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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  Owner of a 1996 Sebring LXi - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By dvannort28 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Car seemed to run extremely well. I have 128,000 on my car and it runs like a champ. The only 2 problems Ive had with the car are as follows: 1). Front End-going through set after set of tires. About 3 sets in one year. Had to replace all of lower front end at 120,000 miles. 2).Transmission pan leak at 128,000. Other than that I love my car!!!!

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  Sebrings Rock - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By bremensedai99 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Driving in this vehicle is sooooo fun. While the interior design is not as good as the 2000 model, it is still a gorgeous vehicle. Drives great, looks great, sounds great.

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  Whales - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By Disappointed upstate - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have a most irritating sound coming from the air/heat system. I can only equate it to whales communicating. Service says its gas leaking from the compressor but they havent aclue how to fix it.

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  drive this car - 2017 Chrysler 200
  By clif - October 29 - 12:03 am

  Dont read and believe some of the biased reviews on this car. Most of those reviews are kind of silly and are not going to effect how you like or dislike the car. The only fault I can see with the car is if your over 6 feet tall the back seat will be a little tight getting in and out but since everybody in my family is under that height no complaint from me. In fact I love the roof line it makes the car look very nice. Gas milage has been outstanding getting 40mpg on the highway and 28mpg in town. Drive this car and make up your own mind and dont let some guy sitting in an office somewhere make it for you. Ive had the car long enough now to confirm my positive review from day one. Have had no problems but needed a new battery under warranty no charge to me, service was fast and friendly. Some of the negative reviews on this car make me laugh, things like not liking the color of the lights in the dash, no headroom in the back. seats uncomfortable, rough ride, road noise and on and on. Are they serious. I drove a lot of cars before I found this one and in my opinion its right up there with the best of them. Drive this car up the freeway and when the transmission shifts into ninth gear watch the RPMs drop 400 and the milage jump up to around 40mpg, wow. The only other car in my opinion that was its equal was the Buick Verano. Im biased though I will not buy a foreign made car with a foreign name on it. People told me I could buy a Toyota theyre made in the U.S, sure but most of the money goes to Japan and most of the parts are shipped into the country. Buy American with an American name on the car.

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  11000 Miles in 6 Months! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By J Santiago - October 28 - 10:23 pm

  Wow! I drove 11,000 Miles in 6 months! Had a ball driving every mile of it. Drove it to Chicago & Nobody had my car (they all had imports that cost double!) But it turned heads, even when my car was dirty with all the brake dust. Thought about getting the 6spd, but didnt think that was too practical-got the autostick, gives u control when u want it. The auto drop- top is awesome.Interior is super sharp (vanilla & black leather)& the free luggage was a great bonus! Dont miss the lack of trunk space, (thats why I have a dodge dakota too)the sound system is great w/subwoofers.My only complaint is that darn cupholder.You need a spill proof mug if u are drinking coffee.I love it!Funnest car ever

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  head turner - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By dq - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I cannot drive this vehicle without having people stare, stop, and ask me what it is. The ergonomics are fantastic, and I disagree with some of the interior reviews that I have read. The leather seats are right out of a Mercedes, and the dashboard is tight and without rattles (trust me I previously owned a Mustang Cobra). I miss the lower end torque of the Mustang, however at 130 + mph I would rather be in the Crossfire.

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  A Comfortable and Stylish Sedan - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By ldatty - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This is one if the finest cars I have owned in the last 20 years. There is a great combination of smooth ride with precise handling. The is like the luxury cars of the past, but with greatly impoved handling qualities. The fit and finish is good, and I have found no defects. The one area that could use some improvement is the interior. There is too much gray plastic on the dash and door panels. However, the leather seats have a nice appearance and are very comfortable. This is one I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a comfortable sedan that has great styling.

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  JUST PLAIN FUN - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By RONALD G KRAKOWSKI - October 26 - 10:00 am

  THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS AS FAR AS FUN AND EXCITEMENT. THE BEAUTY OF THE VEHICLE GRABS YOU FIRST, THEN YOU ENTER A COCKPIT WHICH RESEMBLES ANY HIGHLINE AUTO ON THE MARKET. INSTRUMENTATION IS EASY TO USE AND FIND. TRANSMISSION IS SMOOTHER THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE IVE OWNED AND OF COURSE THE 5.7L HEMI JUST ROCKS WHEN YOU PUNCH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE.CAN YOU SAY HEMI.

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  Big Car, Big Features, Big Bills! - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By bearessence - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 62000 miles on it. I now have 131000 and counting. Had an oxygen sensor replaced, the moon roof leaks and a lot of problems with the suspension and tires. I dont like the climate control feature. I also had to replace a sensor under the dashboard to get the A/C to work correctly. Overall, a great car for long trips. Comfortable ride and plenty of room. I have the CD and cassette and everything on the dashboard is easy to reach. Enough room to where my kids wont fight. I would buy another because of the room and great ride.

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  My best Mopar yet! - 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Bob Wilson - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car about 120000 since new. At about 105,000 miles I had to have seals replaced in auto transmission, and new drive and accessory belts. The dealer recommended replacement of the water pump at that time Also water pump failure beyond 100,000 could happen with major damage resulting. So while in the neighborhood of the pump it seemed wise to replace it. A recent trip of about 1200 miles I averageD slightly over 30 MPG. Planning on a new car in the spring of 2003 awont drive past a Chrysler dealer to find the replacement car.