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 dependable car worth every dime - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
  By User1 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle for the money and has lasted quite well. Very dependable with regular oil changes and servicing, nothing special. I feel its the largest mid-size car in its class by far seating 5 adults with tremendous comfort (much more room than comparable Maxima, Camry, or Accord). I highly recommend it to any car owner looking for comfort, room, reliability, and economy.

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  A dependable car worth every dime - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
  By user1 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle for the money and has lasted quite well. Very dependable with regular oil changes and servicing, nothing special. I feel its the largest mid-size car in its class by far seating 5 adults with tremendous comfort (much more room than comparable Maxima, Camry, or Accord). I highly recommend it to any car owner looking for comfort, room, reliability, and economy.

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  My Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By riley34 - September 16 - 5:30 am

  After approx 4k miles I can say that I am very happy that I purchased this car. The features are great, the ride is styling and the value is unbeatable. A couple of minor items are 1 or 2 more DC connections, radio could be more straightforward to use and a Sirius option would be nice, a spare or ride flat tires and finally some better after market stuff from MOPAR.

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  Flawless 300M - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By wwoods18 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2000 300M for 27 faultless months. I have not had to take it back to the dealership for any warrenty repairs yet. The only fault that I can find with the vehicle is the Goodyear tires supplied from the factory. They are very expensive, and wear out much too soon. I have already replaced two of the original tires, and will replace the other two very soon. Other than that, it has been a great car with excellent power, and respectable gas mileage.

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  Cruisin Time - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By joe_leo - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Wow! This car is an absolute pleasure to drive, and it is my new family car. Plenty of backseat and trunk space for the family for vacation, ease of use to lower the top, and the ability to use mid-grade gas, all add to the pleasure of the vehicle. All I can say is just do it...

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  PT Convertible - Fun and Affordable - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Gary - September 12 - 5:00 pm

  This is a fantastic vehicle for the money. It is fun to drive, always getting looks from people and the worst thing thats been said about it from people looking/admiring is - "How Cute" The mileage has been very acceptable, the Sport Bar does cut down the wind noise on the road with the top down so you can hold a conversation and not a shouting match. The boot is not difficult tp put on and take off - when done correctly - it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure it out. And in the 10 months weve owned it the top has been up MAY 5 times. I mean come on, why have a convertible if you dont put the top down.

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  Dont buy this car!!! - 1997 Chrysler Cirrus
  By reneb - September 11 - 2:00 am

  3 Recalls. over 1,000 dollars per year just to fix the tires,breaks, a/c, misc. every year it is something else. And Ive finally had it. Trading in for a better car. Never going for a Chrysler again!!

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  Plum Fun in the Sun! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Barry in VA - September 10 - 6:36 am

  I was looking for a convertible that was both fun and somewhat practical. The Cruiser GT convertible is like driving a convertible SUV with a rocket engine! I love it! I was impressed by the build quality, and the performance. The car is very quiet and has a very well insulated soft top. With the quirky styling and the Plum color, it gets lots of smiling looks, and compliments in parking lots. It is just a fun car to drive! Beyond the fun factor, the car hugs the road and with ABS and traction control is secure in wet and snowy conditions. You would be hard pressed to find a fun, powerful, distinctive looking convertible that is this well equipped for a better price.

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  Cloud with a Silver lining - 1999 Chrysler Cirrus
  By bilbo - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Chrysler Cirrus 3 years ago. The car looks great, rides good and takes imperfections in the road with very good control. I average over 30 miles to the gallon on long trips. I do not feel tired after 8 or 9 hours of driving I contribute this to the nice seat design. J.D. Powers rates cars after just 3 month of ownership stating owner satisfaction. I think 3 years is a better measuring tool. I have had not one problem. With Mercedes Benz working with the Chrysler auto group their cars can only get better. Nice job Chrysler.

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  Saved my life - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By Jim Mantas - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 300M in a row. Previoous was T-bonned, fliped over.... not a scratch on me! Its fun to drive, its fast, its save.