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:

• 

  Just drive it. - 2015 Chrysler 200
  By Middleaged Professional - September 4 - 10:49 pm

  The Chrysler 200 is a step above its competition, especially at this price point. It’s smooth, stylish, elegant and well-engineered from every aspect inside and out. My impression is that it is quiet, efficient and a genuine joy to drive. Being frugal, I drive my vehicles for a long time before replacing them and bought one immediately after a test drive. I encourage anyone considering a luxurious, fuel efficient classy sedan to simply drive one before passing judgement based on the oddly conflicting reviews (some rave about aspects that others claim to be abysmal) I’ve read or seen here and other places after buying mine. As for my perspective, I’m a 6’, 200 lb, 40 something professional ($100K+ annual salary) with a graduate degree and most of my family and friends are in the same socio-economic circle. Myself, family and friends have all own, drive or at least ride in sedans ranging from Cadillacs, Mercedes, Buicks and Chryslers to Fords, Chevys, Dodges, Subarus, Kias and Hondas. Some are brand loyal to a fault and I don’t begrudge them for it. This is despite the many issues they’ve all experienced privately but don’t speak of openly and certainly don’t write on-line. Things like serious suspension issues with Cadillacs to catastrophic transmission, engine and electrical failures with Hondas, Mercedes, Subarus and Toyotas. It’s as though all a dealer or manufacture has to do is call the repair/replacement a “service update” to satisfy them their car is still the best. Besides, who cares that most of them are dissatisfied with or can’t figure out how to use their navigation systems and electronic interfaces with their smart phones which are designed to make life easier. FYI – those interfaces all work flawlessly in the Chrysler 200 in my experience so far. Since buying it, I have heard or read criticisms ranging from poor quality manufacturing (panel gaps? I’ve seen far worse in Hondas) and materials, to tight, uncomfortable interiors (one was a ridiculous clown like attempt to fold themselves into the same back seat I can effortlessly get into, out of and ride in comfortably), a ride so bad you couldn’t stand in it for more than 30 minutes before needing an ambulance rescue and even a claim of dangerous handling characteristics. I think if you just drive one and judge it for yourself based on the merits of your own impressions that you’ll be pleasantly surprised and may buy one, just like I did.

• 

  Classy and Sassy!!! - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By Ken Grosvenor - September 4 - 12:37 pm

  If you are looking for performance check out the AWD 6 200S. You wont be disappointed.

• 

  Only the tires - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Erica - September 2 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my Crossfire for 5 months and I love it. It is a head turner,has much more spead than the SUV that I kept for the kids, and is a joy to drive. I have the Aero Blue and there arent many on the road. There are only 2 things that I dont like. 1-The tires that come with the car are prone to leaks and there is no spare and replacements cost about $1,200. 2-There is only 1 cup holder and it pops up when you rest your elbow on the center console. However--I would buy this car 10xs over if given the choice. Love it

• 

  our pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By heathr26 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The two complaints I have about my pacifica is the huge blind spot and the very small glove box. I find it difficult to back up and change lanes when driving and the glove box is so small, I have difficulty getting my owners manual into it.

• 

  The Pacifica is the best - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kim8669 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I get excited everytime I walk toward this vehicle, it is perfect for a person on the go with a family. I love the luxury of its interior and smoothe ride.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bopps - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased Easy to drive - all items at finger tips and easy to reach.

• 

  Thank God - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Thomas Cole - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent safety rating - Saved our lives when my wife and I flipped it on the interstate after being hit twice by another driver. The ironic part of this story is that 3 days prior we traded in a convertible. The people who helped us out of the car were amazed we were not seriously injured (so were we for that matter). I completely reccommend the Pacifica - not only does it have the Mercedes chassy but it has got to be one of the safest cars on the road. We now own our second Pacifica.

• 

  Torquey but problematic - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By lsimy - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine slightly used from a Chrysler dealer. Two weeks in, I had to have the tranny completely rebuilt and a PCM swapped out.

• 

  Fun car to drive - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Russell Wells - August 27 - 10:06 am

  This car is a roomy and a fun car to drive. My wife and I just love it.And I will buy a nother one.

• 

  Good car overall. - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Spencer - August 27 - 7:53 am

  I have had the car for almost a year now and am happy overall with the car. It has good power with the turbo, but the engine is a little loud under hard power. I have had a 2001 limited PT and a 2005 Convertible base. They all have been great cars, but the non-turbos have no power. The interiors on the 2001 and 2005 are far better then the 2006. The seats are notas good and the fit and finish is not as good on the 2006. Winter traction is very poor, but it is fwd. The headrests of the 2006 are very poor as well. Reliability has been very good on all the cars. The GT rides a little ruff, but handles well. The Turbo is quick, but nothing great. I have a 2006 Mini Cooper S which is faster