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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  A Sporty Sedan That Delivers - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By Bill Tabor - October 13 - 11:15 am

  Had just purchased this vehicle on July 15th 2016, and at time of purchase really didnt know much about it, but considering the great looks inside and out, a great warranty, and of all the bells/ whistles this vehicles came with, although a little more expensive than the Ford Fusion and other vehicles in its class, its cost was justified depending on what you were looking for in a new sedan. The exterior of vehicle is sporty and luxurious in appearance, great body fit, and a flawlessly applied metallic clear coat paint job, not the case of which I ran in to w/ other new vehicles that Ive purchased in the past. Entering the vehicle can be a tight situation depending on your height, this is due to the 200 sedans low roof line which is low/ slopped, and further creating a space/ headroom problem once inside the vehicle for driver/ passengers six feet and taller. Once inside/ seated I found the design and quality of materials used to make up same was of higher quality vs. competitors, again it was a mix of sport/ luxury which complimented overall appearance of vehicle inside/ out. The seating was very comfortable and supportive, and making long drives less stressful and satisfying, and short drives fun. The dash/ console are cockpit like design, and a dial for gear selection inspired by jaguar has taken the place of the traditional hand shifter. Placement of instrumentation is good, all is within easy sight for driver. Lighting of same is a nice touch that is easy on the eyes/ enhances the driving experience when driving at night. What I am disappointed in are the speakers for stereo, I love music and these speakers are only adequate, I soon plan to replace them w/ aftermarket speakers of higher quality/ function. The sliding arm rest on nice sized floor console between driver/ passenger was a nice touch/ convenient, and since my limited lacked to presence of a cd player inside the console will be the right place for me to have one installed. Noise level inside passenger compartment while in operation is near zero other than the normal/ anticipated road noise of tires which is hard to muffle on any vehicle. Wind noise is absent, ride is super smooth, steering precise along w/ a good feel for the road. Yes, the interior of the Chrysler 200 is smaller/ cramped than Ford Fusion and others, but once inside its a great driving experience, up-scaled and nice to be in depending on what youre looking for in a sedan as this sedan is not for everyone. Trunk space is large for a sedan of this size, and just getting back to one more exterior feature that I love is the projection headlights that automatically self adjust for night-time driving. Despite past complaints of the 2015 200 sedan of computer improperly processing commands to the 9 speed automatic transmission while in operation and creating an unpredictable driving experience, ie; lack of acceleration, hesitation of transmission to shift and adjust to normal driving conditions during city/ highway driving, for 2016 it appears Chrysler did correct this matter as from a standing stop from 0-50 mph my 4 cylinders performance is normal/ adequate, and while highway driving the 4 cylinder has more than enough power thanks to the 9-speed automatic, rpms remain low, top speeds can be unthinkable, drive one and see. But in ending keep in mind this is not a muscle car and expectations may vary as to performance standard of others. To me the 4 cylinder engine is ample and responsive, it provides good performance for what it is intended. If you want more power in this sedan the V-6 comes highly recommended, the call is yours to make, drive one and see. Although new, Ill remain optimistic of my purchase and overall experience, this is one nice sports sedan that turns heads and meets my present expectations, I would recommend this vehicle to a friend.

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  A Very Different Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By RTR - October 12 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica is impressive compared to Chryslers I owned in the 80s. Nice styling, very comfortable interior, solid and quiet ride. Fit and finish is at a new level for Chrysler.

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  My LXi - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By Bill6362 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but good driving pleasure. This car has been extremely reliable.

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  Nice car so far - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By Tom B - October 11 - 2:00 am

  So far this car has been a joy to drive. After dealer checked for front door speaker function after letter from Chrysler, the right front door speaker quit. Hard to notice though with the 10 speaker system. Leather appointments are nice. Steering wheel with 1/2 leather 1/2 simulated wood trim makes for easier operation. Nice luxury ride, with ample pax room. 2 flat tires (slow leaks) are the worst things we have experienced. Best MPG has been 22.0.

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  Love it overall, hate the gas mileage - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Vic - October 11 - 1:43 am

  Nice, comfortable ride, quiet interior, and highly recommend the leather seating. Only drawbacks are the gas mileage with AWD, were getting 14-15 in town driving and never done better than 17-18 on Hwy. Thats a lot different than the 17city/22 hwy which is estimated.

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  My Chrysler - 1994 Chrysler Concorde
  By Eduardo - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This car has been an excellent runner, comfortable to drive and with very good looks. My problem: A month ago the automatic transaxle went bad on me. It only operates in reverse or second gear. The car has only 88000 miles on it. Im am very upset with this car because I thought that I was buying something reliable for at least 120000 miles. How wrong was I! My next car fore sure will not be a Chrysler.

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  WOW!!!! What A Difference - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Annette Brady - October 9 - 4:06 pm

  I turned in my 2005 AWD Touring Sedan and picked up my 2007 Signature Series Pacifica. I cannot believe they are the same car. The 05 was nice, but seemed to labor until tou got her up to cruising speed. This one, got to be careful or a ticket may be in my future. New engine is very quie. Love all the extras, GPS and the back up camera and warning system. LOVE THIS CAR! Dealership is excellent also. This is car # 12 from them.

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  The small red pt - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By opcfan - October 9 - 1:18 pm

  I got this car used in a very good shape with a manual. After a new clutch and a full tune-up i drove this car from Nyc to Miami and back. The car was extremely comfortable, able to cruise at 90-100mph with no drama, good handling and 30mpg. Driving in stop and go traffic and getting 20 mpg is not fun but hear compliments from old people. The car never had a mechanical issue.

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  My Opinions on the 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By C.M. Glover - October 8 - 9:40 am

  I have always been a GM owner and was looking for nice upper level luxury/sport sedan. I didnt like the current trends in styling at GM and was considering a used BMW or Mercedes until I saw the 300C. Elegant styling with performance overtones that does not disapoint. The interior is big even for my 64" size in front or rear seats. The comfort is great with good support in the seats and well thought out controls. The Mercedes influence is very apparent with good handeling and a solid, quiet ride. The american muscle under the hood is well worth the money and makes highway onramps and long trips effortless. With every possible option mine just did break $40k. Great product, great value.

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  2000 Chrysler LHS - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By slowry@woh.rr.com - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a better car,and Ive driven both foreign and domestics of every configuration.I still keep an Austin Healey and a HUGE Lincoln Mark V,but no car has had this curbside appeal ,except the A H ,andIve just had 2 two enticing private offers to purchase. Next:a 300M Special!