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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  Long Term Dog - 1994 Chrysler Concorde
  By Concorde Failure - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car was impressive off the lot new but has given us plenty of trouble over the years. Many recalls, etc and a stack of repair invoices. The car is very powerful and sporty with the 3.5L engine plus has retained its good looks over time. I just have to say that although it hasnt left us stranded on the road, it has cost us thousands of dollars to repair.

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  This car Stinks - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Darryl - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 13 months and I have had problemsss. My transmission just went out less than 3,000 miles after the 36,000 mile waranty.

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  electrical mess - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By sheila grames - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I had electrical problems since 55K miles. Rear defrost broke several times. In the shop every two months for electrical problems. Seat handle broke. 3 batteries in the car. (engineers dont know where the drain of the battery is coming from. ( no help at all) I take great mechanical care of my car.. I cant help that it has electrical problems. I give this car a 1.0 on dependability. I have heard many chrysler owners complain of electrical problems with these cars.

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  Going to the poorhouse - 1995 Chrysler Cirrus
  By broke in ky - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 50,000 miles, thinking I had found myself a good deal. In the past year and a half, I have already put into the car nearly $3000 for various things from the cylanoid pack, a computer part, front and rear brakes, rotors, etc. Every month this car presents a new problem. I take very good care of my car, keeping all scheduled maintenance, oil changes, etc. I would not wish this money pit on my worst enemy.

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  Chrysler Lemon - 1997 Chrysler Concorde
  By jenser - May 26 - 2:00 am

  2 blown head gaskets 3 Transmissions Sun/Moon Roof motor binds Cd does not work on radio 2 electrical problems - smoke from dash open sunroof trunk opens on its own.

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  The tires and rims are awful - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By annoyed at chrysler - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had fifteen flat tires since owning this vehicle -- other than that its been a good car. The flat tires cause the car to be unsafe & undependable. I have heard of other owners with the same complaint. What an absolute hassle. Would be interested in hearing from you if you have experienced the same trouble.

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  Quality control - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By idarado - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble the last six months with the doors on the car. They dont shut, you have to slam them to get them to close. I have had the moldings replaced, then the door pannels on two of the doors. Last time I was in the door panel came from the factory incorrectly made so I am driving around with a terrible wind noise. Took the car to get it washed and got soaked as the water leaked in the door. Got out of the car and shut the door and the window fell out. Also, bad design regarding visibility. Cant see when you are backing up. Off to a Toyota dealer.

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  Unreliability - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
  By Kazdad - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned a vehicle with so many problems. Brakes, transmission, computer, sensors....the list goes on. Chrysler is in denial and wont admit to their faults. Would never buy another Chrylser product.

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  I like the feel but hate the repair bill - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By Tizzy - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Nice car to drive and comfortable but has 88,000 mile and have had teh water pump and timing chain replaced twice. Many other small problems.

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  Junk - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By consumer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems out of this car. first it took 2 years to get all of the electric windows fixed and working properly. At 35000 mi the transmission went out due to the speed sensor failing.I have 56000 miles on my car and the and i just lost the A/C it appears that the Compressor has gone out. The dash board has a crack in it for no apparent reason my 33 year old truck doesnt even have a cracked dashboard. Over all the LHS has been a bad experiance it does look nice and rides comfortable when it works.