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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  More fun than expected, so-so on gas - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Cruiser in the Keys - March 11 - 1:56 am

  Rented a PT Cruiser for a week long trip through the Florida Keys. It was MUCH more "fun" than I would have expected - Im 63 and the driving position was more comfortable than most vehicles. The Touring Turbo has pretty good pick-up and handling was really good for such a tall vehicle. VERY impressed with the fit and finish.

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  2005 Ptconvt - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By PMARMORATO - March 10 - 7:13 pm

  I think this is a great second car fun to drive good running has some get-up and go and nice to look at i get alot of thumbs up with this

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  For your information - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By AM Duran - March 10 - 2:07 pm

  I bought the car used because I always wanted a convertible,and I could not afford a new one plus a coworker already owned one and he had no complaints about his car.This car I bought had 88K miles on it already.I like the way it drives kinda close to the ground, but its not too close,just right for me. Overall I am thinking about trading it in for a newer model because I have had such good luck with it so far.

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  A Fine automobile to drive - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
  By Bob Bauspies - March 9 - 9:50 pm

  We have enjoyed this automobile and it has been very reasonable to own. This is a plus in todays costs for repairs.

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  beautiful AND fast! - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By JGR - March 8 - 7:09 pm

  This car has been great! Its fun to drive, very quick and comfortable. Great value for the money.

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  ITS JUNK, TRASH!!! - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By JCZ - March 8 - 3:02 pm

  Worst car Ive ever owned!!! In 50,000 miles, Ive had 8 fluid leaks, replaced the water pump, fuel pump, front rotors twice, right side tie rod ends, left side sway bar, transmission overhauled and the air conditioner compressor is leaking freon. THIS CAR IS JUNK,TRASH!!

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  This car saved my life - 1994 Chrysler LHS
  By curt olson - March 7 - 6:13 pm

  I was hit by a ford 350 dually hauling a 38 foot trailer at 50 mph side impact. My vehicle spun like a top. I hit a telephone pole after being struck by the 350 ford. The ford 350 and trailer we totaled so was my chrysler LHS but I had suffered no injury. This car impressed me so much We just purchased another LHS. Curt Olson R.N MSN

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  sexy - 2002 Chrysler Prowler
  By jay wilson - March 7 - 12:38 pm

  very comfortable buy it

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  Great Inexpensive Car to own and insure - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Anastacia - March 7 - 10:00 am

  What a great fun car to own and drive. You can easily find one barely used. Chances are previous owners have babied their car and it is in great condition. With thier low intrests rates...can you afford not to own one?

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  Better than I Expected - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pincherob - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is extremely comfortable. We have started taking this out instead of our Volvo S80- it just gives a smoother, quieter ride. The kids have more than enough room. Access to the third row is pretty simple and the room back there is terrific.