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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  It about time!!!! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By It about time!!! - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, it looks and handles like a dream. Lost of pep for a 4 banger!!! Im thinking about stepping up to the 2003 turbo.

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  Buda Love - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Lady Ech0 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I named my 2003 Steel Blue Cruiser "Buda", because its rounded features just make you smile - like Buda. With a 5-speed manual transmission, the car handles even better than anticipated, corners well at high speeds, and has lots of power. One thing to know, you must have your hands on the wheel while driving, especially on rough roads because the steering is sensitive to the road, probably due to proximity of linkage to wheels and axle. But this is true of many cars. The PT Cruiser is one of the best cars on the road. I love it and I cant wipe the grin off my face while driving my "Buda."

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  200C My Dream Car - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By Joseph S. - January 21 - 9:20 pm

  My 200C is only two months old but if it is as durable as my 2007 Sebring, it will be winner. I have all the electronic packages such as lane sensing, blind spot monitoring, back up camera, adaptive speed control, navigation, heated seats and heated steering wheel. I suggest every buyer select these options because the safety benefits are immeasurable. The transmission is so smooth you would think it is not there. The car is equipped with a four cylinder engine which provides adequate acceleration but outstanding gas mileage. Being 6 feet in height, I do not find headroom tight in the back seat. The body is rock solid and the interior comfort and interior materials used are of the best quality. What more could anybody ask for?

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  Best Chrysler Ever - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By adj - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great family vehicle. Beautiful lines. Excellent comfort on the inside. Plenty of power (250HP) on a relatively fuel efficient V6. I have owned BMWs in the past. This chrysler have a european built quality and ride. Compares very good. We have the surround sound with DVD & TV. The kids absolutely love it. We can not find anything wrong with this vehicle.

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  Pacifica - Magnifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dkmiller26 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Pacifica is a great vehicle. Six passengers can ride although the two in the 3rd row are going to be less comfortable. The design is fantastic and the features are great.

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  No TurboLag as Stated in RoadTest Review - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ernst - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I just love my PT Cruiser.This is my second PT Cruiser. The first is a 2002 Patriot Blue Limited Edition.It looks great ,handles like a sports car, but the car was just too slow. Now comes along my 2003 Electric Blue 5 speed Turbo. Handling is even better then before. I now have the power to back up the PT Cruisers fast looking exterior. Anybody want to buy a 2002 Patriot Blue Limited Edition PT Cruiser?

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  GOING BACK TO GM - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Disappointed - January 17 - 3:35 pm

  Had an Olds for 10 years w/NO problems. Im already looking to dump this Sebring. While so far its running fine, Ive had stupid little things to deal with. My odometer light has gone out, the cigarette lighter wouldnt charge my cell phone and now the cylinder has totally come out in one piece. To fix these little things requires a full dismantle of the front dash. Had an idiot light regarding fuel come on recently too and reset itself after 20 starts. What that was about - still dont know. And the horn on this car stinks. Can give it a good lean while the car is parked and not running but try to do that while driving and it gives off a staccato toot that hardly gets you heard.

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  great car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By kc - January 16 - 12:25 pm

  excellent car-- great ride -- fast enough for plenty of tickets! Ha! I commute in heavy traffic-- the car is very comfortable. Good stereo. Also a great cruiser. My only complaint is that the cup holders in the front are too low-- down under the dash and in the way of the CD player and lighter. This car needs very little maintainence and gets good mileage- 28 mpg in the city

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  Great little car - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Japanyama - January 16 - 10:23 am

  I am an educator so am on a budget. I bought this car almost a year ago and love it. It is a smooth ride and very spacious. The gas mileage is not too bad. $2.14 a gallone=$25 a week when I fill up.

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  04 Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RetiredPT - January 16 - 12:13 am

  Ive had to make 2 repairs The lower control arm bushing at around 52,000 cost $530 and the cooling fan at 67000 $900. I dont think these items should have worn out at the low mileage.