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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  Cheated - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ron - October 13 - 8:53 am

  Oil leaking unreliable crappie car and will never be a sucker to anything made by Chrysler. Bought new and now have a 5 year history of problems. 7 year 70,000 mile warranty. I have 72,000 miles on it now and the camshaft seal blows pouring out oil. At 3700 miles just 2 months old engine pulled for oil leaks. Chrysler wont help with warranty just 2000 miles over and history of this lemon even under the 7 years. The engine needs taken completely out and apart to find the problem. I feel cheated and wont waste any more money on it. Gonna go back to Ford. The most reliable vehicle I ever owned was a 1993 Ford tempo.

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By S. Williams - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this silver car when it was a year old with 12,000 mi. on it it now has 92,000 miles and runs really well. No problems! Regular maintainence, new tires and recently new frnt breaks is all Ive put into it. I dont know why some are trouble-free and some arent, but I feel lucky to have it. Its big enough for me to feel safe, and sleek enough to be stylin! I get compliments on it all the time and people always think its worth more than it is. I agree with the other review that 96 is the best looking of all the styles.

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  love the 300M - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By sdurand - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after driving several competing brands. I previously owned a Dodge Intrepid and loved it......so after driving the Grand Marquis and even the Maxima, I found that the 300M had just the right mix of room and performance. The Maxima is great, but doesnt have the room the 300M has, and the Marquis is good, but doesnt handle like the 300M. Im impressed.

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  2003 LXI Coupe by Eric - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Eric from Florida - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The outside styling compares to vehicles in the 30-50k range, a distinctive Mercedes touch. The (optional) infinity stereo rivals some premium after market stereos with exceptional sound. Unusual quiteness in the cabin, when all windows are up it is extremely quiet. The engine is also quiet unless pushed. Speaking of the engine, very fast and felt faster than a 200 h.p. vehicle, yet mileage doesnt seem to be effected holding to a good 30 mpg on the highway. Other great features: total of 5 cup holders, auto dimming rearview mirror, large trunk, spacious interior and fun to drive.

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  300rightbackatcha - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By leo threet - October 12 - 9:43 pm

  this is a really nice ride. ive have changed a few things. the grill of course. put some new wheels on (TSI) and added a full wood grain kit (JAPANESE CHERRYWOOD) along with chrome pillars and door handles. now it sits alone. get all the comps all the time.

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  Still Proud to own - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By Ron Doxsee - October 12 - 12:44 pm

  Disappointed that the vehicle did not have a CD player. Have an elderly Aunt (92) who had trouble fastening rear seat belt. No extension available from the dealer for the backseat. Purchased one from the aftermarket. Everything else Great! I will have to get used to washing a black car more often!

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  Dads toy - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Big Phil - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My third chrysler convert. 2 Lebarons {1989 and 1992} Best by far but I do miss the Turbo. Mine is a Limited with all options . I bought it as a one owner trade in at my local dealer. It is used as a cruiser only 4000 to 5000 miles a season . Great looks , good performance , much fun to drive .

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  concord or is it? - 1994 Chrysler Concorde
  By antichrysler - October 11 - 2:00 am

  visually innovative for its time. expected power from a 6-- lots of room but.......... with only 2000 miles the tansmission quit shifting..lots of recalls- seats, A/C, and other stuff. seats are hard on the lower back and were not supportive.. its been in the shop 27 times under warrenty. and more nickle and diming after warrenty. poor quality overall compaired to Honda or Toyota.

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  great american sedan - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By marwood - October 11 - 2:00 am

  a beautiful sedan, well made nicely designed with great lines. I recommend this vehicle to anyone

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  super car - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
  By cord - October 11 - 2:00 am

  this vechicle has been exceptional we are moving out of state and need only one car this car must have awd