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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  Couldnt be Happier - 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Very Satisfied - September 19 - 2:40 am

  I gave my 2001 PT Cruiser to my Grandson. It had less than 50,000 trouble-free miles on it, and looked like new. I bought a 2010 because it is the last year theyll make it. Its everything Id hoped it would be, and more. I got a great deal on it, so purchased a lifetime warranty on it. I drive American cars, and have for most of my life. Theyre more than competitive with the Japanese and Korean cars, and I happy to keep the money in this country.

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  3 month report - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Nick Gainer - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car from dealer and was treated extremely well. Car didnt have all the bells and whistles, but had everything I wanted. Best driving and riding auto Ive ever owned. Quietest Chrysler ive had (this is my 4th). Driving up mountains, it labored a little and lowered yyhe mileage. However, it s only gone 4,000 miles so far and has averaged 22 mpg on a 1,200 mile trip from FL to WV. Ive had more compliments on it than any car Ive owned. Love it and highly recommend it.

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  2007 Sebring Limited - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chris - September 15 - 11:21 pm

  This car is a significant improvement over the last generation. I have the 3.5 V6. It is super-quick and fun to drive. The seats could be a little more comfortable. The gas mileage isnt as great but I wanted the big engine. I like the four-door Crossfire look and the interior design. The Limited is worth looking into if the wallet will let you. Fit and finish could be a shade better but overall an excellent car.

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  Love my Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Brent - September 15 - 2:30 pm

  I love the car. Acceleration is off the chart. Its an attractive, eye catching sports car that is great fun to drive. If you buy, be prepared to be stared at. People will break their neck for a look. I purchased in Houston at $15,000 off the sticker for a new car with 90 miles on the odometer and full factory warranty. My wife and I broke it in on a 600 mile roadtrip from Houston to Amarillo. The car handled beautifully and was actually much more comfortable than expected. On cruise control, the car easily handled the hills with no downshift ever. Passing capability is awesome. Negatives so far; very stiff suspension, limited rear view and the dang cupholder.

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  Try the Chevy HHV - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Gaguy - September 13 - 2:46 pm

  I have had more problems with this car than all my other vehicles combined. First off, the head gasket leaked oil before 300 miles and had to be replaced. Then the ventilation system recirculation door opens on its own because the underpowered engine is not capable of providing enough vacuum to keep it closed when going uphill. The infamously bad Chrysler automatic transmission went out at 31,700 miles and had to be rebuilt. The mechanics had the audacity to suggest someone that I put something in the transmission to cause it to fail. If they really thought that they should have refused repairs and given me the chance to take them to court but I think they knew they would lose.

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  Still Love It, 5 Years Later - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Tracey - September 12 - 8:52 pm

  Bought my 02 Chrysler Sebring 4D Sedan brand new for just under $16K. No problems except for a bad battery. Comfy car, great stereo, smooth ride. Only complaint is gas mileage. With stop and go traffic in Atlanta, I only get about 21/22 miles per gallon. But, other than that, Im a happy customer. Will probably buy a Sebring convertible when (if??) my 02 ever wears out... this is the first non- import car Ive ever owned and I have no complaints!

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  Best SUV for money - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Doc - September 12 - 1:11 pm

  From the very first moment you can feel the comfort and ease of handling. It almost drives itself, with a smooth ride and fast response. After driving it on a trip, how could you ever consider driving anything else. Its a keeper for me and when I am ready for a new vehicle it will be on the top of my list. Chrysler you did it again, great job as always.

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  Great car - 2001 Chrysler LHS
  By Doug - September 11 - 4:28 pm

  I enjoy the comfort and ride of the LHS - Luxury Highend Sedan. Even though I live in California and thought I would never use them, but the heated seats are a great feature during the winter. Nice looking car

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  05 PAC AWD - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By turbanski - September 11 - 12:58 pm

  I have the 05 touring model with 19" wheels. Living in the northeast the AWD with 19" wheels has proven to be unstoppable in winter. Overall, no problems with the vehicle. I have returned to dealer twice for factory recalls, but did not experience any recall related problems.

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  Sporty sophistication - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Freedom5 - September 11 - 11:47 am

  I have had this car for just a short time but have so far enjoyed every driving minute. Im 64" and fit. I have always liked the styling but would never have paid the initial price. I purchased mine with only 18,000 miles on it - not bad for three years old. It was as clean as brand new. The miles and condition along with a price tag of less than half of the new MSRP made it irresistible.