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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  Makes a better paper weight - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By peter128 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Before I had my first 500 miles on the car, I had to bring it back to the dealer for a whining engine sound, which was the first of many visits. I am frustrated with the poor quality construction. I know have 45K on the car and I need a new transmission. This will be my last chrysler ever. The car looks great, as long as its not moving.

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  2005 PT Touring - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Lori - August 27 - 9:10 pm

  I have owned my PT for about two and half years. I went from a Dodge Ram 1500 to this small PT only due to the fact my Ram only got nine mpg and fuel was running $4.00 per gallon. Basically there is plenty of room, with the back seats up, for my two hunting dogs. This was the only reason I bought it, because of the large cargo area.

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  Never Again - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By HowardL - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This will be my last American automobile purchase or Mitsubishi. Trans problems, recalls, expensive tires and parts as well as poor front end design and the turning circle of the HMS Titanic made this the "car in the driveway". Underpowered and noisy, this was the sexiest piece of junk I ever owned.

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  too many problems - 2001 Chrysler Voyager
  By fldriver - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Owned the car for three years, 40000 miles. Problems so far have included the sliding door, replacing two batteries, one alternator and the stereo/radio, one cracked wheel, problems with power windows and replacing the condenser. The AC still isnt working and unfortunately its no longer under warranty. Were done. I wouldnt buy this car without an extended warranty!

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  ok but needs work - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By tramainersr - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This was the perfect veh when I first purchased the veh but after I drove it 10,000 miles and had to purchase a sensor in my transmission. Then at 75000 miles I noticed slow cranking and will have to purchase and evaporator for my ac. I later found out this is common but I wish I would have known when I purchase the veh.

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  Expensive to maintain - 1997 Chrysler Concorde
  By unit_i - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Got a great deal on this car, but all of the repairs have cost me. In 4 years of ownership I have put nearly $6000 into this car, not counting stuff like tires and brakes. AC wont hold a charge for more than 6 months, but no one can find a leak. Various suspension problems totaling $3000. ABS and traction control failed, while the CD player frequently doesnt work. Driving experience is what you would expect from a large American sedan. Good on the highway, lousy most everywhere else.

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  second times a charm? - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By apodpaula - July 1 - 4:53 pm

  Bought new and loved it, since then not so much. At 30K had to have motor replaced because of bad head. At 40K, needed rear end work, now at 58K I find out I have to have motor replaced/rebuilt for a second time due to a oil leak in the head gasket. Im told by the dealership that it will be covered. We will see. After it was fixed the first time, I tried to fall in love with it again, but the honeymoon is over.

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  Won an award, then lowered the quailty - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By DISAPPOINTED - June 23 - 2:16 am

  With less than 2500 miles on the odometer the air bag lite up and would not go out. The defroster stopped working. Chalk up 3+ weeks in the shop with the interior gutted to replace the defective main wiring harness plus other defective parts the dealer was great. They didnt mfg the car ,just repaired it. Interior is"cheap" for a 35k car. Many good things on my 2001 lhs were deleted. Ie good leather seats, instant mileage calculations, seat back pockets,automatic adjusting seat for 2 ,trunk treatment, tilting side view mirrors when backing up. Display on dash between tach and odometer is diffucult to see and read.

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  Happy - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mike - June 20 - 1:20 pm

  I had a Corolla but turning 50 I wanted to treat myself to something I could call mine. I dont like to spend a lot of money on cars. Driving this car makes me feel good and young like I want to just hit the open highways. So it burns a little more gas than most cars. Hey treat yourself. Dont leave too much behind because someone else will have no problem spending it. Happy motoring

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  Wont Buy Another - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Keri - May 21 - 11:06 am

  I couldnt wait to get a PT after the bad taste my previous dodge had left...however, this car is just as bad if not worse. In 2006 extensive engine work had to be done and in 2009 extensive work had to be done to the engine again.........the car only has 55k miles and the oil is changed as it is supposed to be.......wish I knew what the lemon laws were......this will be my last Dodge/Chrysler auto!