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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  My LXi - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By Bill6362 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but good driving pleasure. This car has been extremely reliable.

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  Nice car so far - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By Tom B - October 11 - 2:00 am

  So far this car has been a joy to drive. After dealer checked for front door speaker function after letter from Chrysler, the right front door speaker quit. Hard to notice though with the 10 speaker system. Leather appointments are nice. Steering wheel with 1/2 leather 1/2 simulated wood trim makes for easier operation. Nice luxury ride, with ample pax room. 2 flat tires (slow leaks) are the worst things we have experienced. Best MPG has been 22.0.

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  WOW!!!! What A Difference - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Annette Brady - October 9 - 4:06 pm

  I turned in my 2005 AWD Touring Sedan and picked up my 2007 Signature Series Pacifica. I cannot believe they are the same car. The 05 was nice, but seemed to labor until tou got her up to cruising speed. This one, got to be careful or a ticket may be in my future. New engine is very quie. Love all the extras, GPS and the back up camera and warning system. LOVE THIS CAR! Dealership is excellent also. This is car # 12 from them.

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  My Opinions on the 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By C.M. Glover - October 8 - 9:40 am

  I have always been a GM owner and was looking for nice upper level luxury/sport sedan. I didnt like the current trends in styling at GM and was considering a used BMW or Mercedes until I saw the 300C. Elegant styling with performance overtones that does not disapoint. The interior is big even for my 64" size in front or rear seats. The comfort is great with good support in the seats and well thought out controls. The Mercedes influence is very apparent with good handeling and a solid, quiet ride. The american muscle under the hood is well worth the money and makes highway onramps and long trips effortless. With every possible option mine just did break $40k. Great product, great value.

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  2000 Chrysler LHS - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By slowry@woh.rr.com - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a better car,and Ive driven both foreign and domestics of every configuration.I still keep an Austin Healey and a HUGE Lincoln Mark V,but no car has had this curbside appeal ,except the A H ,andIve just had 2 two enticing private offers to purchase. Next:a 300M Special!

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  My Mid-life Crisis - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lorrie S - October 8 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful,fun, reliable, roomy car. I love it and will buy another in a heartbeat. When broadsided by a BMW, it received little damaged, while BMW was totaled. It is the best car I have ever driven and I absolutely love it!

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  Overall Excellent Car - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By alto - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Comfort, Style and Perfomance get excellent marks. The exterior design is sleek and prestigious. Interior of car as well as truck is exceptionally roomy and comfortable. All bells and whistles are top notch.

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  My Sebring - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By barbara210 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  If you cant fly a plane or surf in the ocean, a convertable is the next best thing. After I bought this I thought Id better put the top down as often as the weather allows me or it wont be worth the extra money I paid to have a convertable. It was worth it. I love the feeling of the air and openess.

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  love my car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Art - October 5 - 11:03 am

  Only one thing I dont like is when making a U turn for example I dont like that it doesnt turn on a dime...you need a large area...Im used to being able to turn in a small area .

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  Great car - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By Ivan - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Lost front end at 37000 miles. Dealer covered under secret warranty.