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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  So far so good (knock on wood) - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ned - May 31 - 10:40 pm

  Ive had Sebring for almost two years now. Pros: Chrysler design, great fuel economy (8.4L/100km - mixed highway/city drive), only minor issues. Very quiet ride (!!!) just the way I like it. More than enough power for whatever you need it for. Cons: Front right and rear left window had to be fixed. One sensor had to be replaced. Brakes could be a bit better. Not happy with seat design - not very comfy on long rides. Im 62 and I had to push seat all the way back. Head is still too close to the ceiling, yet that is okay. More than enough room for a passenger behind me to sit comfortably. Im quite happy with it for now. Would buy another Chrysler again.

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  2.7 sludged engine - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By cindy - May 31 - 12:53 pm

  I loved this car when I bought it. Then I had problems with the brakes [squealing] the dealership said, "it was how I drove the car" I have also had to replace tires in the 3rd of ownership. 8/17/04 car engine seized Chrysler and the dealership put the onus on the consumer-poor maintenance - despite records of oil changes and brake issues. I no longer feel safe in this car. type 2.7 at google to see problems related to this engine.

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  YA BABY !!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Tom & Catherine - May 29 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased in August 04 with the consent of my wife we now have our second PT Cruiser. (05 convert GT) What a car. Its quieter inside than our 02 PT. (we still have) The performance is great, more power than youll ever need and fun to drive. We have had no problems with it yet other than attacting lots of attention. With the top down it is surprising quiet. I have been in the car business for over 30 years in service depts.for different companies and I have to say that Chrysler has a "winner" here. A fun and reliable car. Two of ours friends have bought new convertibles (GT & Dream Cruiser) after seeing and riding in ours. YOU JUST HAVE TO TRY IT OUT. BET YOU CANT BUY JUST ONE!!

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  much improved over the 2000 - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By alley - May 28 - 6:51 pm

  Best deal in the convertible class. plenty of room in the front and large enough trunk for 2 sets of clubs and luggage. Limited has all the bells and whistles you could possibly want in a convertible. Auto stick is a lot of fun as well. Would recomend the limited to anyone looking for a fun ride.

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  2nd PT - 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Second PT - May 28 - 5:50 pm

  My first PT was an inferno red 02 with Moon Roof, heated leather seats. I loved it so much, I traded it in with 100,000 trouble free miles for the final PT year, a Sliver 2010 with Moon Roof, heated cloth seats. They have made some nice minor changes. Consumer R gives the 08 good marks for reliability. It has a great sound system with one year of Satelite radio thrown in. I have carried couches in the back of my old PT. You cant beat the interior design. Chrysler offered a 7 year 70,000 mile, new car, bumper to bumper, extended warranty for a mere $1,400, so I took it. I also got $2,000 cash back. A very unique exterior so you wont look like everyone else. A great car for the money.

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  Eye Catcher - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By n1nj4r0u63 - May 28 - 12:50 pm

  To start off, the PT is a great vehicle. I love the hybridness of it, as I can haul people, haul large items, or just book it down the highway like a racecar. The seating position is very upright and gives the impression of an SUV. I have grown to appreciate the centrally located window controls (though it still is a bit odd sometimes). The car really needs a warning beep or light when the head/parking lights are on, either that or standard auto on/off. Silver with standard painted silver wheels gives the whole car a monochromatic look that glistens in the sun and is easily recognizable, keeps the interior cool as well. Overall, a very impressionable car!

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  Good enough - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RIMIKE - May 28 - 2:43 am

  Gas mileage is great with an aftermarket air filter-26 to as much as 30 MPG. Seat material is prone to staining. After 30,000 miles steering has a slight shimmy at 20 to 30 mph. I liked my 2001 plain jane with 4 wheel disc brakes much better.

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  Cant complain - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
  By Rich - May 28 - 1:18 am

  Picked up in 2002 with low mileage and low price. some minor repairs but nothing serious. Solid car safe in bad weather. Transmission problems after 120K miles and climiate control occasionaly a problem

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  Low Quality But Affordable Fun - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By ARX - May 27 - 2:04 pm

  Needs to be built better. Many little annoying part failures. Occational engine noise that no Chrysler Mechanic can find, but all can hear. Poor service as well. The drive train seems sloppy. Had trouble with stereo, which was replaced under warrantee (thank God). Braking is not as good as I would like. I would not buy another one, which is sad, as many people stop me and say how nice it "looks", then I tell them of all the little things that pop up now and then. Get with it US Auto Makers. Stop buying up all the imports and invest your cash in domestic quality up grades.

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  my car - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By eileen vulpis - May 27 - 12:29 pm

  I have been very happy with my car since the first day I bought it. I am very comfortable in it it drives very well and all I can say is I recommend it all the time.