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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  Only one thing - Perfect - - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ernie - August 11 - 3:40 am

  This is my first Pacifica, but had rented others and from previous years. This is the vehicle for me and my family.

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  Good comfortable car - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By taffy - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This CAR IS A COMFORTABLE, RELIABLE CAR. iT CANT BE BEAT FOR COMFORT ON LONG TRIPS.tHE SEATS ARE GREAT AND THERE IS SPACIOUS ROOM IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. tHE TRUNK SPACE IS MORE THAN ADEQUATE FOR A LONG TRIP

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  Great car with room to share. - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ecommish - August 10 - 2:00 am

  The Limited Convertible is great! The two-tone seats are always an attention grabber, and it is roomy enough for four adults. I have had no mechanical problems, and it drives like a larger car. The only draw backs are the gas mileage (especially with the gas prices being as high as they are), and visibility with the top up is hampered.

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  More Fun Per Dollar! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ChilliDog - August 9 - 10:50 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive, to look at and to own. With 5 spd, it is sprightly although it labors at bit with the AC on. Most comfortable convertible Ive ever been in with the top down. Unbelievably quiet top up or down. Maybe the most comfortable seats Ive ever had. Real room for adults in back seat. Stereo in base version comes only with cassette, but who needs CDs when you have an iPod that plays through the deck?! Generous power outlets and cup holders. Ive had more strangers comment and ask about this car than any Ive ever owned. Base version had everthing I wanted and nothing I didnt: i.e. love having the thermometer on the rearview mirror. Dollar for dollar the best!

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  DONT DO IT - 1997 Chrysler Concorde
  By Chryslers are bad - August 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought my wifes Dads car. The car had 22,000 miles on it after 3 years. Now has 73K. This car has been a piece of junk!!! Bad rack and pinion, (VERY PRICEY) numerous tie rod ends. Needed new Air Compressor, water pump, power steering pump, and now the transmission is going. I will NEVER buy another Dodge/Chrysler product again.

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  The Greatest Car In A Long Time - 2002 Chrysler Prowler
  By Prowler - August 9 - 2:00 am

  The best chick getter you could possible imagin. The car is fast and great to drive.

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  Great ride and Fun to drive - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Donk - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! Fun to drive, and handles great! If it just had a little more horse power, it would be perfect! By the way, my top is 4 years old, and it in great shape!

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  On the road - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By Hippo - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Moved from a Park Avenue to the LHS, would buy another LHS if it were available. Dollar for dollar a good buy. Not likely to buy its replacement, lacks the affluent name and associated with "Cheaper" line

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  Great Car - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By RonCT - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Am former 3-time Ford Taurus owner. Due to Fords recent quality decline, looked at other cars. Test drove Buick, Acura, Pontiac, and BMW. This had good rating and dealership offered great price. Have driven for 2 months now. It is joy to drive, handles well, lots of power when you need it. Looking back, this was the best value.

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  Nice car - 2017 Chrysler 300
  By jack metzger - August 7 - 11:11 am

  Very peppy! Comfortable ride handles very well. I recommend it!