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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  Fun car to drive - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Blake - November 10 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this car when I transferred to L.A. and couldnt be happier. It is fun to drive, great retro look and has excellent pickup. I looked at several convertibles and found the Cruiser to be the best value for the money. Has the weight and feel of the pricier convertibles - more car than the Miata. Bought the fully loaded model and got a better discount.

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  THE SIX WAY POWER SEAT THAT WAS NOT - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By markp1178 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 5TH CHRYSLER IN A ROW. MY SECOND 300M. THE FIRST ONE CAME WITH A 6 WAY POWER SEAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. MY WIFE IS DISABLED. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR I THOUGHT THAT THE SEAT WAS THE SAME AS BEFORE, ALAS, MUCH TO OUR SUPRISE THIS SEAT IS ONLY 4 WAY IT DOES NOT HAVE THE UP AND DOWN FEATURE. MY WIFE REQUIRES A LARGE AMOUNT OF COMFORT FEATURES. THEY CHANGED THIS FEATURE. BAD NEWS.

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  The Best - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jeanie - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I own this vehicle for almost a year, I have 2003 model I love it wouldnt trade it for the world. Great on gas 10.00 every two weeks if that. Drives like a BMW if not better.

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  Chrysler 300 C Hemi - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By John J. Perenyi - November 7 - 10:56 am

  Although I purchased the car for its performance and incorporation of M-B technology, I appreciate the admiring glances and compliments it continues to get. It is surprisingly economical for a large sedan with such power, and the heralded transition from 4 cylinders to 8 is indeed seamless. Most of my driving is on highways, and that is where the 300C really shines. It can cruise effortlessly at triple digit speeds in silent comfort. Great car!

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  This car is a real blast! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MPL - November 7 - 10:00 am

  We werent planning on getting a new car this year, but a rear-ending accident, totalling my Chrysler Town and Country suddenly put us in the market. We were pretty much ready to by either a new mini-van (not my first choice) or a large SUV when my wife saw a commercial for the Pacifica. We decided to take a look over the weekend and halfway through the test drive, we were both sold. The Pacifica is so unique in many ways both my wife and I love it. And we get plenty of attention from the curious where ever we go.

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  chrysler lhs - 1994 Chrysler LHS
  By prace1254 - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Stylish car, very responsive, and a fantastic ride.

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  Still love it - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By freeohio - November 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for 2 years and 5 months and I still love it. Overall I have been very satisfied with my car. I had to have the stereo replaced when the car was a year old, but the dealer was fast and courteous about replacing it. The only things I have a problem with is the cupholder location, (I accidentally turn the cd player on when I use the cupholder!) And the front seats are hard to move for people getting in and out of the back seat. Other than that I still love it 2 years later!

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  Sebring convertible - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Herman - November 6 - 2:00 am

  A very fun car to drive. I have a new Caddi and a Tundra PU and when I go most anywhere the convertible is my choice of transportation. The only problem experienced is the heater blower fan needing repair.

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  i have 2006 coverablie love when i get to put t - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By susan daley - November 3 - 9:02 pm

  best car ever never gave me anyproblems

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  Awesome vehicle; good price! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pacgrrl - November 2 - 5:10 pm

  I had no interest in the Pacifica; had heard nothing about it; wanted a Subaru....then I got inside...and then took it for a ride...It won me over! I needed some hauling space, but also wanted comfort for people riding in the back seat...and we even have a comfortable and usable 3rd row seat! Plenty of leg and seat room (for shorter adults, and still enough room in the trunk area for a cooler and some gear for 6 people. Excellent ride comfort; good for cruising the highway and it handles well on back roads. Fun to drive, comfortable, great looking interior, and AWD...hard to beat! Chrysler, whoda thunk it?