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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  Look out for front end issues - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By stan - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My car has 40k on it. Unfortunately, my front end feels loose and rattles and squeaks. my research shows that about $1000.00 fixes it and it will come back again in about 20k miles. Due to a poor design and heavy front end

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  2 Transmissions Later - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chris - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a used car dealership and had to replace the transmission after 6 months and at less than 60,000 miles. This car must have been in an accident because I was replacing wheel bearings and front tie rod ends frequently (bearings once/yr). When I sold it the car had coolant leaking into the engine, transmission fluid leaking, and the transmission was dying for the second time. I drove a lot of miles on it, but always had the regular maintenance performed. Chryslers are known for their transmission issues and front end problems, which is exactly what I had. I will never buy a Chrysler again.

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  Excellent value! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sharlene MacLaren - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Sebring Convertible. I drove a 2000 Sebring jxi for 8 years and loved it so much I knew I had to have another one. I have since purchased the 2008 and love it even more! The style and feel of this car is wonderful. When Im behind the wheel I feel like a queen. (teehee) Seriously, this is such a great car for the price and in my opinion THE best 4-passenger convertible on the road! I love the power and surge of the V6. Will never go back to a 4-cylinder. And the radio? Hmm - to die for! Notice I didnt talk about the mechanics/engine/gas mileage. Dont care. The car is AMAZING! Just trust me on this.

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  A great choice - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By nickey2006 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Even though I just got this car about a weeks ago I love this car. Even though I am a Ford girl I do have to say I am glad I bought this car it drives great, it turns way awesome, the radio system is great, and all around its just great!

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  Its new and we LOVE it! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By MrsKeller - September 21 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I just bought this, our first shared car, on Saturday morning, 9/18/10. He wanted a Crossfire since he moved in with me in - 2005 - the same year as the car. We absolutely LOVE it! We got black with a black roof with the two tone gray leather interior and it is so slick looking. Kids on bikes yell, "NICE CAR!" when we drive by. Old men stare at it when we are at a stop sign. The first thing I noticed when I drove it was how tight the steering was. Then I noticed how the car really clings to the road - it is amazing. I have no complaints although weve only owned it for 3 whole days :-) I feel like a superstar when Im driving it!

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  Great, up to a point - 1998 Chrysler Concorde
  By MissSally - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I got this car a year ago from my grandfather, and it had 183,000 miles on it then. It had been well- maintained, but over the past year its needed a new starter, a new battery, a new timing belt kit, a new water pump, and a new serpentine belt. It also developed a weird problem where, after stopping and starting several times in succession (as in running errands) it wouldnt start for awhile, and no one could ever diagnose what that was. The car now has 198,000 miles on it and Im done sinking money into it - Im getting rid of it! However, this car performed great for a long time and took a lot of abuse well.

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  Happy Camper - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By GREAT VEHICLE - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has so many options that others in this price range dont. I looked at so many trucks & SUVs and am so glad I purchased this one. It can be a lady with its cool vanilla color or powerful machine with an engine that doesnt back down!

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  Love this SUV - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Love my Aspen - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, I bought it for my wifes birthday and is the best investment weve ever done, the car feels incredibly strong and safe, very luxurious and high quality interior, great sound system, easy setup for kids Britax car seats, effortless towing of over 7000 lbs, quiet ride, headphones for the kids movies so we can listen to our radio stations, very comfortable ride, powerful engine, heated seats for front and middle row seats, home like air conditioner with thermostat so you tell the car to keep the cabin at 75 degrees and it does, reverse sensors for parking and backing up assistance, 5.7 HEMI, easy access to 3rd row seats, auto open back door, bells and whistles.

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  A real stinker - 1997 Chrysler Concorde
  By leftatdunkirk - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The Concord smelled like gas from day one. Although there was a recall listed regarding this, the local Chrysler dealership refused to fix it and suggested we pay them $90 for a diagnostic test. Lucky for us, we sold it literally the day before the head gasket blew. Unlucky for the poor buyer, he is in that piece of junk for another $1,500 in repairs. If this car is indicative of other Chrysler products, I would NEVER own one. The entitlement mentality of our local dealership doesnt surprise me either, seeing how the parent company has been a corporate welfare mooch for decades. I would highly recommend this car to my enemies.

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  Worst Car ever - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kiss it goodbye - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have never had more problems with one car in my life. It only had 32,000 miles when I purchased it and now only 73,000 3 years later. Constantly in the shop for tie Rods and ends mostly the right side. Also blew freeze plugs and ac out twice, fuel pump went out and left me stranded. Front passenger seat almost threw my passenger thru the window due to cam not matching for seat. You name it and it has happened. I would never recommend anyone buy this car. I also paid only $10,000 and got 3 years extended warranty. I have only 800 miles till it runs out. It is in the shop as we speak. I have acquired gastritis and ulcers from this car and no health insurance cost thousands for med