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:

• 

  My review - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Julio Diaz - March 22 - 9:11 pm

  Id been with my car barely a month, but it had been an incredible experience. The ride, the interior comfort plus the looks of the car are second to none. The engine response it fantastic, plenty of power to move the big body.

• 

  Unbelievable value. - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By The Arb - March 19 - 7:19 pm

  With all the discounts now offered this car is an unblievable bargain. There are many improvements over the 2007 300C which I returned after a 27 month lease. This car I bought, paying 0% financing for 36 months, with nothing down. The beauty of this car, plus the inferno red color I have, is still a head turner, even though the car first appeared in 2005. From 1995 to 2007 I leased a Cadillac STS every 2 years (6 cars). A Chrysler 300C, with options, surpasses Cadillac in every way looks, power, performance, and most all, price. Regarding fuel economy, you cant expect a large heavy V8 to be fuel efficient.

• 

  Most bang for your buck - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BeachDriver - March 16 - 6:29 pm

  After hours of internet research and days of test driving vehicles, I finally purchased the Pacifica. Im so happy with this crossover, or is it a small minivan? Nobody really knows what to call it, but I call it awesome! Its so luxurious, sometimes I forget Im not driving a high end sedan. It rides smooth, my 3 kids fit in it comfortably as well as my husband and I with room for our baggage. Posh extras like 1st and 2nd row heated seats make it truly the best bang for your buck. The only con I can think of is its hard to see the lower part of the road clearly when you back up, so be sure to check behind you before you get in. I really love this car.

• 

  Owned 2 years so far - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By Tony - March 13 - 10:35 am

  I have owned my concorde limited for 2 years almost and i would have to say it has been one of the best cars i have ever owned. After 2 years and buying it used the only thing that i have had to fix is one tire from running over a nail. Unfortunately the only thing that i could complain about is the trim piece on the hood that has started to weather and the glaze has started to peel off other than that the car is great.

• 

  Wonderful Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By mae - March 13 - 10:27 am

  I love my new convertible. It has great get up and go, fully loaded, touch screen nav and radio, drink heat/cool, pleanty of room for my two teenagers in the back seat. Leather is durable for our trips to the beach and my kids clunky backpacks. Im in my mid-thirties and I get loads of compliments. Its wonderful. Great value as well.

• 

  I wish I could drive my wifes Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr. Brunkhurst - March 13 - 2:53 am

  This is my wifes ride but I wish it were mine (and Im only 38 and a car enthusiast!). I am very pleased with our Pacifica (and I thought Id never buy a Chrysler). Since I bought in July 04, I was able to get what I think was a very good deal with rebates and dealer discount. The ride is sporty yet comfortable. The car in silver with Chrome wheels looks great. The AWD really helps when the roads are wet (cant wait for snow) and the Michelin tires are awesome. So far, I am very happy with the vehicle except for tyring to back it up in the dark. The back-up lights are miserably underpowered.

• 

  We love it - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Retired - March 12 - 9:01 pm

  Replaced a 2006 3.5 4 spd with this 2008 4.0 6 spd. 06 had a transmission problem that could not be fixed before we had to travel. What a difference. Must faster from the light, better milage on the highway but about the same mpg here in the Arkansas mountain community. Did replace air filter with K&N and use synthetic oil. Rides and drives better than any vehicle we have owned. Can drive 800 miles a day with no problem. Sorry theyre going to discontinue. Guess with the bumper to bumper lifetime warranty well drive it until it wont go.

• 

  Awesome car!!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Aldo - March 12 - 1:43 am

  Best car I have ever driven. It is fast beyond belief, handles and stops like a true sports car, and can carry 5 people in absolute comfort. The engine growls like music. Feels solid and fit and finish is remarkable. The suspension is firm yet comfortable. Such an attention getter: turns heads wherever I go, people walk over and ask me about it.

• 

  No Complaints Here - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Zippin Around - March 11 - 7:50 pm

  The P.T. Cruiser is a sharp looking vehicle. Zippy & fun to drive. The comfort & cargo area are a perfect size. I am sorry I did not purchase one before. What a shame Chrysler is going to discontinue the Cruiser. I am very pleased with the purchase of this 2008.

• 

  The ragtop is back! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By kishbaugh - March 11 - 10:00 am

  No need to keep looking at expensive European convertibles. The Sebring has all the features of the Saab 930 and Volvo C70 convertibles plus room for two adults in the rear seat at half the price. From the heated seats to the dual radio steering controls this car delivers interior genius. The exterior will turn heads at every corner. The redesigned front fascia is better looking than the Ford T-bird. The cloth top is extemely quiet and well built. I have had the top down with outside temps as low as 45F with the seat warmers and heat on it was great. Test drive this car tomorrow and you will buy it!