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:

• 

  Dream cruser - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jeggler - May 18 - 10:00 am

  After returning from overseas duty I purchased a Dream Cruser and took a 8000 mile trip in one week. After seting off with my two young boy on a camping trip toMtRushmore,Yellowstone, Stanley and Boise Idaho, Grand Canyon and the panhandle of Florida befor returning to Oklahoma City The car was flawless! I avradged 24 MPG, The manual shift was tight and came in handy through the canyons of the northwest states. The car has enoygh power to get your hart going. The sport handling was much better than expected. This car is full of suprises I can hall lts of camping gear and three people without a roof rack and the turbo just asked for more.

• 

  Fuel Economy - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By Joe - May 17 - 6:17 pm

  Weve been blown away by the fuel economy. Highway has been 34 - 37 MPG, while highway-city combined is around 28 MPG. We find it very comfortable to drive.

• 

  enjoy - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Tim Gordon - May 17 - 4:43 am

  This nimble little car is not only comfortable with terrific handling, but is certainly a head-turner with its retro design. I always get a lot or praise on its looks..

• 

  What Problems???? - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Phill - May 15 - 7:54 pm

  I have owned my Pacifica for almost two years and it has never had to go back to the dealer. I give it regular maintenance and it drives like a dream. I use the car for everything and I average about 22 mpg (Not too many long hauls in Hawaii). It gets up to speed quickly and stops quickly and straight. I have experienced the chatter of the trans between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 1st at slow speed and that Chrysler "cure" was a flash to the engine computer. I have not taken it to the dealer as I dont want it to end up worse than it started. I have not had the opportunity to speak to other owners as Pacificas are not that prevalent here.

• 

  Great car since I bought it. - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carrie - May 14 - 6:05 pm

  I bought this car new and am still driving it. I have 123K on it now. Problems I have had with it over the years are: At 23K transmission had issues, but they re-built it under warranty and I havent had an issue since. Wheel bearings went once at around 65K. Air conditioning goes on and off at random which Im told is a control pannel issue. I have had multiple heat resisters replaced which is a well known issue for this car. I also have chrome wheels which is the most pain as they lose air constantly. The engine light stays on from a bad gas cap sensor. Oil light comes on at stops after long drives, but does not appear to be serious. Despite issues, I still feel it is reliable

• 

  Impressed - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By Greg - May 14 - 8:24 am

  Smooth ride, comfortable seating, plenty of space to take the family on a twelve hour ride to our vacation destination, then twelve hours home. This vehicle is worth a serious look for those considering the large SUV. The price is a pleasant surprise, and comparing it to the GM and Ford equivalents, we saved many thousands and got a great vehicle. The hemi has smooth fluid acceleration and alot of power.

• 

  Fun Ride - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By head turner - May 12 - 7:30 pm

  Great car to drive, but expensive to own. Tires dont last long and are very expensive as are the oil changes. My daily commute is 120 miles round trip. Have owned for less than a year and now need lifters and rockers replaced at only 53,000. Hoping that the dealership has a qualified and experienced tech to do the job. Still under warranty -- thank goodness!

• 

  GT Turbo Convertible Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kbcliff - May 12 - 12:30 am

  Reliable and fun to drive. Turbo is excellent when power is needed. Comfortable interior.

• 

  Love My Vehicle!! - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Lady Di - May 11 - 11:03 am

  I definately would give give this SUV a FIVE-STAR. It is such a great vehicle to drive. Its reliable, classy, and fun. All the kids and their friends fit in just fine. When its just the adults, its certainly a nice ride. I compare it to the other SUVs out their, and this one tops them all, especially the for the price you pay. Chrysler did good, just wish you were continuing to make them. My lease is coming up and I now want a HEMI. Oh, whats a girl to do!!!

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Terry - May 10 - 9:34 pm

  The cupholder is of poor design, otherwise the car is really nice and fun to drive.