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:

• 

  Bob Seger Rocks in the CD - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By golf_artist - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Hey, just bought my new car! Cool saying that huh... Drove it first day and had a minor TSB issue and the dealer dealt with it correctly. Car is beautiful, stylish, affordable and will take care of my needs. First Chrysler product I have owned, Will Not be the Last!!!

• 

  The most Practical of Convertibles - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By MsterPete3 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is, by far, the most fun that Ive ever driven. The flashy body style coupled with its convertible top make it quite a looker out on the roads. The gas mileage is okay for a car...19/city & 26/HWY. If youre going to get this car, I would definitely invest in the turbo engine which will provide you with the kind of pickup you need to get up and go. I found that the regular 4cyl did not perform very well when going from 0 to highway speed. The convertible top is very easy to operate and takes less than 30 seconds to transform.

• 

  Get the Hemi - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Steve C - March 4 - 8:15 am

  Great total package of speed, handling, room, technology, fuel efficiency and value. Exceptional road touring car. Really like all the options. A lot of Mercedes influence including great drive train, handling, and several key interior components like solid directional tree w/cruise control, audio controls on steering wheel and general interior layout well though-out.

• 

  Fun PT cruising - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Royal Crown - March 4 - 5:33 am

  This is a plain-vanilla model, no turbo, 2.4L motor with automatic. In the first 2500 miles, it took 100 gallons of real gas (no alcohol additive, or whatever that is they put in their to supposedly reduce polllution.) The additive drops it about 10%. With AC on around town with the additive gas it gets 17-18mpg at 20K miles, 25 or 26 on highway with real gas gas mileage was disappointing, as the government estimates were 17-25 city and 22-30 highway. Am amazed at those reporting much higher gas mileage. The "headrest" is wrong for me & there was no way to get it out of there to put in a suitable one. I didnt like black top, but it was all that was offered. End of complaints.

• 

  Love this Car - 2001 Chrysler Concorde
  By Pitbull Dad - March 2 - 10:14 am

  Needed to purchase a second car since we gave our second car to daughter who totalled hers. We came upon this model and it was in MINT condition. No scratches or stains. Beautifully maintained mechanically and in appearance. Pleased to see high owner satisfaction ratings. This helped make our decision easier. We love this car. In fact, my wife said "IM DRIVING THIS CAR," and she turned over the mini-van ("her car") to me. The design is contemporary and an eye-pleaser. The ride is luxurious. Every option is available.

• 

  dont waste your money - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Tiffani - March 2 - 4:56 am

  I HAD ALWAYS wanted a PT Cruiser... until I bought one. I bought mine. Transmission Blew out at 50K on the way to vegas. Me and my kids were stuck in the desert. Car has FAILED on me about 3 times now... NOT safe for a Woman and kids. I love the style and am stuck with the PT... it has over 100k now that I have have thousands of dollars in repairs.

• 

  Best car yet - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Stephen Kent - March 1 - 1:00 pm

  I have owned many cars. My PT cruiser convertible by far is the most enjoyable. The styling of this car does not get old. It looks more expensive than it is. I have a 5 speed and average close to 30 mpg. It is not the most powerful car I have had, but the enjoyment of this vehicle to me outweighs that one negative. It is very roomy for a convertible and I can fit 4 in mine very, very comfortably. The only problem I have had so far is that now, I want to buy a cheap used car to drive to work so my PT does not get dinged up and also to keep miles off of it. This is a great car for us 40 somethings that have to balance practicality with just plain old fun.

• 

  We Love Our Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Mary & Bob - February 28 - 8:25 pm

  We have over 35,000 miles on our 04 Crossfire Limited Coupe and we love it. We have had only one problem so far, which was a minor electrical problem with the dome light. With care we can get 29+ mpg and even pushing it will do 27. It attracts a lot of attention by men and women of all ages. Its very fun to drive and rides better than expected for a small, short wheelbase car with very low profile tires. Its been our prefered mode of transportation on several vacations in excess of 2000 miles. We recommend the Crossfire to anyone wanting a small, high quality, yet affordable exceptionally stylish sports tourer.

• 

  Bad transmissions but otherwise great - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Barbara - February 28 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car used 3 yrs old with 30,000 miles. I have put in two new transmissions, one at 36,000 miles and the other at 105,000 miles. Not the greatest on fuel economy, otherwise I love this car.

• 

  Just bought my first Hemi - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Ex Chevy Racer - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Its the car I always wanted as a kid, but could never afford. Now to have one of my own is a blast. I drove it, and immediately bought it. Feels faster than, and just as smooth, as my previous Mercedes 600 S V12. A lot of performance for very little money.