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:

• 

  Gas Gauge - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By John M - October 6 - 8:34 pm

  I have had my 300C since Nov 2007. Now just in the last 6 weeks I have twice run out of gas with my gas gauge showing 1/4 of a tank. I will be taking my car to the dealer this Friday.

• 

  Great alternative to an SUV - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By lmatracia - October 4 - 9:51 am

  I have always wanted a car with a back-hatch (due to always owning large dogs). I purchased this car in 2011 with 132k from my mechanic. He combed through it with a fine tooth comb, so i knew it would be reliable. My car has leather seats, power everything and a sunroof. I enjoy the leather seats, being a dog groomer means lots of dog hair, but the leather is easy to clean. My only complaints are that the ride is a little noisy and rough (but i think it needs new shocks, being a 12 year old car), and i have had issues with the alloy wheels. the rims have slightly corroded (nothing visible to naked eye) but it was causing my tires to lose air regularly. bead seal was quick inexpensive fix.

• 

  Best for the $$$$$ - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Don Durzo - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Looked for a convertible that gives comfort,extra power not desired and the price was right on track, Very comfortable to drive and well worth the price. Not any real competition in this size vehicle. Work for a major competitor and the Quality is very good

• 

  Just purchased - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By SDR - October 2 - 12:28 pm

  My husband surprised me 9/21/09 with a 2002 4dr LX Chrysler Sebring. The Car is beautiful but it didnt come with the transmitter for the alarm. I took it to Mt Ephraim Dodge 9/26/09 and paid $131.61 for a new transmitter. 10/01/09 my car would not start! I called the dealer and was told maybe the alarm burned out the battery. Now I have to pay $98.00 for a diagnostic test. On top of that when I turn my steering wheel to its furthest point left or right it makes this screeching sound. I was told I need to $48.99 to check it. If I need a Power Steering Pump it will cost me $110 for parts and if it is the Rack N pennon (??) the parts will cost $600.72 not including labor.

• 

  Still like the car. - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Shotgun - October 2 - 4:30 am

  Bought the car used in 2005 at about 56,000 miles. Have thoroughly enjoyed the car. Havent had many problems, but when I did, I was appalled at the repair price, and the unusual failing of parts that normally dont fail. In 2006 the transmission failed. Cost $3,250 for a rebuilt one. Since then, the sunroof has jumped the track and screwed up the linkage. No repair parts are available from Chrysler. Cost $1,200 for a new one. Then the starter when out. Cost $500 to fix. Its time now for the timing belt replacement (95K miles)& dealer quoted about $1000 to replace it (includes new water pump). Transmission is acting up again but may be low fluid problem. I just topped it up & so far ok.

• 

  Nice car - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By RSB - September 30 - 10:59 am

  I bought the car on October 2006 with 54K miles and after three yrs and 40K miles more, works like new. At the beginning I was skeptical due to the Chrysler reputation, but I was wrong with it. For its size, its very comfortable for 5 adults, sometimes six. My car has leather seats and dark interior, which I liked. Until now, I have no complains with the engine, after all the terror stories I read after. Major fixes: A/C evaporator blown in summer 2009 ($400), faulty driver side power windows ($100), regular maintenance (tires, oil, brakes, etc.). The paint is OK but I find recently a few spots due to excess rain in Puerto Rico and the warranty doesnt cover it.

• 

  crusier review - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By drums - September 30 - 10:00 am

  great car,except gas miliage is poor. that seems to be the only down fall that i find. i love the pt

• 

  A Great Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By golfer1614 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica offers a great ride. I feel secure and over long miles experience minimal fatique, vs, other vehicles that I have owned. The quality of the interior and the placement of instraumentation is excellent. I rate this auto as one of the best that I have owned.

• 

  Jesus H. Chrysler! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Barefoot Serpent - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Dame Chrysler finally comes close to hitting one out of the park. With this car and, especially the Crossfire, the Mercedes/Chrysler marriage is beginning to produce attention-getting, praiseworthy offspring.

• 

  Nice Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By spartyjim - September 29 - 11:19 am

  We bought this car new. One unique problem that was fixed even though the car was out of warranty. Headliner buckled and was replaced. No mechanical problems, it drives very nice and the ride is smooth. A problem common to all SUVs Ive had is the side visibilty. Pillars make you have to look carefully. Highway mileage is over 21 mpg with air on at over 75MPH. No oil use like some others say. We have the small V6