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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  Ridin in Style - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By josie314 - September 7 - 6:43 am

  Ever since the first TV commercial I saw for the Pacifica I was taken by its stylish appearance. I love the width and road hugging feeling when I drive it. It has been a very safe car for me I had some problems with it initially that I have come to attribute to its first manufacture year as well as some malfunctioning assemblers on the line. Chrysler and my dealership were top notch in dealing with me and the vehicle. My lease will be up in another year. I am looking forward to that notification that offers me a buy-out so I can get myself into an 06 or an 07 with all the new bells and whistles. I believe in this car. I would get another one without question. A red one this time!

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  Chrysler jxi convert - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By herman - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 Caddie, a 2002Dundra pickup and the Chrysler jxi convt and I enjoy driving the chrysler jxi the most

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  I love my car. - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Kathy Furnas - September 5 - 11:40 am

  I love my PT Convertible. I have had it a year now and for the first time am not ready to trade it off. Such fun to drive, especially with the top town. Comfortable, fun and sexy. Cant beat that!!!

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  Concorde LXi Rocks! - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By FL - September 2 - 2:00 am

  No two ways about it, the Concorde LXi is Aces over Kings. Great buy. Awesome ride: sporty but smooth, responsive with pick-up and power to spare. Perfect for family -- plenty of space and cavernous trunk. Well appointed and classy interior with a body that is easy on the eyes with its killer curves. Chrysler nailed it on this one!

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  We call her Smiley! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By pebbles-Cruiser - September 2 - 1:06 am

  Was love at 1st sight, I order it and waited months. Have loved driving it every since. At 199,000 miles she still starts like the day I bought her. I got the stick. The clutch held out until 165,000 mi. Had to replace the fan motor at about 100,00 and replace timing belt as general maintenance. If you take proper care and maintenance it goes for ever. It is fun to drive and handles very well on the curves. Took it to Ohio (3500 mi) and back when it had about 185,000 mi on it with no problems and that was with it filled from floor to roof and back hatch to front seats with boxes of my mother-in-laws belongings. We love you smiley! Just bought a Dodge Caliber, but Im keeping my Smiley!

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  Classic Style - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By Nature Boy - August 31 - 2:00 am

  after a rough ride with the dealer upon original purchase (radiator replacement), this car has been a beauty. They styling has always drawn compliments from friends or strangers. The performance is quite snappy for a vehicle of this size. The sliding sunscreen for the moonroof is nice when you dont want that open air feeling and sun in your eyes. Fuel economy has been a pleasant surprise as I am averaging about 21 miles per gallon in city driving.

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  None - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By timeshared - August 29 - 2:00 am

  One of the nicest cars I have ever driven. As they say Drive = Love. I am keeping this vehicle w/ 38000 miles, and selling my 99 Volvo S70 with only 23000 miles The Chrysler is simply a more luxury riding and driving car.

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  A Perfect Pug Mobile - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Pug Nut - August 27 - 9:06 pm

  Bought new 2002 5 spd stick 4 1/2 years and 83,000 miles later- new tires, frnt pads @40k, new cooling fan @60k,clutch, rotor, pads, tires & boogerbushings @83k, P.M. belts, hoses, battery/primary @83k Ive had lots of new cars/trucks and this has been the most satisfying overall - shes a little low slung which is part of the look oh well and sometimes a little skittish on slippery surfaces. I used to be new every 2 (or less) but I cant justify selling my PT just to buy another one. @83k 25 mpg - the whole 5 speed pkg awesome

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  300M at a Glance - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By Kirk Rutkosky - August 27 - 2:00 am

  My 300M has never had any failures at all, mechanical or other. At 26500 miles, the car performs at the same levels as when I purchased it, from my perpective. 100% reliable, well built, nice looking, and excellent features are packed in this one!

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  Great Car - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By julemine - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive never had to do anything to this car...its been great and fun to drive. Twice Ive hit a spot where I bent the wheel because the tire profile is extra small, but other than that...cool.