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:

• 

  First New Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mike - June 19 - 10:40 am

  This is my first new car ever purchased and I love it! It rides great and handles great. I get compliments on the vehicle all the time and people asking how I like the car. First words out of my mouth are always I LOVE IT! If you are looking to buy a sedan, I definitely recommend checking this one out. My only regret is that I didnt buy an upgraded model.

• 

  Ragtop Love - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By filigree1 - June 19 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car used with 18,000 miles on it June 2006 for $14,000. It was a fleet car prior. I cant say enough nice things about this car. The only negative I could find is that it has some blind spots with the top up, but after driving it a while, its easy to compensate for them. I intend to keep this car a long time. The new ones are too small and dont hold turns like this one does. It also accelerates quite well. I know people have complained about acceleration in this model, but all I can say is they probably dont keep it properly tuned. My friend paid a fortune for a Jaguar and hes kicking himself. My car accelerates faster, has better performance, mileage, and road huggability.

• 

  Red Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Val - June 19 - 9:00 am

  We drove a number of these before we bought one and loved the way they road. However this one after we bought it seemed to ride rougher than the others. It seems to shake back and forth when going down streets at 35 to 4o mph. Highway driving is great.

• 

  My 2001 Sebring - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Audio Terrorist - June 17 - 12:56 pm

  Ive had this car about a year now and its been a good car. Had a few problems. Heater resistor went cost 100 bucks to have fixed at dealer and had a rear strut tower mount rust out was 20 bucks and about a 1/2 hour labour myself! Fun to drive. Tranny seems to be the weak link I think. Otherwise Ive been more than happy with it! Great rear seat room

• 

  PT Cruiser - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By roger s - June 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a good looking fun to drive car for all ages. My teenagers love to drive the PT Cruiser as much as my wife and I do.

• 

  Pt Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dean Hoffmann - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I Now have 34000 miles with no issues Great Car

• 

  BIGMUDD - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By mudddog - June 17 - 10:00 am

  WE HAD A PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES SERVICE DUE TO A SUPPLIER DEFECT WITH THE STARTER VALVE.THE CAR WOULD NOT START. OTHER THAN THAT IT IS EXCELLENT,WE CANNOT DRIVE IT ANYWHERE WITHOUT PEOPLE TURNING THEIR HEADS AND/OR COMMENTING ON HOW GOOD IT LOOKS.IT IS A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY WITH THE HEMI!

• 

  Best car Ive owned in 40 years - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By LoveUSA - June 17 - 12:35 am

  I bought this car new (5000 miles) and have never had a moments trouble. Its still running strong after all these years, with only regular maintenance and fluid checks. Brakes had to be re-padded, thats all. I would definitely consider buying another Chrysler Sebring. Its still looks and runs as nice as when I first bought it. Have a few recall notices over the years, minor things like convertible top instructions and shift lock. Other than that, you cant go wrong with one of these cars.. and their so hot looking, quiet and smooth. Love it!

• 

  81,000 miles and still going strong - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By obiwan103 - June 16 - 9:17 am

  I bought a certified LX (2.7L V6) 3 years ago and it has served us very well. No major mechanical problems, just routine maintenance (changing fluids, brake pads, tires). Real-world fuel mileage averages in the 21-24MPG range (the advertised 28MPG only happens if you drive at or below 60MPH) Some minor electrical problems: window motor went out, flickering dome light. Those are the only reasons I didnt give it a 10 on build quality and reliability. I have had no engine problems with the 2.7.

• 

  Road trip Please! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Charlene BETTENCOURT - June 14 - 8:40 pm

  We replaced a 2009 Town and Country with a new 2017 Pacifica. It is a really beautiful van and it is going to have to be quite the vehicle to replace our old van, which we loved to travel in. Although we dont even have 800 miles on it, we hope to be hitting the road soon. Love our van.