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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  Nice car, needs a few refinements. - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Rob - November 17 - 8:30 pm

  Finally, got my 300C. Excluding back seat DVD and Sirius (n/a in Canada), it is fully loaded. Its been fun 3 days. Plenty of power. Effortlessly accelerating and passing other cars. Quiet. I owned 2 300Ms and moved to 300C thanks to Chryslers pull forward program or it would be another 6 months in 300M. I also shopped BMW 5 series, but did not want to pay extra and wait another 6 month in the old car. Attractive design, but car feels a little bit bulky in the front (especially when cornering) as I can see hoods corners. I had no problems with visibility, but it takes a bit to get used to boxy design when parking. Shows 14l/100km mostly highway driving. Hoped for less, but no complaints.

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  ABS is only major issue - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By booger - November 13 - 8:26 pm

  This car has about 17,000 miles on it already, and I can attest to its great overall quality and performance. However, weve had 3 major issues with the ABS system which have required repair at the dealership. The ABS light would come on, and then wed experience some kind of brake force reduction or steering problems. The dealer told us that theyve been seeing a lot of Pacificas for ABS problems. Other than that, its been a VERY reliable car. I love the interior flexibility, the engine power/gas mileage combo, and the car handles kids and cargo with ease. I love its sharp handling and willingness to accelerate when needed, but the brakes also do a great job of stopping as well.

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  Chrysler Aspen Limited Fully Loaded - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Matt - November 10 - 6:50 pm

  I leased my Aspen with every available option it could come with. It is a real head turner in the HD Silver Metallic paint and 20inch rims. It would be better if the rims were chrome (Plastic Caps) but hard to notice to the untrained eye. No complaints. Only one problem, and I see nobody else in the reviews taliking about it. Between 67mph and 74mph there is a whole body vibration which the dealer and Chrysler engineering cannot fix. They have replaced every moving part outside of the engine itself including all rims, tires, driveshafts, manifolds, axles, etcetcetc. Love the truck, but they admit it is a lemon law vehicle.

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  Too many problems. - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By rifat - November 9 - 5:28 am

  If only it had a better looking front and was more reliabile, this car could have joined the classic cars. What I dont understand is why Chrysler seem to be careless to the same problems that keep on coming year after year without taking care of them.

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  From 2006 Chrysler 300C to 2009 Limited - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By Ed - November 8 - 10:12 am

  Recently went from an 06 300C to an 09 300 LTD. While leaving the Hemi was disappointing the interior upgrades and overall ride are better. The LTD is missing electronic steering adjust, memmory seats and back up sensors but has better leather, LCD radio, nicer console with plentiful wood trim, soft leather covers on console and doors and other nice touches. The real disapointment is in the smoothness of the 3.5 engine. While I knew the performance would be avaerage, it is not tight and balanced like other notable V6 engines. The 6cyl and Hemi produce equivalent mpg. Overall Im satisfied but would love to drive an 09 Hemi with improved hp. HP is a big part of the luxury and identity.

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  Nice Car But - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By W. Pasco - November 3 - 11:24 am

  Bought the 300 M as a lease returned car with 1500 miles. We have put about 60k miles on since. Car drives well and has good take acceleration. Had to change brakes and rotors with only 40K miles. Now at 76k the water pump went out. This is a major cost,$700. Also to change the timing belt at 100 K is about $1000.

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  Love this car! - 1996 Chrysler Concorde
  By tgm49 - November 2 - 11:44 pm

  Incredible! Of 21 vehicles Ive owned, this one has been the most reliable by far. Bought it with 16k mi., now have 230k with original (not rebuilt) motor (3.3l) and tranny. All repairs done after 178k mi. Included timing chain, motor & tranny mounts, rotors, radiator, coil block, alternator, rad fan & water pump (3x since 70k) the rest is intact and in perfect working order including a/c, tranny, motor, abs and all accessories. The secret? change all fluids at the required time set by the manuf. And use the best brand-specific synthetics for all components. This holds true for any of todays vehicles, saving money in the long run in 8 yrs this car has more than paid for itself.

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  Not Reliable - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By nothappy - October 30 - 12:30 pm

  I agree with many of the reviews that I read-- the car is a great design however, at 10,000 miles this car lost it. The transmission was "clunky" and with several transmission upgrades it seems to just keep coming back- as many of the others! It has broken down twice due to a gas gauge/ tank problems- as I am learning a not so rare issue. For this-- it is unreliable! After numerous trips to the dealer it still happens. I am tired of it! Why would this car come with a 6 disc DVD changer and no screen? Broken motor mounts- also common in the 2007.

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  Mostly dealer ignorance - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OHWHYDIDI BUY - October 27 - 1:04 pm

  Bought this car because I drove several test vehicles at work and was impressed. Tracked down an 07 (deals were sweet with employee price + rebate). Found an AWD Touring with the NAV package. Drove great for about 40 miles, then the suspension clunking started and the water pouring in through the rear roof at the first hard rainfall. The list goes on. Dealer resolved the leak (missing gasket on the roof antenna) and the other defects. The bad ball joint sound is still present and both dealers (went in 7 times in 2 months) say that its a "normal" sound. I wonder why the 5 I drove at work didnt do that. Dealer says its annoying but they all do it. Crappy uncaring dealers.

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  Great car for me. Bad car for others. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debbie - October 23 - 9:24 am

  The reviews on this car are terrible. I hope my luck holds out. I love my car. I bought it used. Its build date is 3/2003 as a fleet car. For 4 years, Ive driven it and the only problem had to do with transmission & solenoid which dealer found. Cost less than $450 total to fix. I love my car. It is a lot of fun. I will trade it for another in a few years. Looking forward to the hard top convertible.