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, at first - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jlem - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Was one of the first to buy, paying a premium in Oct. 2000. Loved it initially. Got 5-speed. Drove like a sports car. But had a series of minor problems, in and out of the shop. I hate to admit it, but its initial uniqueness has worn off and its just an ordinary car to me now.

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  Water problems after rain - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Regina - August 19 - 10:30 pm

  I purchased this vehicle a few weeks ago. Just got my license plate yesterday. I already want to return it. I love this car, especially the way it looks. But Im already experiencing problems. Twice the ignition made a sound when cranking as if the starter was getting ready to quit on me and the brakes makes a funny noise only when Im backing up. Now today it rained while i was at work and i hear water swishing around in the back, my husband says it sounds like its coming from the back passenger door. It sounds like a LOT of water, not a little. Although im under warranty i think im going to return it and find me something else. Beware of the Chrysler Sebring!

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  Milage is age too - 2000 Chrysler Voyager
  By Belinda - August 19 - 10:23 pm

  I have had trouble with my trans too but I have a great trans guy. Just 1 adjustment no more leaks. After 125,000 mi my wheel fell off pass front. Hey 100,000 mile come on cars are driven more now than in the 60s. We hope in the car and dive 50 miles to go buy a pair of shoes and save $25. But do we remember to get the oil change every 3000 miles? Or do you have the fluids checked. every month. Your duty to your car is not to just put gas in it when it needs a drink, but to ck. under the hood every once in a while and if the driveway has a spot then take it to the dr. like it was your baby. in short be kind to it and it will be kind to you.

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  A Reliable, Efficient Car - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mike R - August 19 - 6:58 pm

  Our experience has been very positive. The most surprising was the excellent gas mileage - 29-30mpg regularly on the road. 24-25 in town. We consider this great for the performance of the engine. Everything has worked well except the seat heaters but thats not too much inconvenience. We taken this car everywhere and it drives well - up mountains, in the snow, in the desert, and along the coast. Weve put lots of bags and gear in there when family comes to visit. Were smaller people so the lower head room doesnt bother us but it would bigger people. Electronics and power options have performed well.

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  good for a family - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tdf - August 18 - 6:04 pm

  I bought our 2005 Pacifica at auction without much research but I was down to the Ford Freestyle and this. I like the handling and comfort though it has a little lag in power sometimes. The main reason I went with it is because this is one of the only cars or minivans that accommodates 3 children in car seats. with 2 in the second row and the third in the third row. The third row kid required a little assistance with clipping her seat for about 6 months, but I fold down the second third row seat and put her into the vehicle through the hatch. Overall I get about 18-19mpg in rural driving in the foothills of NC.

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  nice little car - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By william - August 18 - 11:10 am

  Ive owned my 2007 pacific coast highway edition pt cruiser for almost a year. it has a manual transmission and a 2.4 liter engine, non turbo. it gets up and scoots well. it seems to be geared pretty low for what i had expected. it wouldve been nice if it were offered with a 6 speed though. i do a lot of highway driving and average only 26 mpg.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ATown - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle moves well, and handles well considering its size and weight. Its not a sports car, but its definately fun to be behind the wheel. The turbo has responsive straightline acceleration with or with out using the AutoStick. After accelerating from a stop, Ive been finding myself exceeding the speed limit by a good margin before I take notice of my speed. The interior design is tasteful enough to satisfy those that are interested in the car for its retro look, but still has an edgy 21st Century look to it. All in all, I have enjoyed the vehicle immensely, and have only a few gripes (see below).

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  Dont Buy One!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By harleygal78 - August 13 - 11:02 pm

  I bought my Pacifica AWD used in 2006 with 42,000 miles. Since then I have had to replace the inner and outer tie- rod ends, struts, axels, lower control arm, sway arm bushings on both front driver and passenger side. There still is a creaking noise in the front when you hit a bump. Mechanic has no clue what it is. Then I had a problem with the engine revving up when at stop sign the shutting off. Had to replace the erg valve control sensor.

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  Love hate relationship - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Heather - August 9 - 8:20 pm

  This is my 3rd convertible. I love it. The problem Im having is starting the car. It doesnt just turn over like a new car should. It drags while trying to start. It starts every time but sometimes Im not sure its going to. The dealership tells me they cant reproduce the problem. Im so frustrated. Anyone else have this problem? I would love some input.

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  Chrysler forgot to sweat a few details - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ragtopian - August 9 - 8:28 am

  Rented on a business trip. Quiet, stable ride and strong brakes. Wind buffeting strong at interstate speeds, buzzing the back shoulder belt straps. Annoying cruise control stalk. Trunk very heavy and not counterbalanced enough. You can strike your head on the trunk edge if you lean over before ensuring it is fully raised. Center armrest short and too far back. Wheel too far away compared to pedal position. Problems with the temp control. No matter what position, it would suddenly blast full heat. It had to be moved to full cool to cancel max heat. 12 V plug too close to shift lever in P. Seat back spring is too powerful: releasing lever makes it slam forward. Engine loud at full throttle.