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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  200 Touring with V6 option / Great Car! - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By ldw6559 - May 4 - 3:09 pm

  Didnt expect to end up with this car but glad I did. Black on Black color is just plain sexy. Only had it for 2 weeks and Im surprised at just how many people want to see it, and the positive comments I get. Great power, handling is awsome as long as you dont floor it, the car does have a fair amount of torque steering and I have really never got on it hard. Gas milage is above what Chryler says as I am averaging 31-32 miles per gallon with about 80-20 highway to city driving, but I do sit in long lines going and coming from work that avg. about 15minutes each way in stopped and very slow driving. Comfortable and quiet, with good F&F on par with this segment.

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  Great Car...Great Value - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By gerard56 - May 3 - 1:36 pm

  I have a 2012 Chrysler 200 Limited with about 3,200 miles on it. This car is a great value, loaded with features, including a great V6 engine and a quiet interior. Smooth ride, great fit and finish. Beautiful cherry red paint. I love the UConnect radio/phone. I learn something new about it every time Im in the car. Easy to learn to operate with steering wheel controls. Great sound system. I would strongly recommend this car because of the value and what seems to be great quality.

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  Vehicle stalling intermittently - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By concerned25 - May 2 - 6:27 pm

  I have had my 2011 Limited convertible for 1 year and it has stalled on my about 10 times within the last year. I have brought it in numerous times and they are unable to identify what the problem is since no code is generated. Very concerned with this issue. I have called Chrysler HQ and they are researching this. There have been many other people that have posted issues with their vehicles stalling also. I do enjoy driving the vehicle and would have been extremely happy with it but now that it stalled on me while I was in the middle of an intersection it is very concerning to me. I would not recommend buying this car until they resolve the issue.

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  Surprisingly good! - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By mrhands - May 1 - 4:15 pm

  I was looking for something fun, good mileage, comfy, you know, everything for a good price. I was looking for a convertible to replace my current Euro Special. I heard and saw good reviews for the 200, took it for a test drive and was sold. So far, very pleased!

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  great long distance cruiser - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By deaconbluz - April 28 - 3:03 pm

  I am an atypical consumer. I ride my bike to work and would prefer to have a Prius as my car. But I am afraid to fly and frequently take road trips of 4,000 miles. The Chrysler 300 was the quietest and most comfortable car I could afford. I paid $22,612 for the base model with the 8 speed transmission at Orange Coast Chrysler in Costa Mesa. I like the keyless entry and startup. The seats are very comfortable with multiple power adjustments.The ride is smooth , but not sporty. That said, it maneuvers very well for such alarge car. It is a little quieter than my 2011 Camry. The 8 speed is very responsive and you dont notice it being busy. I have never had a luxury car before so cant compar

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  Best Car... Hands down! - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By stormrider091 - April 27 - 12:23 am

  This car is simply amazing... I read the reviews. 31 mpg, Halftime America... yeah yeah yeah. But this car has proven me wrong. Pentastar coupled with the new 8 speed tranny can best 25 mpg city and 40 on the highway when cruising and still as nearly 30 horsepower to pass by turtles when necessary. The insides are on par with ANY other luxury car. I have the S package with in my opinion looks bit better, bigger tires, blacked out grill and bezels in lights, paddle shifters, and bucket seats. But the limited is no slouch with standard leather and rearview camera. The ride is quiet. I just cant believe how well this car is put together. Premium cloth seats are truly premium!What a car!

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  Not what my 2007 was - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By roselawn - April 21 - 6:07 pm

  I enjoyed my 2007 300 limited so much, I was excited to get a 2012. It is somewhat of a disappointment. In 5 weeks, its been at the dealer more than my 07 was in 5 years. Yes, its beautiful, rides great, more power, and very quiet, but all the electronic features have been extremely annoying. Lights go on during the day, A/C goes on without being turned on, FOB doesnt always make contact. Dealer says it cant find a problem. A real disappointment. Wish I had my 07 back.

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  Disappointment - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By nflatow - April 19 - 3:19 pm

  OUr 2004 Chrysler-Sebring convertible has ONLY 51,500 miles. Yet the front catalytic converter got so hot, that it burned a hole in the converter. That is extremely disappointing. Of course, the warranty for the converter was ONLY 8 years, so we are out $1,000 for a replacement. All the cars I have owned in teh last 50 years, have never had a catalytic converter fail. Shame on Chrysler!

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By jce4 - April 17 - 9:29 pm

  When I started my search for a new car I was pretty sure I would end up with an Optima or Sonata. I had set my budget at 25K out the door (tax and tags included). I also made up my mind that I would drive all the comparable makes & models before I made a decision. The Chrysler 200 was not even on my list until I had driven the Optima and Sonata, found that I was not happy with the standard 2.4 liter engine and the 274hp turbo would not fit in my budget. It was the 3.6L V-6 that made me try the 200S. To my surprise it was the quickest, quietest and best handling of the bunch and it had the media center, etc. Price w/rebates? 21,510. Cant beat that - truly fun to drive.

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  Bought New - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
  By floyd_p - April 11 - 7:54 am

  I purchased this car new in 2001. It currently has 125K miles on it and have probably spent maybe $1700 in maintenance over the last two years. Before that only tires, brake shoes and oil changes. This car has been surprisingly reliable and comfortable. I didnt expect to keep this car as long as I have but, it just keeps on going. Had a little annoying issues like passenger rear windown would not roll down for a few years then suddently it decided to start to work and hasnt stopped since. The only real beef with the car is where they put the drink holders. With the gear shift in park, you cant put anything larger than a soda can until you put it in gear. No CD player is the other.