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:

• 

  mechanic failures - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By angee sommers - December 30 - 8:10 am

  This viehicle had to have two front transmission seals replaced before it had 2400 miles on it, yes two thousand four hundred miles. This vehicle vibrates at 45mph and while in idle. Very disappointed in vehicle and reliability. Brakes shutter at breaking at high speed, will be a problem at a later date.

• 

  1991 Chrysler Imperial - 1991 Chrysler Imperial
  By Fred W. Hoffman - December 30 - 2:00 am

  We live in a small town and the car has worked just fine for us for these past few years. it handles very well on the road and is an easy start in winter. We have always kept the car in the garage since our ownership. The tires are very good. Transmission was replaced 3 years ago. No major problems with the car. We change the oil often.

• 

  da bomb - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By Irene - December 30 - 2:00 am

  It is a whisper quiet car and a very comfortable car. The price is exeptional for the cars performance, value and great looks.I will buy another Chrysler because I was plesantly pleased wuth the cars reliability, power and spacious interior size.

• 

  Good Car - 1997 Chrysler Concorde
  By Crysler Driver - December 28 - 2:00 am

  After my mothers Intrepid went past 130,000 miles, and my brothers Concorde went past 100,000 miles, I bough my Concorde. I am very happy with it. It is a gourgeous car that is equally nimble around town and on the back roads. No problems with it so far. The 3.5 Liter 24 valve is a kick in the pants! I lover the big roomy interior.

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By SOPHIA - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 97 Sebring convertible JXI in Sept. 2002 with 87500 miles. it has alot of miles on it but it runs like brand new. Gas mileage is great. I cant believe it still runs like brand new with that many miles on it. I would greatly recomend this car to anyone.

• 

  Buyer Beware - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chef - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Among the numerous problems I have had with my well-cared-for Sebring convertible are (1) a top that literally started coming apart at the seams after 3 years, (2) an AC system which shot craps, (3) a rear window defroster that stopped working despite 3 replacements under warranty, (4) a rear window switch rarely used, and (5) Interior and exterior plastic trim which has become faded and dull. Incidentally, I have confirmed with convertible top replacement dealers that Chrysler has has MANY problems with these tops. Forget support from the dealer or their service organization.

• 

  Great car - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Keith - December 26 - 9:48 am

  Dont try driving in the snow

• 

  New PT owner - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By LOVE MY BLUE PT - December 26 - 8:03 am

  I just bought this 02 Ltd.Ed. a month ago. I had a Ford Windstar which was monstrous and not a gas saver. Also kids are grown so no longer needed the size. My only complaint about this PT is gas mileage and power. Im getting about 20-22 mpg comb. Which isnt great for a 4 cyl. but I was getting 13-15 mpg on van. I put $55 filled it and got almost 2wks. Also running AC. So its better. The van to fill was nearly $100. Wish engine was a bit more powerful for getting out of sticky situations, but its not bad. But I love the style. Mine is pearl blue, mint and chromed out. its a head turner. Its built great, nice and tight and this one came w/every option so its blast to drive. Im having fun with it

• 

  300M: Agreat value - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By - December 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2001 300M for two years now and have enjoyed every minute of driving it. The handling, acceleration and overall ride has been better than I could have imagined of a sedan at this price level. Other than a loose electrical connection that I fixed myself, I have had absolutely no problems with this car. The 11 speaker Infinity 4 disc changer is great and the inside styling always gets comments when I drive. If there is a better value for less than $30,000 someone needs to show it to me.

• 

  I Love My Sebring! - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jonathan Anoldussen - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Yes, Ive only had my car for a month, but truly love driving the car. The reason I only gave it a 9/10 for reliability and build quality is that there have already been a few tiny problems in the car, such as a creaking driver door and whistling vents. However, short of a 300M, Ive never driven such a gorgeous car!