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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  Mixed emotions - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lexi - August 22 - 9:06 pm

  I do love my Pacifica, it has everything I could possibly need in a car with 2 children and a husband. I love the DVD player and the navagation and heated leather seats and 6 disk cd changer. The all wheel drive makes it awsome in the snow. I love the trunk space, I can fit a double stroller and my second stroller and still have room for my groceries, or we can empty it and go out for ice cream and sit on the edge of the back. It is reliable even thought it is in dire need of repair, needed brakes/rotars for over 8 months and it still stops for me, I have had many noises coming from the front end and now my power stearing is going. I need battery. already replaced muffler/tires. 88,000

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Bobbylew - August 21 - 11:29 pm

  I am very happy with my car. It handles great and so far is quite dependable. Watch out for the trunk lid. I made the mistake of leaving it half way closed after getting something out of the trunk and I wound up killing the battery. When I purchased the car the one key didnt work. The dealership had to get the replacement from Mersedes and they told me it would have cost me $150. for me to buy one if it wasnt under warranty if say I lost mine. I havent had any other problems so far.

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  Cute but trouble. - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By epv - August 21 - 3:01 pm

  We purchased ours used in anticipation of having out first child. We love the roominess on the inside and the style, but thats about where it stops. Weve paid $800+ for two major brake repairs which were not covered under warranty. Even minor repairs and maintenance are ridiculously expensive - $85 for the two headlights that went out within 3 days of each other and $150 per tire. There is also this awful rattling noise from the back that is very loud at highway speeds. The door light cover falls off when I close the door too hard. The acceleration to highway speeds is slow. The exhaust smells like it belongs on a 1970s car.

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  04sebring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By b10ant - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Sebring used with 1800 miles on it at a great value. Its been only a few weeks, but so far so good. Bought it due to job change and lots of increased miles, and had to get better gas mileage than with my Explorer. Im getting 25-26 mph, which works for me. And the styling is cool. Not much headroom, and the controls and console features arent readily within reach.

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  Lemon - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Sue Martinez - August 16 - 4:47 pm

  Purchased new 07/06. Two months ago transmission seals had to be replaced, but it was under warranty which expired 07/06/09. 08/06/09 @ 26,000 miles key did not work, AAA could not start the car and it was towed in - "brain" dead and a lobotomy required. As warranty had run out I was quoted total of $4700 for computer replacement. It took a week to get the parts, and now Chryslers computer system is down so it cant be programmed. Also being charged $190 for second key. Good news is that now it is partially covered by warranty but my cost is still over $1500. Not happy.

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  Smooth Hemi Power in a Large SUV - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By Kevin K - August 11 - 11:21 pm

  My first impression was that it had a CVT transmission its shifts so smooth, but NO. The transmission does not seem to give the same punch throughout a wide range, my Nissans in the past were much better in that area. Interior makes you feel that you are in a nice vehicle, it is also an attention getter on the exterior. For a 6,400 LB SUV it accelerates fast, you are king of the Trucks/SUVs on the road without a Hemi. Will take "most" 6 Cyl Cars as well, just stay away from some of the import powerful V6s like the 2009 Maxima. It is a little bouncy on major dips/bumps, but not overly so. The Brakes are sufficient, but could stop a little better. Handling on sharp bends is average at best.

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  Its whats inside that counts... - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By killakass85 - August 11 - 9:30 am

  First-the bad news: if you are looking to lay down 10 second runs at the track or turn heads at the valet then this isnt the car for you. That being said - I challenge you to find a roomier, more equipped, more fuel efficient, smoother riding vehicle than the 09 Sebring Sedan. Traded a clunker in w 200K miles and with all rebates,discounts, +ttf walked out the door with a 2.7 V6, Nav/Sirius Sat Radio, MyGig/DVD System, Power Sunroof, Heated/Power Seats, Hot/Cold Cup Holder, & Remote Start for $19K. Those same options on any other car puts you well over $30K all without the lifetime powertrain warranty. Put 100 miles on it the first day testing out the Navi!!! BTW - Im 64-

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  Jury not in yet! - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Zazz - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a PT the first time I saw one,but knew I couldnt go from a 200hp 6 cylinder to a 150hp 4, so I waited. Well after 2 years I got my turbo! Its a hoot to drive, but has been in for a belt replacement at 400 miles, and a new drivers seat is on order due to bad leather on the side bolster( cracked and wearing at 2000miles). Also I got about 12mpg from the first 7 tankfulls, but its up to about 16now. Thats around town with my foot in the turbo! So if it can staw out of the shop ill be one happy CRUISER!!!

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  Great Value 2.7 v6 - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By Wally - August 6 - 9:05 pm

  There was not a touring 2.7 listed but that is what I got and what a good motor for the car. I cant believe the gas mileage I am getting, way better than listed. On the highway at 65 to 70 miles per hour I get 33 miles per gallon. It has all the bells and whistles, some I will never use. It is comfortable for my wife and me to travel in. The motor is responsive for getting on and off the freeway and passing. The gas mileage is reasonable and we are averaging 28 miles per gallon. The radio sound is excellent for a car. We both like it. I have has the undecarage done, rust inhibiters, cloth stain proofed and paint protected. Now the car must respond.

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  Nice car - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By george7861 - August 5 - 10:52 am

  Even though the car is really a Mitsubishi Eclipse with a Chrysler body it is a nice sporty, fast car. It handles really good, mine has 140,000 miles on it and it starts better in the winter better than my neighbors VW.