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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  BEST CAR IN 48 YEARS - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By GenrLedger - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I STARTED BUYING CARS WHEN I WAS 17 YEARS OLD. TRUE TO FORM THE EARLY ONES WERE QUITE USED AND LEFT A LOT TO BE DESIRED. I STARTED BUYING NEW IN 1962. NOW AFTER 42 YEARS THIS IS THE BEST AUTOMOBILE I HAVE EVER OWNED. STYLE, COMFORT, ECONOMY (YES-ECONOMY - YOU DONT HAVE TO USE ALL 8 CYLINDERS ALL THE TIME) AND FUN TO DRIVE. I THOUGHT THAT MY 83 MERCEDES OR MY 88 BMW 735IL WAS GREAT...THIS IS EVEN BETTER. WHEN I SEE AGUY IN A NEW BENTLEY CONVERTIBLE (WITH THE TOP DOWN) STARING AT MY CAR, I KNOW I HAVE MADE IT. THATS MY STORY AND VERY HAPPY WITH IT

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  Gas mileage is great! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Sam and Linda - October 6 - 10:03 am

  We get 23-25 mph with air conditioning. We get 30+ on the highway. Plus, if a car cuts in front of you the PT is so easy to maneuver yet it hugs the road. We feel very safe in the car and its look is wonderful. We both love the PT so much out next and next and next car will be a PT Touring. Just wish we could get the Bright Blue color again. Hear its not available any more!

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  Owned for nearly 3 Years Now - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By DK67 - October 5 - 11:13 pm

  I have not had it into the shop for anything except oil changes. Yes, the transmission occasionally (rarely) jerks in low gears 1st or 2nd, but not a big deal. It rides great on highway. I have the 4 cylinder, so its not super quick, but it gets up to speeds fine and doesnt feel bogged down except for maybe when you stop and start a lot in city with AC running. I would have gotten the 3.6L if it was my only car, but it was a second car I bought to use as a daily driver. The 2.4L is fine for me. The looks, features and interior are good for the price. I dont know why people have trouble getting in, Im 62" and I dont struggle at all. The only interior rattle Ive had is from the sunglasses holder, which I fixed with a piece of stick on vinyl to eliminate the plastic on plastic rubbing that was occurring. If you want to compare it to a luxury sedan, yeah, its going to lose. Its also half the price and still performs great for a daily car. I purchased mine with serious rebates, so I paid only about 2/3 of sticker price, so Im very happy with it. I have leather, heated seats, cruise, rear camera, blue tooth, touchscreen, usb, power seats an much more for under $20K. I also own a mint condition 2008 CTS, yet I dont feel like Im slumming when I drive my 200. I think Chrysler is making a mistake discontinuing these. My wife drives a loaded Chrysler Town & Country that has had several issues, but the 200 has been problem free. I have no plans on getting rid of it as it looks and rides like new.

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  An accurate review from an OWNER - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By Ernie - October 4 - 6:22 pm

  my credit is not good and it was hard finding a used car that was in great shape. After 5 hrs I was ready to give up. Then they bring out this 2016 black chrysler 200 with 10k miles. I drove it and LOVED the experience. I was approved and because they used the same bank as the one I financed my ford in, I was able to get it with NOTHING down. Ive had it for 3 months now and I have to say, I LOVE this car. FIRST the drive... I sometimes think my car is off when Im waiting at a light because its very quiet but it roars if you mash the gas peddle. Its such a smooth drive and the seats are comfortable. Sometimes my wife drives it and I end up falling asleep. The gas mileage is okay. I just tried ethanol e85 gas after I found out it can take it. Needless to say the milage is much better and the gas is cheaper! Inside the car is great too. Volume and station control are behind the wheel. USB ports, cup holder that slides and reveals a hidden compartment aka STASH SPOT, LOL. Love the touchscreen and my xm/sirus radio. Climate control is amazing as well. Other than the gas which now is better with e85, I cant think of anything that I DONT like about the car. Beautiful headlights and a beautiful body, I get compliments about my car. I read some reviews and laughed. A guy said he was 510 and heavy and it was hard for him to get in and out the car? Im 511 240 lbs and I have no problem. Maybe is seat was to high, and you can change the elevation of the driver seat..some ppl dont care to look at these details and judge it. YOU have to own a car, not rent it, to get a review that is worth reading. I mean, like others have said,I see this car everywhere. if it was a lemon or a bad car,we wouldnt be seeing them a lot.

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  Solid car - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Phil F - October 3 - 5:34 am

  Ride and comfort are good. Still some kinks to be worked out with the surround view camera and automatic lift gate opening height is not adjustable.

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  Going Home in Style - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RetroMan - October 1 - 6:16 pm

  I was hooked on the style of the PT even before it came out so I guess I was pre-sold. But it took me 6 years to get one since I needed the size my old Mopar van had. Now I have my PT and I love it! Sure, its a base sedan with just an automatic and A/C but it has all the toys I need and corners sharp and my teen-age grandson thinks its "cool". Im a "husky" six-footer who finds the headroom generous and the legroom more than adequate and can reach all the window/stereo/HVAC controls without stretching. Gripes? Well, it could get better mileage but it weighs 3100 lbs (a Z-06 Vette is only 700lbs more!). It reminds me of my old PV544 Volvo: same handy size, same old-time looks, same swagger!

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  The whole truth and nothing but... - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By susieqt - September 30 - 4:56 pm

  Ok so here is the truth about my 2007 convertible pt cruiser base model black. I bought the car brand new in 2007 and just recently traded it for a Nissan Maxima ONLY because my family complained we needed more space. I loved the car and wish I could have kept it too! pros: fun, cute, no mechanical issues ever cons: not much room inside, bad on gas.. i did have a tear in my carpet which is odd it was barely driven... and my visor broke off one morning just simply opening it, guess the plastic was cold. For the price its an fantastic little car! I bought it at 27 years old and was so much fun. Now it was to hold my son and husband... just not enuff space.. but I will miss the "turtle"

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RUSGC - September 30 - 10:23 am

  The car was bought to be my wifes toy. My toy is an 84 Porsche 911. Im not going to say this is close to a Porsche, but it is a lot of fun and a real head turner, guys and gals, and it gets lots of looks and questions. Weve driven it on two trips, 1500 miles and 2800 miles..great trip car, very comfortable, GREAT performance from the turbo engine, very comfortable with top down. At Interstate speeds, we can converse at normal voice levels, and hear the radio/cd player, which, by the way,is easy to use and has good sound quality.

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  No. No, no, no. - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By Lewis - September 29 - 12:10 pm

  I rented this machine for a week while visiting wine country (Napa/Sonoma) and was so glad to be rid of it. (Note: be careful when renting a car that says something like "Toyota Camry or similar" - the "or similar" may be a Chrysler 200) The drivers seat took two days to put into a quasi-comfortable position. The grip to enable the driver to close the door was virtually unreachable, requiring you to nearly get out of the car to reach it. Worse, there seemed to be no way to turn off the radio, only mute it. This became problematic when Id paired my phone to the entertainment system - the radio had to be on for me to hear my phones GPS directions, but they were drowned out by whatever station the radio was on. And the radio (as well as the AC) came on as soon as I started the car, no matter how I tried to defeat it. The most incredible thing about this rolling disaster film was the transmission. It was beyond automatic; it was undecided. The car seemed to vacillate as to which gear it most preferred when going up a hill, shifting from low to another gear to another and back to low in a sort of random, capricious style similar to when our then-teenage daughters chose which lipstick to wear. Worst of all, the transmission is controlled by a knob on the center console. A knob! And right next to the transmission knob is another knob that controls the fan speed. It was quite easy to turn the fan up or down and instead turn the transmission knob. Im confident the designer of the car is named "Sparky."

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  A realistic rating - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By The YARDI Guy - September 27 - 9:10 pm

  My first review wasnt posted, so heres a more informed and probably more realistic review than my first. This car is a street-legal version of the bumper car you find on the carnival midway. That said, I like it very much - too much to subject it to a supermarket parking lot or a recently oiled and sanded road. But, honestly, a four-banger automatic is not a "10" in performance. And 20/26 MPG is mediocre at best. It IS tops for fun, especially the "hey, look at me - I bet you wish you were driving under the sun in this than "couped-up" (thats a pun, not a misspell) in that Lexus" smile I wear when Im behind the wheel. I even like stoplights so I can give them all a good look-see!