introduce it) and the replacement of generators with alternators for a car's charging system. In the latter half of the '60s, Chrysler was heavily involved with NASCAR and producing performance-oriented cars.

At the same time, however, dark clouds were gathering. As with other domestic automakers, the 1970s proved to be a difficult decade due to the oil crisis, new government regulations and changing consumer tastes. A costly and ineffective overseas expansion further hurt the company's bottom line. By the late '70s, the company was in such financial disarray that it petitioned the government for $1.5 billion in loan guarantees to save it from bankruptcy.

Thanks to impressive public campaigning by then-chairman Lee Iacocca, the debut of the well-received K-car platform and the creation of the modern minivan, sales had improved dramatically by the mid-'80s. The government's loan was paid off seven years early. The picture further brightened in the late 1980s with Chrysler's purchase of American Motors Corporation (which netted the company the Jeep brand) and a joint venture with Mitsubishi known as Diamond Star Motors.

Success continued through the early 1990s. In 1998, German-based Daimler-Benz merged with Chrysler to form DaimlerChrysler. At the time, this deal was presented as a merger of equals. But it quickly became apparent that it was more of a purchase, with Daimler being the dominant partner.

Less than a decade later, that merger was no longer, as Daimler sold Chrysler (and Dodge) to a private equity firm in 2007. However, that merger had borne some worthwhile fruit, most notably in the form of the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan. The latter shared some chassis components with an older Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform.

As such, the 300 was a highlight for Chrysler that had a pleasingly solid feel to its driving dynamics that was further sweetened via an available powerful V8 engine. But soon after the split, America's economy slid into recession. Due to poor sales and debt, Chrysler had to declare bankruptcy and the federal government intervened with bailout loans. Eventually Chrysler came under control of Italy's Fiat.

Today, the lineup has been pared down to a pair of sedans, a convertible and a minivan. However, after years of having lackluster entries in the very important midsize car category, Chrysler made major improvements in the performance, design and quality of its midsize sedan entry, the 200. The latest 300 also stands as a prime choice for a premium full-size sedan. Still, it remains to be seen as to whether this and future product releases will be enough to restore the company to its former glory.

User Reviews:

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  Excellent Car for the Money - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By turksoldier - September 28 - 2:32 pm

  I have a fully loaded limited AWD. This car has everything from GPS to back up camera, bluetooth , 4 heated seats and DVD player, not to forget the Sirius radio and only for 31K. The ride is so smooth and very powerful. The suspension is smooth but you still have the control of the car. The interior is very luxurious. 255 hp is under the hood when needed.

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  296,000 miles and counting - 1995 Chrysler LHS
  By Guardrail - September 28 - 7:15 am

  Bought used in 1996 with 19,000 miles on it. Replaced all components of the AC and had a new torque converter installed at 200,000 miles. Currently needs complete suspension overhaul but I cant bear to part with it. I commute over 100 miles a day. The security of the large vehicle, the stability and comfort of the ride have prevented me from seeking a replacement. I would rather spend $1,500-$2,0000 dollars a year in maintenance than than pay $35,000 for a new econobox that barely offers the same amenities I have in this vehicle.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mary - September 27 - 8:36 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned! I thought my BMW 330i was fast, fun and sporty to drive, but I think my Chrysler 300c outdoes it! the car is definetly an eye catcher! It was hard to find a fully loaded one on a lot that wasnt pre sold but it was well worth the wait and the calling around trying to find it!

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  Crossfire Limited Convertible - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Larry - September 26 - 9:55 pm

  Purchased Spring, 2007 for daughter. This car has it all looks, ride, power and safety features. For the price, we could not find a similar convertible with all these features. The dealer incentive was the selling point. We are pleased with the gas mileage, upper 20s on the highway and lower 20s in city. The only negative point has been a small water leak near the top and drive window. Expect to get this repaired easily.

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  Great Car - 2003 Chrysler Concorde
  By res416 - September 25 - 5:42 pm

  I have had a very good experience with my Concorde XLI. Well built, well designed, roomy, and comfortable.

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  Chryslers invisible winner - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Bucky Dent - September 25 - 12:39 pm

  Chrysler has an invisible winner in the Aspen. We selected the Aspen after testing the following SUVs: Tahoe, Escalade, Yukon, Navigator, Commander, and Sequoia. None of them came equipped with as many standard features as the Aspen for less money. The ride, fit & finish, performance and looks are standouts in the SUV crowd. The 5.7 Hemi has terrific performance and decent mileage if you keep your foot out of the throttle. It’s a shame Chrysler toss more advertising dollars at this vehicle to increase customer awareness. I’m constantly getting complements and questions at the gas station with this rig.

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  PT LOSER - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Arlisha Anderson - September 24 - 10:26 pm

  I bought my PT Cruiser from Nissan Woodland Hills. It worked great for the first 4 years but now it keeps overheating! I now call it the pt loser or pity cruiser. Just dont buy one!

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  Nice, comfortable - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By vince120 - September 24 - 2:15 pm

  20,000, 2.5 years into my base Pacifica and everything is going fine. Very easy to drive, more than adequate pickup, good response and plenty of base features have made this car easy to own. Milaege is low of course and its not easy to park, the doors seem like they are a foot thick! When my lease is up Ill consider purchasing this car.

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  Crossfire Comments - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Magnum55 - September 24 - 8:03 am

  My wife bought this car much to my surprise and joy. We both love it! She drives it to work and I drive it on the weekends. The car handles and drives very well with plenty of power. Ill be talking to her on the phone and hear her punch it and know she has a smile on her face.

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  2006 SRT8 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Maltese Missile - September 23 - 9:24 am

  Recently purchased used from Carmax with 8k miles. IMHO, this cars rides like a Mercedes, handles like a BMW, and has the power of a good old American muscle car! Beautiful!