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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  Enjoyable Ride - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By topdownalways - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun ride with decent gas milage. Ive driven other LXi rental convertables and have seen a difference on performance. Some, like mine, have a lag when stepping on the gas and accelerating (which is critical for the split second pass). Once it does kick in, there is a jerk and quick acceleration. Sound system is great, seating room is great, trunk space is good (better than most convertables), love the car design and that you can be moving and still open/close the top. I have had the car for two years. I have had the window motor, the electrical light panel controler, and wheel bearings replaced at 36,000 miles.

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  Classy Silver Convertible with verve - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By amerigo88 - April 7 - 5:30 am

  Driving this convertible for 3 weeks now. Took 1,000 mile trip second week. MPG fluctuates a lot, but looks like will be close to 22 city/29 hwy. Ive seen 21 low and 40(!)high so far. Top is almost always down and a/c off. Only hiccup was fuel gauge dropped to dead empty for about 15 minutes, but no problems since. Trunk setup is surprisingly roomy and stooping is not as bad as I expected. My girls act like the back seat is in a roller coaster-fun. Turning circle a bit wide. Haggled dealer into AM/FM/CD/MP3 player to replace AM/FM/Cassette due to some bait and switch resentment. Glad I did. Base audio sounds rather muddy, though. 70 mph with top down and windows up is fine on freeway.

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  One of the BEST used car values!!!! - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By Keith029 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 99 Concorde about a month ago. I have never driven a car with as much leg room in my life. I have 3 children ranging from 5-9 and it works out fantastic! A great alternative to expensive SUVs if room is what you are after. It handles excellent and looks great too! What a great find for your money!!

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  Great car, good value - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By George Brownfield - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Weve been very happy with the car. Two long trips, 28-30 mpg crusing at 75 mph with the 2.7L V6. Room for three adults in the back, including my 6 2" father in law. Large trunk. Handles pretty well, turns well for a large car thanks to the cab forward design.

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  Dream Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Peterb - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my PT Cruiser for about 8 months and lots of places that i go I get complimented on my car. I enjoy the look and style of the PT as it is unique. I have driven several hours at a time and find the drive to be comfortable and relaxing, even though traffic usually isnt. I have only positive things about my PT Cruiser to tell anyone.

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  2.7 litre more than enough - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Oglethorpe - April 5 - 9:40 am

  The 2.7 litre engine has more than enough power for snappy performance. There is a good mix of zip and fuel economy with this engine. I drive mostly at sea level with no hills, but there is no lack of power on high bridges. Road Handling is very,very good.Fit and finish are excellent. The tilt lever for the steering wheel needs an upgrade.This is one very fine car for the price. Style is form following function but the looks are first rate.A real drivers car.

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  almost 8 years - 1995 Chrysler Sebring
  By Steven Chilton - April 5 - 2:00 am

  When this car came out in 95 it was probably the best looking American car. Its style was similar to the Lexus 300s. Thats why I bought it. I always said it was a poor mans Lexus. Ive had this car almost 8 years and it still looks good and has been reliable. Only tires brakes and battery. It has had an oil leak for the past 3 years. the dealer seemed to think it was the cam senser but they werent sure so I didnt have it fixed. Its been a good car never breaking down once. The tape player did jam and I havent bben able to get the tape out.

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  Never again! - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carl R. - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Since day one this car has been nothing but problems. I have replaced the ball joints, axles, brakes twice, ty-rods 3 times. The digital odometer stopped working at 90K. It has had electrcial problems such as the power windows, seats, mirrors anad dash board lights will speratically not function. The top leaks. The battery has died three times in the course of one year. The door hinges have broken and the cooling system has sprung leakes everywhere. My mechanic runs and locks the door everytime I or the tow truck pull up with the car. This car has been a non stop mechanical disater!

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  Chrysler 300m - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By Trentl - April 5 - 2:00 am

  really nice car with alot of options at a cheap price of about 35 grand new. yet it is still sporty and quick on the road.

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  I could build a more reliable car - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By rye guy - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Dont plan on reliability with a Chrysler 300M. We have had nothing but problems with this car and no assistance from the dealer or Chrysler customer care. From speed sensors going bad (leaving you stuck in 1st gear numerous times) to the steering wheel literally falling apart we have experienced it all. My advice -- buy a Honda, Toyota, or a Nissan and they will get you where you need to go without the headaches.