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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  New Owner Driving Experience - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Louise - December 12 - 12:16 am

  The vehicle is a beautiful car and I have received numerous compliments from young and older people both. The car drives well and my 250 HP engine performs good. Vehicle is very roomy. Visibility is not terrific but with time and extra effort you learn the blind spots and how to compensate & can drive safely and with ease. The vehicle is quiet and comfortable. The power heated mirrors are really nice. I like having the Electronic Stability and Anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes.

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  Should have put better quality inside - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Cate - December 11 - 5:46 pm

  The engineers at Chrysler should have taken a little more time in over hauling this car. More thought could have made this car more elegant. The interior could have been made a little less retro disco era and they could have give us more leg room and more comfortable seats. The 2.7 engine has no get up and go. They could have easily had to options the 4 cylinder or the other 6 cylidar, the 2.7 is not necessary. Also the moon roof could have been a little bit bigger. Being that the 300 M & Concords were eliminated, they really could have done better with the quality.

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  My first Showroom floor Purchase - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Suzette Bean - December 11 - 2:55 pm

  This Pacifica has almost everything. Love the tri-panel panoramic sun roof. The clock could be larger though.

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  Sensible sedan - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Bernie - December 11 - 11:21 am

  For the money there isnt another car that can hold a candle to this Chrysler 300. Now with 30,000 miles on it, we are just as pleased with it as when it was new. Dealer service here in a small town is a little less than I would like but they have backed the warranty completely on various small items. The most negative feature I can think of is the paint. We have the black and it seems to be very brittle, allowing rocks to readily chip the front end.

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  This is why Chrysler needs bailed out! - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By scott - December 11 - 3:03 am

  Had everything go wrong! Spark plugs, front control arms (which is every single pt out there!), motor mount cracked, timing belt, rear windshield motor, battery at 90,000, transmission fluid was dirty, inside electrical display! Need I go on? Not really considering I gave it back to Chrysler! They stink never again!

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  Great Car - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By joe king - December 10 - 9:06 am

  This car is fun to drive and for the money I dont see how you can beat the ride, handling and performance of this car. Good Job Chrysler

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  All weather luxury alternative - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob - December 9 - 10:29 am

  I use the Pacifica for business, and it performs very well in all conditions. I have had to have clients in my car and then stop at Home Depot on the way home to pick up large items and the Pacifica handles both tasks equally as well. This is a fine lower priced alternative to the equivalent Lexus, Mercedes, and Audi entries in this class. The Pacifica has performed well in very bad road conditions - never leaving me stranded or unable to get where I need to be.

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  Love to Cruise - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Turbo Mama - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have always loved PT Cruisers. It was the perfect car for my handicapped daughter with the height of it and big door openings. I got the silver one and plan to get ghost flames painted on it. It is extremely comfy on roadtrips. By far my favorite vehicle ever ! ! !

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By marie8998 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  such a fun car to drive! YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR WORRIES BEHIND YOU ANYTIME YOU DRIVE IT.

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  03 PT - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By prinpa - December 8 - 10:00 am

  When we got the car, I had no idea how much it REALLY had to offer. I know what the ads said, but when it comes to real life, thats a whole new ballgame. It is a great handling car, and although its not a speed demon, it can handle itself just fine! My dad has been a Mercedes and Cadillac man and he couldnt believe how well it handled, how solid it was and how much interior room it had.