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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  Transmission - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By basebalcch - February 23 - 9:56 pm

  Transmissions are known to go after 80,000 miles. Of course they dont volunteer this information until it goes out. Unfortunately the extended warranty that was supposedly good until 2009 or 80,000 miles which ever came first wasnt good for anything. I was faced with a 3000 to 5000 dollar repair or leave the car sitting while I continue to make payments. Dont ever buy a pre-owned or used Chrysler SeBring. I am VERY Disapointed!

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  Never Again - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By JoeCool - February 20 - 5:46 pm

  I got rid in my Jeep Liberty for this car looking for better mileage. As it was a nice looking car and 0% the salesman talked me into it. I dont think I am getting any better mileage. I too have had with water/snow staining the seats,they look terrible. I have had my car at the dealer 5 times now over the last month. The power steering unit went out. I had also reported a leak. The first time was reported over-filling off fluid, continued leak. I believe an oil ring was replaced, still a leak. Today I am told the head gasket needs replaced. I will never buy a Cruiser/Chrysler vehicle ever. I am greatly dissapointed in what I cant wait to get rid of it!

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  expensive to fix - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By iloveramey - February 14 - 11:28 am

  Every single part on this car is ridiculously expensive to replace. It has all of the drawbacks of a foreign car but none of the perks. The parts are expensive and it is difficult to work on, but it has the same lifespan as your typical domestic car. The good things about it are the handling and the appearance, its a beautiful car. The gas mileage is okay, nothing impressive. The Sebring is fun to drive but upkeep is very costly I have owned mine for less than 3 months but Ive already had to make over $600 in repairs and that does not include labor.

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  BAD PT - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By hcskitchns - January 7 - 2:00 am

  After just 3400 miles car experienced "dead clynider" after 8 visits to dealer/29 days in shop, Chrysler took back car for "mech. faults" and provided us with a new 2003. Until Md. Att. General got involved neither DAR CARS or Chrysler took notice of repeated letters about problems. New 2003 works great, however Chry. will not give me the same 7/100,000 powertrain warranty I had on other car. This remains a sticking point.

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  PT Cruiser - over rated - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By unitrorent - January 1 - 7:16 pm

  The very poor gas mileage for a small car in not acceptable. My car has been back to the dealer (s) 3-4 time for major problems (dash board cluster, front end problems (still need fixing), radio and the list goes on. Their dealers dont check for anything that isnt on the job order. The warranty for 36000 miles is way behind other cars. I wouldnt but another PT Cruiser

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  Watch out! - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By Fred - December 31 - 1:20 pm

  Looks great..fun to drive, but not reliable! Before the engine blew at 136,000 miles without warning on Thanksgiving Day, stranding my family far from home..mechanic was amazed because the car had been meticulously maintained mechanically: The car rolled backwards when parked and gear shift stopped shifting smoothly..fixed 9 months before the recall, Chrysler REFUSED to pay us back..they couldnt be sure the problem was actually fixed. I sent documentation. They didnt care! Replaced 3 defective rims, 2 power windows, tie rods and alternator before 90,000 miles. The Dash lights started flickering affecting radio and heater..computer was going out. Not buying a Chrysler again!

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  Overated and no resale value - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dwighthp - December 16 - 10:16 am

  I bought this GT June 2004 the sticker was well over $26K absurd for this car! While paying far less it was still way overpriced for a econobox. Resale value is abysmal! I decided to sell the car after 3 months of liking it and the next 6 realizing it was a poor choice. Those who claim not to have engine noise must have the stereo turned up. On the highway Chryslers poor insulation with elevated DB levels and wind noise. Shut the doors tin can sound. Besides the Leather seats interior trim materials are cheap. Engine warning light turned out be a wire upgrade with plugs no factory notice. My suggestion get a Subaru WRX if you want performance and quality in a small car.

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  Very Disappointed - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debbie - December 10 - 11:30 pm

  Ive owned my car for a little over 2 1/2 years. Last summer Chrysler had to put a new engine in it. 3 months later the bushings had to be replaced. Im lucky it was still under warranty. Now the car just wont start. I was stranded at the store, called AAA and had to leave it in the parking lot. Going to get rid of it asap. I have to get it running first. Bad thing is I still have another year to pay on it. I will not purchase another Chrysler.

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  If I could set this car on fire..I WOULD - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Miserable - December 9 - 4:03 am

  Ive had my Limited Edition for 9 years now. Its been a nightmare for 7 of those years. At 15K miles the brake system had to be overhauled to the tune of $600. 30K...brakes AGAIN...38K both tail light assemblies had to be replaced...40K Headlight assemly this time...56K Rotars and Calipers...68K Radiator AGAIN...and on it goes. Just hit 80K and Im still having issues with the brake system. I started out loving this car...now I loathe it...final words? BURN BABY BURN!

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  Pain in the Butt - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By unhappy in GA - December 3 - 6:13 am

  I bought this car for a franchise that I later sold but kept the car. At 20K miles it needed new brake pads & rotors and again at 40K miles!! The A/C compressor died at 30K. Now, the check engine light is coming on and it is driving very rough. There is only 40K miles on this car, folks! I would never have bought a Chrysler if it was not the car of choice for the franchise I owned at the time and will NEVER buy one again.