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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  Bittersweet - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By car_guy_93 - September 27 - 11:49 am

  I bought my Sebring earlier this year, and fell in love immediately...that was until I began to have issues. Whole front end shot out, replaced axle assembly and ball joints, $750. the previous owners were older, had it dealer serviced regularly. I recently had to get rid of my Sebring because the timing chains went, screwing up the entire engine. My mechanic told me Id need a rebuild or replacement, $2900 at least. Not worth it on a 9 year old car with 120k. Loved the car, still kills me I had to get rid of it. But I do not miss the headaches and stress, this car is a total bad buy. I now have a 09 Sentra,while Ill always miss my loaded convertible, I feel a lot safer now.

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  Love my LX - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By kaci2 - September 22 - 1:59 pm

  Im an original owner of 2003 Sebring LX. Ive got 200k miles on it, the only major repair I had was when I had to replace the water pump last year & by choice had the trans replaced right before the warranty expired. Other than normal wear & tear(brakes/plugs,etc) I have all original parts on the car...including the exhaust system. Maybe I just got lucky, but I love my 4-banger! :)

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  Love the comfort! - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By 4realdoh - September 19 - 10:54 am

  Traded in my 09 Sante fe for the 200. Havent had an american car in YEARS! I have back and neck issues and LOVE the seat angle options. it is the most comfortable car seat I have ever been in. At 5 ft 6 I feel other cars gear more towards man height. Love the power, with the great gas mileage. LOTS of bells and whistles I never thought i would be able to afford. I am impressed!

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  Disappointed - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By selfstarter - September 15 - 10:21 am

  I have had this car for 5 months and there have been several issues that have me wanting to get rid of it. Since the test drive the windshield has made me feel like I am looking through glasses and contacts at the same time. It is terrible uncomfortable. I actually went back to the dealership after purchase and test drove another only to have the same discomfort. Night time driving is impossible due to the headlights not lighting up the road unless I have my brights on. The dealership tested the angle of the headlights and found no adjustments to be needed. Also when raining, dont dare open the window or door unless you want to be soaked.

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  Only car I have kept over 3 yrs - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By mmdean - September 13 - 12:01 am

  My husband purchased my 99 Convert. for my birthday 7 yrs ago, used. I have put in a sensor, passenger power window, battery and thermostat. Absolutely the best vehicle I have ever owned and so fun to drive in season. I have stored mine in Wisconsin Winters, after my first winter. The handling in snow was not up to my standars, very light weight, but cannot wait to pull it out every spring. Tires are due for replacement and have been for 3 yrs. With summer driving I could put these off this long. With regular oil changes this has been the best car a woman could ask for! Trunk also needs new lift system, as water sits and does not drain out of that area. Tons of looks when i drive it

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  dont buy it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lalacovey - September 12 - 12:56 am

  i saw it drove it fell in love, bought it used, barely drove it and stuff started breaking, left my family stranded, front axle broke n wheels did a spllit... cost over 500 just for part used from junkyard, bushings gone, suspensions gone, heat n ac broke, bottoms out everywhere... replacement 17" tires 125 each, 14.8 miles/gallon, broken eexhaust at flex pipe burns oil.... had 2 years bad break downs... gas gauge suddenly went from 1/2 tank to empty, light came on, couldnt get all the way off the interstate so had too abndon car n walk my 2 year old 11 and 15 yr olds... picked up along way, called n got gas n left, no warning at all..... not worth hassles.... parts even used too much...

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  Still enjoying the ride - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By toly492516 - September 9 - 8:49 pm

  I bought this car new in August 2000 and have driven it for 11 years. Thats 11 years on the streets of Chicago -- cold winters, hot summers, wheel-chewing potholes -- you name it, we have it. I hit 100,000 miles at the end of 2006, and now its over 186,000. Took a road-trip to Seattle circa 2008 what a way to travel! The car was totally reliable through about 2008. After that, problems started creeping up, but thats hardly surprising for its age, mileage, and driving conditions. Given a choice, Id buy this car again in a second. Ill be driving it till it stops.

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  Kudos to Chrysler for new 300 design - 2011 Chrysler 300
  By 300lvr - September 8 - 12:15 pm

  Weve had our Chrysler 300 for about 3 months now, and we are overjoyed with the car so far. I bought it for my wife, and she fell in love with it instantly. We traded in our Honda Civic for the Chrysler 300 limited, and have no regrets. The interior design is awesome. The exterior design is marvelous, and always turn heads. We bought the brilliant black color. I love the halo-type daytime running headlights, they give the car the same luxury look as Audi and Mercedes. The 3.6 liter V6 engine is very peppy. The overall ride of the car is very comfortable. We rented this car before we bought it. I would recommend this vehicle especially if youre looking for luxury car at a good price.

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  Great car so far - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By shane31 - September 5 - 1:14 am

  I recently taded my 2008 Avenger on a new 200 limited Convertible. I only have about 700 miles on it so far, but its been great. I know the new hasnt worn off yet. I liked the Avenger, it was comfortable and I averaged around 24-26 in my daily driving, 32 on Hwy with the 2.4 four cylinder. However, the 200 is in another league, its really luxurious. It seems to be put together much better with a more solid feel. Everything in the interior is of a much higher quality. Much more quiet than the Avenger, and that was a sedan. A very good value for the money. All this plus a much more powerful engine and Im still getting 23.3 mpg( no hwy trip yet) with the same type of driving.

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  First Chrysler - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By acer51 - September 4 - 5:35 am

  This is the first Chrysler I have purchased. 200 Convertible. Traded in a Toyota Solora Convertible. So far So Good. Really like the 200. Drives nice and has super nice styling inside and out. I am a bigger person and there is plenty of room in the front seat. Back seat space is limited for most people. A great value and is loaded with features.