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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  Last one for me!!!!!! - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By Dan-n-Angie - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Thank goodness for the extended warranty. The great options can only make-up for so much. In 60,000 miles we had to get the power window motor replaced, electronic transmission sensor replaced, electric seat motor replaced and now the front brake rotors (how do they hot enough to warp with our damaging the pads?) Continually have problem with shaking once tires get 20,000 miles. This is the first and last Chrysler for me and theyve probably ruined any chances for their fellow American manufactures.

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  Carols convertible - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carol Tyler - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Oil is changed every 3000 miles, transmission oil changed as required, tires rotated and all papers saved in a folder (in the glove compartment) and all inf. entered in the book that came with the car. Each time I get new wipers etc. all inf. saved. Thank you for the report I will be receiving. Sincerely Carol

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  pretty good - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By clem6 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Its a good car but at $30k some of the details and quality are not great. Ive had several minor electrical problems. She runs nicely but sometimes the acceleration is sluggish. The car is also noisy and one of the door speakers rattles when the base is turned up. Its a good looking car that is fun to drive.

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  Best Vehichle I Wont Buy Again - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By KJ Jons - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this convertible purely because of the way it drives. The trunk is the largest of convertible trunks & a very usable shape. For 96,000 miles I have had vertually no problems: door lights quit working, electric seat motor quit, seatbelt covers came loose from seat. The Seabring is the best vehichle I have ever owned (ownership experience 8 autos), note suggested improvements.

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  Transmission Problems - 1995 Chrysler Cirrus
  By sheri1972 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I currently own a 1995 Cirrus with 92,000 and have just began to experience a problem leaking around the front seal. Since I owned the car, I had to replace the water pump and know the front seal. Overall this car is very reliable. If anyone is currently shopping for a Cirrus I would recommend the purchase. My experience has been very positive.

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  Great car, very fun & reliable ! - 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
  By raindance74 - August 11 - 2:34 pm

  I bought this car back in 2005 with 160,000 miles on it. It now has over 250,000 and still runs strong. Its the base model without all the bells and whistles, and in the 6 years Ive owned it, I only had to replace the fuel pump. Ive never replaced the transmission or engine, and it get good gas mileage. When you remove the rear seats, it has more room than a truck bed. They did have a recall on this model year for the clock spring but I repaired mine myself and Chrysler USA reimbursed me for the costs and sent me a check (you can also take it into any Chrysler dealer for free to be fixed). Highly recommend this auto.

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  im gonna miss this car... - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By jeffry - August 11 - 2:00 am

  picked this up as a lease in february of 2001. hasnt given me one ounce of trouble and has been very fun to drive. i think its a great combo of sporty, style, and practicality (exactly the reason i picked it up in the first place!)

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  A Real Cruiser - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
  By saxman - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Car is very reliable, only a water pump died at 90k. Currently at 110k, and is too comfortable to trade in. Depreciation is heavy in the early years, so a good buy and hold after its 4th year.

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  Great car/great value - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chris Marin - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my first Chrysler product (previously GM)very much. Very sporty, luxurious (leather, sunroof, stereo), and very unique. I have never had so many people ask me about a car or complement me regarding my car before. Looks much more expensive than it is. Great road car and excellent mileage (30 mpg at 75 mph). Very smooth on the road and very responsive. Cant believe there arent more on the road. I would recommend it highly. Automatic stick shift is a hit with my teenage sons (and to me).

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  Great Car - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Sarahs Dad - August 7 - 8:46 pm

  This is a great little car. I bought it for my daughter to drive to college. We got a Sin and Sound option package for a low price. My daughter loves the sunroof and the Boston Acoustics stereo. The fit and finish is WAY better than I expected at this price. The 4 cylinder engine is adequate. So far we have had 0 problems