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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  Red Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By redpac - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Rides great on the highway, super quiet, brakes are best in class, drives much smaller than is. Second row is best in class.

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  25000 miles and still the best - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ipierce - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Im on my third year with this car, and its the best Ive ever owned. Its not only fun to drive, its a great hauler for my dogs, their crates, etc. Its amazing to have a smaller car - which I like - with big- car room. (I know its classified as a truck, but it sure doesnt ride truck- like!) Now, Id keep this car forever if they hadnt come out with that incredible- looking convertible. Will I get one? Well see.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Michelle Ojeda - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 PT Cruiser is wonderful. It rides real smooth, and is very comfortable. To me, it is a combination between an old 1920s vehicle and a new sports car. That is what makes it beautiful. If I can I do plan to own another one when mine is no longer of use.

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  Scorpionz Venom1 - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Scorpionz Venum 1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Classy, comfortable, great pick up and handling both in the city and highway, great passing ability. Cargo space? I had a 4X 5" solid maple dinner table in the back of mine. Everyone who wants the versatility of a mom-tank and the ride of a big car with damn good lines should get one. RR seat warmers for the leather would be a HUGE + like in my Pacifica. I want the next DREAM CRUISER

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  sebrings rule - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By liz13 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  1996 chrysler sebring convertabile. had the car 2.5 years, only 1 minor repair. very reliable, priced well, fully loaded, fun, powerful-my most enjoyed car ever.

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  Bang for your buck - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Eric L - August 28 - 10:00 am

  If you want to impress people, just pull up in one of these babies and the Jag owner next to you will do a double take and think twice about looking at Ford again. This car is ride to get what you want as luxury for your buck. I just wish the model I had offered piviting side mirrors, power passenger seats, six disk changer, digital temp. console, an auto dim rear view mirror and last but not least Sirius Radio.

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  Great car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Doris Jensen - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Runs Great and handles good.

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  Best Convertible I have ever owned - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Byrl Alexander - August 28 - 4:19 am

  This car handles like a dream on the road, rides real smooth and when riding in the back seat it is a real smooth ride. I couldnt ask for anything more. This car hugs the road, the top seals real good, very little wind noise with the top up. For the money this is the best car on the road today. Fuel getting around 28-30 miles to the gallon on the highway, not as good in the city but still better than most cars today.

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  Love it or Leave it? - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Frank - August 27 - 9:50 pm

  After waiting over three months to take delivery of our Chrysler 300C, it finally arrived. An extremely well assembled unit, nice fits inside and out. That all lasted about three weeks,and then the problems started. With no warning whatsoever, the battery was totally dead,and were now working on number four battery! Just one electrical problem after another! More often than not, its back to the dealer so they can search for the problem. In 3-1/2 months we have managed to drive it 1349 kms (800 miles) Things such as dash warning lights (engine, ESP/BSN) inop auto wipers, inop daytime running lights and who knows whats next! Other than that, a beautiful car...wish I could drive it!

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  2002 Sebring Limited Convertible - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Richard - August 26 - 4:11 pm

  Have been looking at Chrysler Sebrings for some time as they are one of the few sporty type convertibles I can afford. I am amazed at the equipment I have on my Sebring as I own a 2000 Cadillac Deville and a 2001 Lincoln Town Car and the Sebring has all the equipment they have including all the little toys like compass, thermomitor, etc. So far, I have had a great deal of fun driving this little car. In my opinion, it is a great car for the money.