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:

• 

  Blind spot? $2000 later - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cassandra - July 23 - 8:44 pm

  My hatred of this vehicle continues. My only salvation is the extended warranty since I paid cash for the beast. My main rant is the deceitful mpg listed on the window. I trusted and I got schnooked. Do your homework!

• 

  Hard to say - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By nickk - July 21 - 8:13 pm

  Bought this car used and within the first couple of months I had to be towed twice and then a third time a few months later. Went through 3 transmissions! Power steering pump seized, had to replace rack and pinion, front axle, numerous evap stuff. But I still like it. When it works. Looks great even 7 years later people think its new. Interior is nice, but my tint keeps peeling and bubbling, climate display in blank so I cant tell whats on or off. Great gas millage for how big it is. Good handling as well. Its really hard to say if this car is worth it or not, Im really frustrated with it but Im also having a hard time getting ride of it and finding something similar that I want

• 

  Worst Car I Ever Owned - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Marilyn W - July 15 - 7:12 pm

  Bought car in 2004 with less than 12,000 miles - had problems ever since - I drive less than 50 miles per month. Power windows broken and replaced fumes inside car when starting ac/heater only works on high alternator being replaced now waiting for entire engine to go - I love the look of this car but it is not worth all the repair bills. Now engine making "funny noise" - I hope it isnt expensive to fix - on disability and cant afford it anymore. Chrysler should be ashamed especially since they took tax payer money for bailout. Bet they have no car problems, will never ever have another Chrysler product.

• 

  You can win Price is right. - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By buoyboy - July 15 - 3:53 pm

  The only good thing about this car is when the top is down, the drive is real nice. I have replaced every part of this car, towed three times and the list goes on. As I had to rely on mechanics for my fixes, the expense was couple of hundreds each month.

• 

  Love my car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By BARBARA - July 15 - 1:37 pm

  Had this car for 8 years and it now has 158,000 miles. Ran fine until now. I guess its because of old age/mileage. Now Im having problems with antifreeze leaking and sometime overheating. I replaced the water pump and thermostat and thermostat housing. All this in a years time. Still having overheating and antifreeze leaking issues. I hope it can be fixed but it is now starting to nickle and dime me. I guess I cant complain since it never gave me a problem until 2007. But hey, look at my mileage. I love this car and enjoyed it. I just hate to part with it.

• 

  Time 2 Trade It In! Already? - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By TLew - July 14 - 9:57 am

  When I brought the car in November 2009 I loved it!! A few months later, Ive run out of gas @ least 5 times w/ the gas tank showing 1/4 of a tank! Ive replaced 2 fuel pumps & Don Jackson Chrysler Jeep still doesnt know whats wrong with it! The gear shaft has gotten stuck in Park, so I had to replace that! The car had major electrical problems. Ive replaced the "Hood Switch" which makes the car think that the hood is open, according to Don Jackson. The eps & traction light continues 2 come on, & the dealership still doesnt know whats wrong with it. The radio sounds muffled & the lighter doesnt work, after changing the fuses twice!! I still like the car, I just hate the dealership!

• 

  Just Great! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MARY - July 13 - 9:03 pm

  I love it! Very comfortable, great fuel economy especially on the highway. 250 hp & 250 torque, really good for an SUV

• 

  Love the 300 S8 - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By BK - July 12 - 6:54 am

  The mid year 300 S8 package is a great car with an amazing list of standard options for the price. The interior is sporty and comfortable and all the electronic gadgets are easy to use and within reach of the driver. Press the gas on this sleeper and youll be quickly reminded this aint your Daddys Chrysler.

• 

  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ed dugan - July 10 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned dozens of cars and rented dozens more. The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is the best car I have ever owned or driven. It looks great, drives great and has a lot of Mercedes in it. It truly is an elegant car and I wouldnt do a thing to change it. Some of the features, like the second seat CD player are wasted on me since we have no children but Im sure it will help the resale value. However, I cannot imagine ever wanting to get rid of this ride.My wife has a serious back problem and we test drove 8-10 vehicles looking for seating that would be comfortable for her. This car was head and shoulders above the others.

• 

  I Stole This Beast! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By jersey guy - July 10 - 2:23 pm

  Second 300, this one is a Hemi. The salesman told me it was driven by an old lady, of course it was! Truth is I met her and it was all true. Her husband died and she had to get rid of it. It has 11,965 miles !! Every option and it is very fast and very comfortable. I just back from a trip to Vegas, averaging 75 MPH. At 110 degrees out with the A/C on I still averaged 22 MPG. I only use Regular gas and it runs fine. This is a keeper for a long time. Buy one, they are out there for good prices. You wont regret it!