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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  Try before you buy - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jim - January 18 - 1:01 pm

  After owning my 98 Sebring LXi for almost a year now, I can honestly say I am very pleased with my decision. The key, if you are thinking about purchasing a Sebring coupe, make sure you test it out and test it quite extensively. Transmissions are an achilles heel so ensure shifts are smooth at numerous RPM settings. The 2.5 V6 is silky smooth - just be sure to replace the timing belt around 100,000 miles to ensure everything keeps going for another 100,000. Sure, there are a few minor niggles but the sheer fact that these cars are packed with some features now seen on premium luxury cars (garage door opener, auto-dim mirror, etc.) makes a used Sebring an incredibly good deal.

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  Great Car - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By southgreerst - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand why people are complaining about the power. Unless you plan on towing stuff or drag racing, this car has plenty of get up and go. Its build quality is also excellent. This car is really a steal for the price!! No other car we looked at could compete with the level of options and interior space in this price range, the throw the great styling in to boot. I just can not say enough good about the PT Cruiser.

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  My 2016 200 limited has the V6 not listed - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By oldschool3000 - January 16 - 1:23 pm

  This car is really handsome. I bought it from an Audi dealer where it was used as a courtesy car. Only has 2,600 miles on it and looks brand new. I really like it. Mine is black with black. On the Audi lot it fit in so well among the Audis I couldnt find it when I first showed up to look at it! The interior is stunning. I have the moon roof and the largest touchscreen, too. This is the 90th Anniversary Model. The seats are cloth but have a very high end look as well. I did a lot of research before selecting the 200 Limited. As far as the 9 speed transmission is concerned, my works just fine. I think issues people seem to be having are more with the 4 cylinder engine which may not have enough torque to really power this tranny. Another possible explanation could be that we just arent used to a 9 speed. It definitely is a different experience than a traditional 5 speed. The point of this design is fuel economy. The trans uses the highest gear possible to have the engine run at the lowest RPM possible. I took it up to 90MPH for a short spell and the tach read 1400 RPM. There is a slight lag if you suddenly jam down on the gas from cruise speed but the trans sorts it out quickly and let me tell you, it is one powerful engine! Goes like a mother. The engine is very quiet at low speed but when you punch it, it lets off a great sounding snarl! The best part so far for me is that I rarely see another one on the road despite traveling 50 miles per day to and from work.

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  Love this car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Gloria - January 15 - 5:46 pm

  Love how the car handles and looks. Ive wanted one after I first saw the first one come out. I have an electric blue. My youngest son said why did you buy one of these, but after he road in it he loved it. I have all the special features, heated leather seats, sun roof, 6 disk cd player, auto stick, and more. It has the speed, smooth ride and is a blast to drive. My husband dosent get to drive it much because I love it so much. Also my friends that have been in it also love it.

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  My Ebony Princess - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By BearsMom - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the finest vehicle I have owned or driven in my life-and 30+ years of owning vehicles. She is a comfortable and cute little princess with great handling around town or on the Interstate. She is a real head turner and has one flaw-the steering wheel only telescopes and does not adjust up or down. Alas, she is a joy to be enveloped in and experience the drive/ride!

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  Love this car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tmcpl - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 300M and cant believe the improvement in the build quality between the two cars. Excellent ride, very comfortable, and easy in and out. Compares favorably with MDX and Murano but when you include incentives this is the best deal on the road. My wife and kids love this car.

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  Sweeeet - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Senza - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This the best all around car, looks and power I have ever bought.

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  A Perfect 10 - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Anthony - January 14 - 11:53 pm

  Having leased or owned Beemers, Benzs, and Lexus ES300, I feel qualified to say the Pacifica rides as good if not smoother than the aforementioned. The incredible ting is its like having an suv on top of that excellent ride. It almost doesnt matter what you pay for this (within reason) because it is a special vehicle. For room, comfort, elegance and style, it takes the cake !!

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  Luvin my buggy - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Cindy - January 13 - 8:16 am

  I have had a Blue/gray Turbo convertible for 1 year purchased used at 6000 miles. Luv it. Like the roll over bar. VERY disappointed that Chrysler is discontinuing the convertible. Needs Improvement with gas mileage, rear visibility, turning radius. Would love GPS, self dimming rear view, and backup warning system Otherwise, everything I wanted in an economical classy convertible, a real head turner.

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  I love my car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By samm - January 11 - 7:07 pm

  I had a 1996 Sebring convertible before and I was very satisified. I felt the new style was not as sleek as the old models, but after driving this one, I feel that the car performs and feels much better. It is more solid and drives with less floting than the older model. I am glad I did not let my sence of design be the only thing that ruled my purchase. My husband is a big man and fits better in this car. I love my car..........