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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  Lemmon - 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
  By 1empowered - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This has been the worst auto Ive ever owned. It has had a problem every other month. So far I have had the following done: transmission (in several times), electrical, drive train, breaks, odd smell from vents, etc., etc. I would never buy another one of these!

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  Problems w/ check engine light - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By James Clements - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Check engine light keeps coming on; Chrysler has tried to fix it 10 times, unsuccessfully. Chrysler refuses buy back or replacement. Cant sell the vehicle w/ a chronic, unfixable defect. I will never buy another Chrysler product.

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  Executives and Engineers fail to learn or impress - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill B - June 6 - 12:48 pm

  Finding anything other than a black interior takes an act of god. Really a color that absorbs heat and holds it, then shows every speck of dirt or debris possible. The transmission sometimes has a lag or can not decide what to do when you need it to, or you squeal the tires when you did not mean to. The engine has power but at higher altitude it needs to take a breath before moving. The second and third row seats are uncomfortable for extended road trips, not enough adjustment in the head rests on all the seats. Second row seats need more support and rests for adults with third seat removed. Infotainment system needs some improvements with ability to bounce between unset stations while scanning stations without having to set a station. Navigation system is a complete waste of every ones time from the guy who picked the navigation program service; to the guy who installed it and the owner. If you launch a BRAND NEW MODEL at least put in an up to date navigation with better accuracy than what you did. Navigation makes me want to rip it out when awaiting directions.

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  Watch your expectations - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PA Commuter - June 5 - 4:46 am

  I recently bought an 04 AWD Pac. to replace my 99 Caravan. The Pac. looks great inside and out, but isnt really meeting my expectations. I expected a car that I could drop the kids off at the bus stop and then turn loose for the morning commute. Unfortunately two items are really disappointing so far. 1) Acceleration stinks -- Despite 250 hp, this car feels SLOW. Basically expect minivan speed, no more. 2) Interior comfort -- The seats are very uncomfortable for tall people and even the "upgraded stereo" sounds tinny. It may sound trivial but on a long morning commute it is punishing. Overall the Pac. is a nice car but watch your expectations or youre likely to be disappointed.

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  A Big Risk - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By O. Profis - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I was not inclined to buy American but the exterior looks/style won me over. This car, just like most Chryslers, is a piece of junk. After 4 months of ownership i have invested over 3k into it (Enigne fans (2x), rotors, Front wheel barings!!!, multiple sensors, break pads) Ive invested so much that im reluctant to sell it. If Chrysler worked out the mechanical problems on this car, it would be a class leader and as far as i know they havent so BEWARE!!!

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  Poor quality car - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By Chrisy - May 26 - 2:00 am

  All of my power windows had to be changed out due to motor breaking. Had problems with air system, car broke overheated and had to change compressor at 40K miles. 50k miles the stearing has major problems. Standard Goodyear tires that come with the car do not last very long with normal driving conditions at best 25K miles. I suggest everyone who considers buying this car get a extended bumper to bumper warranty to cover all the problems

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  Quality Concerns - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Pontiac - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This car was running great until about 10k miles. Since then I have replaced the tie-rods 3-times, the steering gear twice, the key cylinder once, and just got done replacing the front wheel bearings - all before 28000 miles. The front drivers seat has been loose since purchase and the 2nd dealership Ive tried is actually going to repair it . If I had to do it over again I wouldnt have purchased this vehicle. I am concerned about the repair costs once the warranty period expires. Not what I expected from the "top-of-the-line" model of this vehicle.

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  traveling van - 2002 Chrysler Voyager
  By yorkstl - April 29 - 2:00 am

  The overall look of this paticular van was appealing to me. I wasnt quite ready to give up having a car, but we travel with our two children and dog quite frequently. So we bought it. So far the van has been in the shop twice and both times has taken a week or so to fix. The first time it was due to the emergency brake not being able to disengage, which in turn caused all of the rear brakes to need replacing. The secong time it wasnt starting at all and it needs a new fuel injector part. I have been out of my new car for two weeks out of the one year I have owned it. Maybe I should have done some researc before buying this one.

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  dont buy - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By lcollins - April 22 - 2:00 am

  We purchased new. The right window motor had to be replaced within the 1st six months. The rubber insulation abound both rear doors keeps poping off and the rubber insulation around the headlights are coming off. Had to completly replace the transmissing after 32000 miles and 41 months of ownership. Did the dealer help? Completly ignored all calls and letters as did the factory. Am getting rid of it as fast as I can. Will never buy another Chrysler product.

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  RUN FAR, FAR, AWAY!!! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chryslerhater - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I HATE MY CAR . . . I knew it was cursed when in the first week, I had two flat tires and one bent rim. I had to replace the brakes and roders a month after I had it. Three weeks after that, the whole car had to be rewired, tuned up, and the transmission had to be partially rebuilt... I have my own personalized chair at my mechanics. The car looks nice on the outside but quickly costs you tons and tons of money. Chrysler is the king of accessories but depreciates minutes after it leaves the assembly line. I have two friends with the same vehicle and we all currently owe MUCH MORE money than it is worth... I really wish someone would steal it...