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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  Biggest Mistake - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By TB - June 18 - 6:37 pm

  This car seemed like a great investment at 60,000 miles. It was initially very fun to drive, the pick up was great. Then one thing after another started to go: power locks, power seat, brake problems, the wheel literally fell off of the axle, the struts needed to be replaced, the transmission is going, cruise control works sometimes when it wants to and sometimes shuts my car off, problems with the battery connectors... Ive put way too much money into this car. Also, the seats are not comfortable for long trips and theres very little cup holder space.

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  Value Packed Luxury Car - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By Bruce - June 18 - 12:03 am

  Ive over 100,000 miles on our 97 LHS with minimal repairs or expenses. Round town milage is 19 mpg Highway is 25+. Has been a very comfortable, affordable car.

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  Disappointing: Too Many Repairs - 1995 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Ann - June 17 - 3:37 pm

  I took good care of my car. Oil changes every 3000 miles, etc. Even though I only had 86,500 miles on this 10 year old vehicle, I did its 90,000 maintenance 2 months ago. And it croaked on the side of the road this week. It needs another $1200 to replace the distributor! The back window no longer works and I figure the exhaust system will need to be replaced soon. Forget it. Im tired of keeping the car repair companies in business.

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  Buy one, keep it, maintain it,drive it. - 1994 Chrysler LHS
  By LHS 4 EVA - June 17 - 2:04 pm

  Okay everyone knows that Chrysler has a reliability problem. But even though they have all thase problems you have to admit they do have some really good designs for new cars. I bought this car from a used-to-be family friend. It had oh 189999 somin like that. But anyway, that car was the nicest car that I have evr owned. It has such a GREAT ride its appearence is flawless. It may sound and look perfect but that dosent mean that it IS perfect. I will forever stand behind this car. I love this car BUT!!! There is no hiding the fact that it does have some mechanical problems. Oh but comon whats a few repairs yearly. What I always say is that if you like the car, Then Buy one, and have fun!!

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  Crossfire Hottie - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By 7alawah - June 16 - 1:36 pm

  I love my Crossfire! I had a Z3 and got rid of it and got the Crossfire. I have had many cars.I am the only one that is young who drives this car. I went to Phoenix and the ride was awesome. I have had three back surgeries, so I know that it is pretty comfortable. I am so happy I wet out and bought this car. Anyone who doesnÂ’t like this car has no taste. They have no idea about cars and should not have an opinion. It has so much power too. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. That is so good, when knowing it has a V-6 engine. When I drive, I always have people staring at me. I have had a cop pull me over to check out my car. It is one of a kind. Knowing that Mercedes help made it, you know it is a qualit

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  Too Many Repairs - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kt - June 16 - 3:06 am

  Loved my cruiser for first 32,000 miles. I traveled extensively in my job so maintenance is always a priority. In 50,000 miles bushings replaced, left front wheel bearing and its still not fixed. The other wheel bearings will need replacing which shouldnt have occurred for a much longer time. Transmission problems, over 4 RPM going 50 mph even though the dealership said it was fine. Difficult to handle on the highway which wasnt a problem in beginning. Met other 2006 owners who travel a lot experiencing similar problems. One who buys PT Cruisers said 2006 has more problems than all the other PT Cruisers he has owned. Maybe this is why they didnt put the 100,000 mile warranty.

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  LHS and loving it - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By Ray Miller - June 15 - 2:05 pm

  We bought our LHS at an estate sale and it had 55000 miles on it. We now have 121000 and it is still running strong. We have replaced the front end (it was probably in an accident) and the air conditioning but beyond the normal wear and tear of Ohio winters it has been a very good but. On a trip to Denver we averaged a little over 31 mpg and traveled in comfort. We are now looking at a 300C AWD. Love those Chryslers.

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  Great car for a great price - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By D Hansen - June 15 - 12:47 pm

  The build quality is very good. It does suffer some cowl shake but it is a convertible so some should be expected. The Magnesium Pearl Coat finish is flawless as is the detail on the interior. There is plenty of room in the back seat for all but the tallest of people. With the top up, it is a handsome couple with a finished interior headliner.

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  Love My Pacidica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DisneyFans - June 15 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Pacifica in October 2003. We fell in love with the style and spacious seating area. I have had no mechanical issues so far. We love the fact that Chrysler offers a rental car when taking it in for service. The car is excellent for the average size family and for lugging the neighborhood kids back and forth to school.

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  Pay attenion to gas milage(or lack of it - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By n10043 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Engine used oil first 10,000 miles but has tapered off...it will not get anywhere near the EPA...everything else is good....