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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  Unhappy - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By Bezant - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Transmission seals replaced twice and transmission still clunks when shifting. Power windows quit twice. Blower motor quit in middle of winter. Plastic cap fell off wheel due to rust. Vinyl trim around inside of door openings shrank and was replaced. If you please, I was told by a dealer employee that it was because I failed to leave the windows down a bit on hot weather. Hogwash!!!

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  something is wrong with this picture - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By karen wyant - October 25 - 6:38 pm

  Right now four of us who own a 2012 chrysler 200 are having to have a heater core put in as no heat on passenger side and does not defrost on passenger side have been advised that cost is 6-800! Sounds like a recall problem but mechanic says that is normal for a chrysler 200!

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  chrysler 300c srt8 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By jim rimer - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  this is the fastest and quickest car i have ever owned. gas mileage is at 16mpg in every day driving.it does require premium gas. the tire pressure monitors are a real help in maintaining correct air pressure. i would like oil pressure gauge rather than searching thru the menu for it. but this is a keeper.

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  Nice Car - 1995 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Boomhauer - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Best car ive owned so far. This car was 3 years old when purchased and was immaculately maintained. Its still in great condition and Ive had no major repairs needed. Handles great. Air conditioning system a little weak...have to turn it pretty high to get results.

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  Report at 78000 miles - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By insureyourself - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Have driven this vehicle to 78,000 miles -- it has been problem free. Excellent economy when you drive the speed limit. Great heater and AC. Following the maintenance schedule -- change oil at 7,500 mile intervals -- no need to do more frequently if you use quailty filters and oil. Wonderful ride w/ top down. Very good ride with the top up. If you want a convertible for grown-ups, this is the car.

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  Fun with Luxury - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By All pro - October 21 - 6:30 am

  The car is a dream to drive. Little disappointed that the chrome wheel are alloy with Chrome covers. Interior is very roomy, comfortable and clean. the steering wheel blocks some of the dash in driving position. Rear seating tight for passenger knees. Truck size is good but for the size of the car slightly undersized.

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  Concorde Rocks - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By Bremen Sedai - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is definately one of my favorite cars. Chrysler has done for the large sedan what it did for the convertible: completely set a new standard for design and value. The Concordes ride is better than many luxury vehicles I have ridden in, and its options are well designed and appealing. The quality is great and the price is more than acceptable. I will definately buy again.

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  Wow - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By TRV - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2001 with 10,000 miles on it about three weeks ago, and so far...we love this car. Very impressed with the comfort of the interior, and the exterior speaks for itself. One of those cars you find yourself staring at as you walk away from it in a parking lot!

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  Love it!!! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By NaNa - October 18 - 11:46 pm

  I absolutely LOVE this car and get complimented all the time! I have mine in Cool Vanilla. My only complaint is, while there is plenty of leg room in the back, if you have a car seat in, it is hard to fit 2 additional passengers in the back. Cargo space is excellent, love that the seats fold down. Considering how expensive gas is, it is pretty fuel efficient. The pick up is excellent and best of all, this car fits anywhere!

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  I LOVE IT - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Miles - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 96 jx with four cylinder for a year now and have reached the 100,000 mile mark and stil going. I have had only minimal problems and love the car very much.With preventive maintance as with anything you can keep these cars from reaching into you wallet.I would not listen to heavily to the reviews that are completely negative.The sebrings are roomy convertibles and comfortable to drive.