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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  Great for the $$$$ - 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
  By DanMan!!! - April 18 - 2:00 am

  The car has a solid engine and is nicely appointed overall. The vehicle handles well, accelerates decently, and is fairly comfortable. It has needed no work beyond the normal brakes, tune- up, etc. The car has been in the family since new, and now I have got it to replace my 98 Neon. A switch that was a definate step up.

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  Love My Car - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carmine - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best large convertable for the price. Its great in all weather seats 5 with leg room. Great sterio system, its dependable and handles great.

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  Emmy - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By lorfgen - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first 300M in 1999 and liked it so much that I bought a new one in August, 2001 and kept the older one for my college age son to drive to college. I am a fairly big guy and find it to be one of the most comfortable cars that I have ever ridden or driven. I entertain a lot and the back seat can accomodate another couple very comfortably, with plenty of leg room for even tall folks. The 2001 300M also has a sunroof that is wonderful and still provides me with plenty of headroom. Great car - keep building them, I am sure I will buy another in a few years.

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  My 300M - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Mac Daddy - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is great.This car is a BMW with a Kia price tag. This car would scare any other car.

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  5 Years, No Problems - 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
  By stevef-DC - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I was a little nearvous when I bought this car in 98. I had only had Accords and questioned the realibility of American cars. I really liked the aggressive look of the Cirrus front end. Plus, I got a lot more for my money with the Cirrus than I would have with an Accord. At 57000 miles, I have had no problems at all. I am mainly a city driver. The car is louder than some others, but I often have the Infinnity stereo pretty loud so I donlt notice the road noise. My only complaint with my Chrysler experience is the dealer service. Ive been to two dealers and theyre both crooks. Chrysler really needs to reign these guys in if they want keep customers.

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  Selling IT! - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By Spiko - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Only because we added a 4th child! Ive really liked this car and have all the bells/whistles, but need more room. My only grip: DOOR LOCK MECHANISMS!!! I replaced three of them (three separate doors) within 1 year of each other. SHEESH! Incidentally, the USMC bought a fleet of these cars to transport their general officers!

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  Fun car! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By ck_anna - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I just go it. I traded my Lebaron convertible for it. Big jump in size & quality. Love it! Top is much easier to operate on the sebring. great over all car!

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  Fun car! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By cutiewithdroptop - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I just go it. I traded my Lebaron convertible for it. Big jump in size & quality. Love it! Top is much easier to operate on the sebring. great over all car!

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  Pacifica AWD 2005 - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By reach375 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The exterior styling is appealing and with 19 inch wheels, most appealing however, the chrome clad could be replace with just regular alloy and look much better. The engine at 250 hp is adequate only, the overall weight at 4700 # is excessive and does impact on performance. The 4 speed transmission should probably be a 5 speed or offer a Hemi * 8 that allow for more hp and torque but the mileage of 16 mpg is already too poor. Overall, the interior with leather is adequate, however, some inetrior appointments could improve a bit too lean on style and comfort. Stereo system needs improvement and allow for better adjustments. Speakers are needing much improvement and placement is not ideal.

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  unexcited - 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Braxt828 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Chrysler vehicle. Also the one I am least impressed with. We have had several problems that the dealer has yet to repair. The drivers seat rocks back and forth, and cant seem to be tightened. Air/driving noise is almost unbearable. And dont ever ask me to ride in the back seat again. I had a backache for a week! I never was comfortable with the headlights but thought it was just me until I heard of Consumer Reports review. Cost of changing the spark plugs was quite high and we still havent found a good windshield wiper. I have been loyal to Chrysler until this car.