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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  FAVORITE CAR - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By drenee - July 27 - 8:41 pm

  We have loved owning this vehicle since the day we bought it! I do not like driving in the snow/slush, but have felt very safe in the Pacifica AWD. It handles VERY VERY good in the snow! Weve replaced the brakes once on it at about 60K miles. It does burn a little oil at times - but not too bad that it worries us. The headlights have gone out once on each side. Otherwise, there are no problems with it. We love how it handles & drives & would recommend it to anyone!

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  Good Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Wallace Black - July 25 - 2:23 pm

  I have been looking for a new car and started researching vehicles. I have been very satisfied with my Sebring and might keep it longer. It is good looking, good gas mileage, adequate power, and has been reliable. When I drive a new car, they are much more expensive and dont seem any better than what I got. Sorry for those who have had problems.

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  best car ever!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By favre44 - July 25 - 1:08 pm

  When I purchased this car in 2005, I loved it. I still do! I LOVE the seat heaters. Its the best part. When I sit in the car, I feel like royalty. The leather seats are Awesome because it makes me look rich! Got to love making the neibors jealous. Ha ha! It can fly! It can really go fast! BOTTOM LINE: This car is Awesome!!!!!!!

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  An absolute class act ! - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Jersey Shore - July 24 - 6:01 pm

  I couldnt have designed or built a better car if I did it myself. I usually buy a top of the line car with all the do-dads. Because of the economy, I thought Id better scale down and buy something less expensive. I did, and man am I surprised! I thought I was skimping, but got one of the best cars Ive ever owned. I honestly cant find ONE thing to complain about. Its quiet, roomy, comfortable, fast, exceptionally impressive and economical. You can take it to Home Depot, load the trunk with no problem. Take it to the country club later and park it with the big boys! .. all for the price of a Honda. Im totally happy with it.

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  What a difference! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Steve S. - July 23 - 2:23 pm

  After driving a sports coupe with FWD for the past 5 years I found the return to RWD to be a real pleasure. Im fortunate enought not to live where snow can be a concern but from what Ive read, this cars weight distribution still makes RWD practical for even the snow belt. I also enjoy sitting up for a change as opposed to practically sitting on the floor of the cabin!

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  2004 Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By mls - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My only problem is that I need to install a front license plate and will need to drill into the front bumper to install the holder.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By BDBobo - July 21 - 10:09 pm

  I really like the style and comfort. It is especially nice when compared to the competition and how much more their vehicles are. This tows more than almost any other SUV and the gas mileage isnt great but its good for an SUV. It does better than my wifes Jeep Commander with the 4.7l V-8. And it does almost as well with mpg on the highway as my wifes old 2005 mini van. This is a great vehicle for the price and has been extremely reliable.

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  Better than most - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By bigal - July 21 - 10:34 am

  I guess I am more fortunate than most of those posting here - I have not had much of a problem at all with my Sebring since I bought it new in 2004. It has been reliable, fun, and has given me great fuel economy - 28- 30mpg on the road about 25mpg around town, using no modifications except synthetic oil and lighter michelin performance tires. Occassionally I get a hard cold start on the engine that feels like a vaccum lock, but otherwise this baby has been rock solid. After 5 years of driving on virginia and DC roads, it still has remarkably few squeaks and rattles for a convertible. Road noise is not great, but, it IS a convertible, so just crank up the stereo and turn off the cell phone

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  Best buy!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chrissyws - July 19 - 4:56 pm

  My husband and I just purchased this vehicle a month ago and are in LOVE!!! We traded in a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and do not miss it at all! There is no commparison. The Jeep had horrible gas mileage, very noisy and bumpy, and uncomfortable. We have owned luxury cars and to us this car is above them. The ride is so smooth, handling is wonderful, and overall a fun car to drive. I was a little hesitant due to my minivan phobia but could not be more pleased. You do need to watch carefully when reversing but that is the only concern I have. All our friends have also fallen in love and one is actually going to purchase the Pacifica. We highly recommend this car!!

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  One of the best - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Richard - July 18 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my first Chrysler product, a 1956 Plymouth convertible, in 1962 and but for two cars, a Triumph TR-4 and a Mercedes Benz, Ive owned nothing but Chryslers since. My 99 JXi is one of the best I have ever owned, but my car must be a fluke. Ive had none of the problems described by other owners and it now has 109,000 miles. The only repairs Ive had to make were a catalytic converter due to a tank of bad gasoline and the A/C compressor at 100,000 miles. The top is still fine, the leather seats are pristine and the body is solid..... and it gets almost 35 MPG on the highway! But I take care of this car. I change oil every 3,000 miles and it received a full tune up at 100,000 miles.