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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  Fun to drive again - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Dave - November 25 - 11:06 am

  Fun to drive. More than enough power. AWD is great. Just drove it through blizzard conditions and 13 inches of snow. No problem. All this for 30,000. What a bargain.

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  Mean Looking Ride!!! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Ralphy Perez - November 25 - 9:37 am

  This is a wonderful car. The only thing that bugs me is the "Klanky" front end. Ive replaced every bushing, control arm and various things to quiet this down but it has never ever been a problem. I did have to replace the transmission at 185000 but that is normal. Other than that, it has been one of my favorite cars and Id drive it until it dies but my wife says its got to go.

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  Reliable - 2001 Chrysler Voyager
  By cgsababy - November 25 - 9:01 am

  So far still good, I bought it used with 26500 miles I drove twice from NYC to Miami, smooth ride. So far I had to replace Solenoid pack (transmissions sensor)and the gas tank was replace totally just before expire the basic warranty expire, it had a little hole right on top of tank and a very strong smell a gasoline, but the problem was solved. I bought additional warranty up to 75k that give peace of mind on my trips

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  no heat no repete - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By adam - November 24 - 11:33 pm

  heat on passengers side quit at 50,000 miles chrysler wont fix but will for $1000.00

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  My wife loves it - 1996 Chrysler Concorde
  By ghostdad - November 24 - 9:44 pm

  We purchased it new in 96, and have enjoyed it very these past 8 years. We had transmission trouble early on and later at the 6 year mark had outer tie rod problems, both covered by our 7/70 warranty. Recently we replaced the inner tie rod bushings, a kit is available, inexpensive, easy to replace, but does require an alignment. All concorde, LHS, intrepid owners need to know that these bushings will go out earlier than most because of the placement of the steering box up and behind the engine. Heat em out. Left undetected they will go bad and become potentially hazardous. Most of the review problems read have not been seen with our car.

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  Review of Sebring - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By BMMgirl - November 24 - 3:28 pm

  I enjoy my Sebring, and I suggest that anyone that is looking for a sleek, comfortable car with nice features and a roomy ride get a Sebring

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  2006 Chrysler Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Linton - November 24 - 2:46 am

  This vehicle is pure fun and joy to drive and ride in! It is everything and more that I had expected when I ordered it. It has style, comfort, pep, fuel economy and it turns heads. The only trip back to the dealership[ has been for an oil change. No surprises with this car. Overall finish and detail is as near perfect as anything Ive seen so far. Im delighted with it.

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  Tomb riding - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By budoinst - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was initially attracted by the looks, but should have been attentive overall. The car runs OK, but for the money it would seem there are better buys out there. I think it is mainly a novelty to be honest. It is almost tomblike inside as the door panels end high up and are a very uncomfortable presence. There is little or no headroom when all the way back.

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  strong - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Fire lover - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Crossfire for about 3 month now and still love it. I would like a few more horses under the hood but it drives and handles great. Its also a big attention getter. Everyone wants to know what it is and always says how nice a car it is and I still havent seen another one on the road.

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  Great car! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mom of 4 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a comfortable, great driving car. We have been on several long (10 plus hour) trips with four children. Everyone is comfortable. We always get lots of positive comments on how nice looking the car is when we are out and about. We highly recommend the Pacifica.