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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  Can last forever... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By rcunning6 - May 26 - 9:34 am

  I feel very qualified to write a review on the Pacifica in that Ive had my 2004 model since April 2003 and have amassed over 277,000 miles on it. Ive been fairly consistent with routine maintenance and have had a few more significant repairs, but nothing to indicate that the vehicle cant make it to 300,000 miles. Its been relatively fun to drive, not exciting, but fun. Definitely luxurious and comfortable. Of course, the 3rd row doesnt work well for adults, but the versatility of the car with the fold down seats makes it an excellent choice for a luxury/practical/family car. If you take care of this car, it will take car of you...no regrets.

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  Bought used and completely original - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By pitmanoeuvre - May 25 - 8:46 pm

  It is a welcome change to buy a used car that doesnt start doing odd things or need more immediate attention mechanically. I bought my 2002 300m Special with 237,000kms on it , while the brakes , battery and exhaust were all original. I only needed to replace the brake pads. This speaks volumes to me in terms of value and reliability , not really seen on other used cars. While the transmission shifts ultra smooth and works as new , just like the previous owner claimed (as he said that the tranny never had any problems , just a fluid and filter change). The battery is a shock , being an Interstate Mega TronII , just like other ones at scrap yard that also had original batteries in.

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  Chrysler Ignores Customers and Known Problems - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By time4sax - May 24 - 9:59 pm

  Chrysler has ignored every issue from AC to brakes to accelerator sticking to loud clunking noises to car stalling and on and on. All issues are known to Chrysler and they refuse to fix them until someone is injured are dies. And they wonder why Americans dont buy US vehicles, poor quality vehicles.

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  Chrysler 200 Limited with V-6: WOW - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By rretrograde - May 22 - 4:21 pm

  This car is very quick and fun to drive. After testing just about every midsize sedan on the market I fell in love with this blackberry pearl beauty. Compared to all the mainstream competitors its really unique in its design and for the money I really dont think anything can quite compare. So go test drive an Accord and Camry then drive a 200.....they will seem absolutely boring and dull in comparison. I examined this car very carefully and think the quality is fantastic. I have about 500 miles now and its just been perfect.

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  First Chrysler - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By roadraven - May 21 - 7:44 am

  The Chrysler 200 caught my attention because it had a nicer interior than many cars in its price range. The 3.6 L V6 was also a huge consideration. It is equivilant to the Infiniti G35s that I had previously owned. Its not as perky at start off as the Infiniti, but not bad. I would not own one of the 200 models with the smaller engine. I didnt drive one, but I feel like the 3.6 would be the only way to go. The ride is better than expected. It is very quiet and easy to handle. The leather interior is very nice and similar to much more expensive cars.

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  I found a 300m Special GEM - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By pitmanoeuvre - May 21 - 1:57 am

  I just recently bought a 2002 300m Special/dark sapphire blue/black interior , and it passed emissions testing (as like new readings) , with only having replaced the sparkplugs. The car has 237,000kms on it and is in completely original condition. Being the second owner , the original owner obviously had it in a garage since new and took good care of it , without needing anything at all. Judging by the short time I have had it , it is the best used car I have yet to see. The car was starting and running fine (no ticking sounds or noises) , even while the sparkplugs were still the originals. Even the air conditioning outclasses most others I have seen. It has not needed any service.

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  Worst car I have ever owned, even with reg. maintenance - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By meatballman - May 20 - 11:12 am

  This car is a piece of trash. I hate this car so much I will never own another Chrysler or Dodge product, ever. Engine failure at 140000, replaced ball joints and wheel bearings at least 5 times that I can remember in the front, oil sending unit went bad, blower motor resistor went bad, cig lighter wires broke off inside console, sudden surges at red lights and stop signs, sudden stalls at red lights and stop signs. I literally had every single problem people have written about this car. I went to the dealer to look at a used Civic which they sold before we got there, and sales guy got my wife to fall in love with this car. Worst regret ever that I caved.

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  Nice Car - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By delias123 - May 18 - 12:28 pm

  I love my 200, the V-6 engine is almost a must. The car drives very nice with this engine. Headlights are very nice, interior is excellent, the premiem cloth is better than leather. The car size is good although it looks small on the outside. The only car in this category that I liked more was the VW CC, but for $10K more and having only 4 passengers it was not going to work for me. Gas millege is good enough.This car drives much better on the freeway than the streets. The car is full of electronics and gadgets. The placement of buttons and knobs is excellent and simple to operate. Im surprised from some of the proffesional reviews cause they are in many cases very different from consumers.

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  Fun to drive, but a hassle to maintain! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By nikki73188 - May 17 - 10:03 am

  Bought this car used back in 08, and I loved it! It worked fine till about 09 when the A/C and Heat only would work on high, which was a pain in the winter. Tyrods have had to be replaced twice, motor mounts twice, and now the struts need to be replaced as well. Countless engine leaks, and too many electrical problems to count. The car leaks A LOT, and the mpg was great up until about last year. Its been a money pit the past few years and I cannot wait to get rid of it! As much as I love the convertible style, its simply not worth it anymore! It spends more time in the shop than on the road, and even my mechanic is getting weary of working on it! Ill miss it, but my wallet sure wont!

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  Favorite car thus far, but starting to show her age... - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kickkiki - May 12 - 9:44 pm

  I loved this car the moment I first drove it down the road. Actually drove 3 different Pacificas before deciding on the 06 Touring FWD (at the time I worked at a Chevy dealer and we had 3 used ones on the lot). Weve been driving this car since Feb. 08. Started with 32K & just rolled 97K early this week. We do a lot of traveling & it has always been the favorited reliable car to use. No real major issues. Do have occassional squeak in driver seat from bolster (Chrysler dealer would just adjust it & say it was corrected.Aggravating). Just recently ABS light comes on intermittently and only once actually felt a shutter in braking (as though ABS kicked in) just before lite came on. :-/