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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  I WANT to love this car!! - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By surby66 - June 17 - 2:03 pm

  I really do love driving this car. I bought it brand new, but I have had several issues that Ive never had with other new cars that Ive purchased. The convertible top has gotten stuck several times the drivers side window squeaks terribly the brakes began squeaking terribly within the first 1000 miles the horn sound has become very low (the dealership says its normal... but it didnt sound like that until recently) it got stuck in Park (gear shifter was bad) the dealership busted the center console fixing it & then ordered the wrong color console and I get SOAKED from run-off when I open the door after it has rained. Hoping that will be all the issues. Sure is fun to drive!

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  Bad Statement/Decision on Chryslers Part - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By nothappy300 - June 15 - 5:01 pm

  last yr I purchased a 2009 Chrysler 300 Touring – love the car but when I first purchased the car I noticed that at the top of the doors there is a trim piece that had what appeared to be 2 separate pcs per door – not impressive but not a “deal breaker” now a yr later it appears that these are just cheap pcs as there are multiple cracks in ea. Called Chrysler and was told due to the age of the car – 3 yrs – and the milage – part has NOTHING to do w/miles – I would have to pay some of the repair bill which I don’t agree with. Not a seat that I ripped or stone chips I want fixed – I don’t see how this is a “wear and tear” issue. I am truly thinking of getting rid of the car – and not purchasi

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  One of the best - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By - June 15 - 12:58 pm

  This is one of the best cars that I have ever driven. Over the last 3,000 miles I have averaged between 24 mpg around home and 30+mpg on the highway. That more than compares to the 2008 4 cyl. Altima that I traded for this car and the luxury in the 300 is beyond compare.

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  Poor fit and finish - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By bradleyb2 - June 14 - 10:43 pm

  Purchased a 2012 Chrysler 200 touring three weeks ago and took it back to the dealer and traded it off. The car needed to have its door taken apart to replace the seals around te doors. Back windows leaked likea waterfall. Called Chrysler and they were no help. I did like Chrysler products but no so sure now. Especially since they dont seem to care about their customers. BEWARE!

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  LOve Love Love... My Sebring!!! - 2010 Chrysler Sebring
  By kimberly98 - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Sebring in Jan. 2012. I almost dis not purchase this car because of the negative reviews. I have never owned a Chrysler but so far I am very pleased with both my car and my dealership. Yes there are a few things that I would personality change about this car but everyone does when getting a new car. If I ever cmplain about the small stuff I stop and remember the AWESOME price of the Sebring! The only major complaint I have is the plastic in the interior door handles, they stratch very easily. My previous vehicle was a Ford Explorer so I am LOVING the gas mileage. This car rides and drives good and is extremly comfortable. My advice is to test drive this car for yourself!

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  First salesmans car for me that is not a van! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By paulsnj - June 11 - 8:21 am

  Just picked up this car after much soul-searching to replace my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan that I owned for 135K of its 183K miles driven. This car had some interesting options for a base model: Heated leather seats and a CD changer (I am 43 and still do not own an I-pod). Also only 48K miles but I will be racking them up pretty fast. Very solid heavy vehicle with the 3.5 V6. Would have liked the 3.8 as in my van, but was not available in 2006. Not the fastest off the line, my van was a bit quicker, but great highway cruiser. No third row in the base, but five people in it over the weekend had no issues. If you dont want a van and can put up with slightly smaller size its worth a look.

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  wchop - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By wchopp - June 6 - 2:33 pm

  I have owned over 50 vehicles in my lifetime and this is one of the best cars I have owned. Just came off a 1600 mile trip with alot of 2 lane roads and some freeway driving. Averaged 33 MPG on the complete trip. Have approx 4200 miles on the car. The ride is excellent and quite for this old senior. Lots of room and I have been a GM guy all my life. Would recommend this car to anyone. Lots of power, lots of comfort and lots of gagets. I love this car!

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  dont walk away run far from it. - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By pheonix5 - June 3 - 10:25 am

  Chrysler has dropped the ball and kicked it a hundred miles away with this car. The four speed transmission whines at any speed over 80km/hr at which the the transfer gears and bearings have been replaced. steering rack failure and all struts and shocks and swaybar bushings. drive seat motors groans when occupied by anyone over 150lbs. evap system leaks(bad hoses, bad gas cap), spark plugs worn out at 65000km chrysler says there to be replaced at 170000km. when talking to techs at three diffrent dealers this is all common stuff on this car from 2007-20011. I have owned 9 diffrent chrysler products and this is my last. From the car to dealers to head office absolutly pathetic.

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  More bang for the buck than any other mid-sized - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By torch1342 - May 27 - 11:40 am

  I own a 2012 Touring model with the 3.6 Pentastar, 430n touchscreen radio and sunroof. I looked at and researched mid-sized cars for 3 months before I decided on the 200. I liked the exterior looks of the malibu, but the interior seemed dated and the 2.4l engine was too underpowered for my taste. I finally decided on the 200 for two reasons, the 3.6l Pentastar is amazing 29mpg with 283HP. It is very quiet and docile at low throttle, but give it some gas and it feels like a rockestship! This engine is an absolute joy. The second reason was price, I walked out of the dealership at $20200.00 after all rebates and negotiations.

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  Still love my car - 2010 Chrysler Sebring
  By xcap5 - May 23 - 8:39 pm

  In 1.5 years I have put 51,000 trouble free miles on this car. Two flat tires and oil changes is all Ive done. People sure thought I was crazy buying this car new because of all the bad reviews but I have no regrets.