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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  Great Car - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By Lefty - April 29 - 9:42 pm

  The 02 Concorde Limited is a TEN. Its a cross b/t a Lexus and a Jaguar. I have the 3.5 H.O. aluminum block Motor- brand new rebuilt. Fully loaded and Black - awesome. - I recommend a set of 235/55rs/17 GOODYEAR EAGLE RS Tires - the difference in the ride quality is absolutely stunning and amazing compared to any other brand Ive ever driven on.

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  Love my Roadster! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Sharon - April 29 - 6:43 pm

  After dreaming of this car for 5 years when they only had the coupe version, my dream came true when I traded in my no-comparison Sebring LTD. It handles like a dream and you know its a good convertible when you can actually hold a conversation without yelling! I love the looks I get when I drive my car, as well as the compliments my little yellow convertible gets. And when that spoiler comes up, what a knock out of a car!! It hugs corners like a dream and I find myself taking the long way home and everywhere else I have to go just to drive my car for as long as possible. Chrysler has a winner here!

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  Get Ready for Attention! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By BlkXfire - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Drove it home last weekend--what a thrill. People will do anything to get a look and or in it. If you do not like any attention--stay away from this car. Best looking thing on the road, and drives beautifully.

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  Pacifica hits the mark... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By orion191 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica was perfect for me!!!!! I have enough room to comfortably lug around a few kids or friends yet I dont feel like a "Soccer Mom" with a clunky minivan. It handles well to be as large and heavy as it is and it has a wonderful sleek exterior look to it along with the fact that interior screams luxury. I think Chrysler made a good decision with the V6 - you have ample power (although not exceptional) along with great gas mileage. All in all, I love the fact that the Pacifica is practical yet fun!!!! By the way I only paid $34,000 for a fully loaded Pacifica.

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  Wow! Wow! Wow!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mykidsrthebest - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I needed a bigger car coming from a sedan. Car is great for carpool with the kids. Seats unbelievably comfortable and DVD system a Godsend for any parents. I get the best looks driving through the streets and everybody asks me what car Im driving. I should get comission (LOL). My only problem is someone broke my passenger side window on the first day that I had the car and it is now six weeks later and Chrysler did hasnt manufactured replacement parts.

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  Had to have it! - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By winner - April 29 - 12:13 am

  Ive wanted a PT since they came out, but my husband and daughter thought I was nuts. Finally, I said forget them, Im going to get it anyway. I bought it in July, and now my husband wants to drive it all the time. We have been Chrysler fans for years, and have driven the Chrysler Town & Country. Now he drives that and Ive got my PT. Please dont discontinue it. I LOVE IT!

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  Luv it - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mark - April 28 - 3:18 pm

  Just bought my Sebring coupe in March.I got a great deal on it and its a fun car to drive,This is the 68th car Ive owned and I love it.Great mileage,handles well(except on washboard roads)and accelerates quickly!No problems to speak of.Ive owned Mopars from 72 to 96 and this is the best one yet.Does have a hesitation from a stop,but Ill work that out this Summer.I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a good,fun car thats dependable and stylish and reasonably priced.

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  Ask the man who owns one - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Thos. Zachary - April 28 - 6:53 am

  The car starts well runs well accelerates well. Short wheel base makes the ride on poorly maintained roads is somewhat rigid. Winter driving is good. Trips to northern Michigan are pleasurful,gas mileage 28 to 30. City short drives with air on in is as low as 17mpg. Only poor features , Horn that belongs on a childs peddle car and recessed speedometer shadows does not make reading easy. Would Irecommend the car to others? Yes .

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  The 1 Reason Chrysler Should Survive! - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By DarthXan - April 26 - 11:16 pm

  Ive loved this car since it first debuted in 2005 & now I finally have 1. Its every bit as exciting as I thought it would be. Amazing power from the 5.7 L HEMI when you need it (cylinders deactivate when cruising, so it runs like a 4 cylinder to save on fuel economy). Excellent interior quality. Awesome sounding stereo. Sexy yet menacing exterior. Quietest & comfiest ride Ive ever been in. Highly reccomended & right now its still on sale. I saved almost $15K on mine!

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  Value for the money - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By sferguson - April 24 - 11:41 pm

  Have owned a Toyota Sequoia, Chev. Trail Blazer, and GMC Envoy. By far my favorite vehichle. Luxury and power for less money than Chev. Tahoe and Toyota Sequoia. Looked at everything before purchasing my Aspen. Very satisfied!!!!!!