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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  Fun and Classy! - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Cruiser - June 3 - 6:16 am

  This car is comfortable, easy to drive and has a solid feel. I love it. It appeals to young and old alike. I am glad I made the purchase. Highly recommend

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  Never thought Id own a Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By myataman - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I saw the Pacifica while on a nothing to do on Saruraday trip through the local dealership. Interesting design I thought. After a test drive and some research I was sold. I have owned and rented many cars in my time and this is the best vehicle I have driven. I have had it for 10 months and still get that "cant wait to drive it" feeling.

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  Plum Wonder - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Sharon B - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Drove 800 miles 1 week after getting, was as comfortable as my bigger jeep. People comment on how much they love it everytime l take it on the road. Everyone says WOW. I have the plum convertible and I love the color. It looks it looks a lot more expensive than it was.

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  Sexy Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By ArN - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. ITs incridble. Its so fast and comfortable. nice ride sporty looks and i love the rain sensing wipers.

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  beautiful machine! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By drwatson6480 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I have a late model jag XJ8 that cant measure up to this vehicle! The performance and comfort are just extremely impressing!

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  Too Many problems - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By A Mechanics review - June 1 - 8:30 am

  Great looking but very poor, quality and reliability. This car has been in the shop more times in two years than all my other cars combined. Recirc vent door will not stay closed, head gasket leak at 300 miles, transmission rebuilt at 31,000 miles. Now the CV joint is slinging axle grease. I bought this car new because of the reviews Ive read hear, big mistake. People are too enamored with the styling and ignoring Chryslers poor quality control. Do yourself a favor and spend a little more for a car with a better track record.

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  This car stinks - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Billysandiego - May 30 - 6:13 am

  I downsized from my F-150 hoping to save on gas mileage, so far, not that great. But the upside is that as currently it stands the radio turns on and off when it feels like it. Only my right front blinker works. My battery dies if you leave the radio on(when it decides to work) for more that 5 minutes. The 12 volt plug in the center console doesnt work. The airbag light comes on just for fun. The automatic door opener in the back works when it feels like it. Im just waiting to see what else on this car falls apart. But I like the interior design. Oh and yeah water does stain the seats. Thank God I live in San Diego where it doesnt rain that much.

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  new car not the same as all the rest - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Truff - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a car that didnt look like a box and all the Japanese cars I have been driving for the last 17 years. The cost was also a factor. The styling of the Sebring, the features, the performance and the gas mileage were all factors in my decision. So far I am not disappointed. I would recommend the touring model be considered. Some books call it LXI which is confusing. The car has no model marking, the VIN is LXI. Check it out.

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  Needs Help - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By DA34 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  While I have not had engine trouble, there have been a host of other glitches. Everything from faulty gas gauge,power top motor failing to various parts on the body coming loose. I like this car but I think Chrysler needs to improve build quality.

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  Wild Thing - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Wilder Thing - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought at the beach and first thing we did was cruise PCH with the top down. One of the most memorable rides I have ever had and listening to the Beach Boys too. It is classic in styling, comfortable in driving, and heart rate raising in cruising. I am in love with this car.