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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  Love my Van - 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
  By dsskater - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Chrysler Minivan. I like the way it handles and the way it pulls my camper with ease. I have the V6 3.3 engine with a tow package. The only drawback I have is the interier has a few rattles in it and the front and side cup holders are not deep enough for larger cups, as in fast food cups. I have had both Caravan and Voyager minivans and I liked them both. I would buy another one.

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  An excellent car for the money - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By JAC - May 27 - 10:38 am

  I have wanted one ever since I saw the unveiling in 1998. In 2004 I was finally able to purchase one. The car was everything I expected. The overall performance is quite good for a V6 powered car of its size. As a daily driver, I cannot think of any other car that could be better except for a new hemi 300. My only gripe has been having to repair the AC (an expensive procedure), and various sensors going bad over the years). The car has only left me stranded once when the battery died. I feel that most of the problems with these cars comes down to lack of maintenance, either by the current owner or the previous owners. Take care of the car and it will take care of you.

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  hey - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By derek - May 26 - 6:21 pm

  I bought my 300m with 44,000 miles on it. It now has 126,000. Its been alright but this past year stupid things have been happening. I had to replace my tie rods twice in 4 years. My rear doors locks are screwed up. My struts in the front end are bad. I think my muffler is ripped. Its all wear and tear stuff. Nothing Major. I have maintained it very well. Tune ups oil changes brakes. Its never left me stranded on the side of the road. Overall its an ok car. Not great but I hope it last another 3 4 years.

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  Big BUCKS in GAS - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By azsummer - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased ours a few days ago, paid $34395 they sold us the extended warranty and gap insurance (dumb, right?). Paid 27355 before taxes, etc. Drives nice, stereo is OK, cloth SEATS GAVE US A RASH! We get about 7.7 miles to the gallon. NOT GOOD! We thought the mileage was better, we feel very angry, wish we could take it back because at 8 miles a gallon, its gonna cost a fortune to use! Its a mini van basically. Now I heard about a POWERTRAIN recall?? Whats that all about?? Its pretty though, but the stereo sucks. Seats itch, having the moonroof put in today - wish me luck!

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  Doesnt get estimate gas mileage - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Hamlet1000 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about the vehicle except the gas mileage. It is nowhere close to the advertised 17/23 city/hghwy mpg on the MSRP window sticker. More closer to 14.5/20.2. Inquired at dealer got unacceptable statement of that the "engine needs to break in". Thanks for insulting my intelligence, Chrysler. Called Corporate Headquarters to also be given the run around until I demanded a ticket be opened to investigate. The dealer stated Chrysler knows they have a problem. The question is will they do anything about it?

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  GAS MILEAGE - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Walt - May 23 - 11:53 am

  Poor Gas Mileage 16 Miles PER GAL Around Town ... On a TRip About 21.

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  pretty good car - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By tom galvin - May 18 - 10:52 pm

  I have had this car 3 years now and no problems. My daughter has wrecked it a couple times almost totaling it. Holds up good in a bad accident, looks nice, has good power, comfortable. The car is great to drive around town and on the highway. When I brake the spare tire makes a thud noise and ive tried to anchor i down better but doesnt work. The car is good and I would say its upper class quality.

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  A true performance sedan - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Greg - May 16 - 10:24 pm

  The Chrysler 300 SRT 8 takes performance too a whole new level. I previously owned a 300 C and I thought it was impresive but the SRT8 goes to another level. I love the sport/muscle car performance and also all of the luxuries of a world class sedan.

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  good car - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By shorty - May 15 - 8:58 am

  I have the hardtop, and I really have no complaints for the money you cant beat it,

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  Drippy Roof - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bill - May 14 - 9:09 am

  I have read other reviews on the 2008 convertibles, but I did read where anyone was complaining about the water dripping into the car when you put the window down or open the door when it is raining. If it is raining at all you will get a fair amount of water in the car (our on your leg)if you have to get out or open the window for any reason.