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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  Sebring convertibles a nice ride - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By BLSolberg - March 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car that turns heads and is fun to drive. Power is smooth, handling is secure and ride is compliant.

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  OK for what I paid for it. - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Rwiggler - March 5 - 2:46 pm

  Bought this one used with low mileage. It has been ok transportation but has had several costly repairs including AC fan at 40,000, fuel injectors at 40,000. We all know about the lack luster gas mileage and performance. It is roomy though and what do you want for $11,000.

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  Would be great if it had a real engine. - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jwilson - March 5 - 10:00 am

  The PT Cruiser is just too heavy for 150hp and 146ft/lbs of torque. Chrysler also needs to address the drivability issues caused by turning the AC on. A car in this day and age that labors over its AC compressor is just not acceptable. Otherwise, a cool, well-built car.

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  Better than my Mercedes... - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Will Nelms - March 2 - 9:49 pm

  UPDATE-Owned car for 13 month-13,700 miles. Only to the dealer once for routine service, cost free. Being a Limited with every electronic and an early build of a new model, I had thought I would have some issues but NONE! I found this to be a considerable upgrade from my Mercedes GL450. The Chrysler is quieter, rides better, designed better, the front seats more comfortable & more leg room than the MB. One thing I dont like, the wheel tilts but does not telescope. I am tall and like the seat all the way back, and would like to bring the steering wheel back towards me. A minor gripe. I bought the limited with every option. I was very pleasantly surprised by gas mileage. I drive usually at 79 mph on the Interstate and the highway mileage was just under 28mpg. The dash and electronics are laid our very well it is almost a full tablet. Be careful of dstraction. I am most impressed by the radar cruise control. I have had it on other cars but it was too abrupt and I would not use it. Chrysler nailed it on this car. I now use it almost every time I drive even in town. It works great in heavy stop and go traffic and you do not have to touch the brake or gas from 70 to zero and back to 70. It has 3 settings, I have only used medium and it works perfect for me, smooth on stopping or starting and just about the right distance from the car in front of you. Unlike another car, it does not sense the car next to you and make adjustments in error. It also works well in the fast lane on the interstate, as the speed often in traffic flucuates +/- 10mph and you cannot use normal cruise control. The car pegs it and made my long trips far less tiring. Anyone in the 2nd row loves the rear touch screen tablets.. We were driving in 100 degree heat and the car kept very cool very easy, the rear has pull down shades in addition to deep tint. Another safety feature on the car, is lane assist, it will physically keep you in your lane in medium or high setting, but senses if you take your hands off the wheel. I assume they do not want one using it with radar cruise as the car would be driving itself. I prefer the low or light setting, so I get a gentle nudge if driting out of my lane. Even with the active system off, the blind spot warning with a light on your mirror and an audible warning alerts you of a car in your blind spot and the lane assist nudges you to stay in your lane. Another feature that impressed me, was the camera system. You have the standard backup camera that can be switched into a 180 degree mode where you can see cars or people approaching from the side when backing. It also has a front camera but what really impressed me was the 360 degree camera that gives you the view that you would see from a satellite looking down at your car. It is some type of virtual reality and even shows the color of the cars around you. This car has the automatic parking system for both parallel parking and backing into a parking spot. Both work well. I have the upgraded stereo with 19 speakers, you could not get better sound. Having all seats fold into the floor is a great feature. The limited comes with a huge sun roof, almost the entire roof of the car is glass. I do not use it and think it adds heat and would order without it. It also has roof rails that fold into the roof when not needed, making the car more air efficient and sleeker. It comes with 3 high tech keys. Each can be set for different drivers, you can even limit the speed of the car by programming the key. The Nav system is the best I have owned & with the Sat radio comes with live traffic updates and live weather radar and all kind of aps you can access from the car. This car has the vacuum and with it you give up the compact spare which imo is worthless anyway. This car is designed for road trips, I already bought a matching full size spare for when going out of town. If I have a flat I want to change the tire and continue my trip, not be forced to try and find a matching tire. If the spare takes up too much space, just buy a streamlined thule cargo box for the roof. I think this is the best car I have owned and I have owned 100s literally. I am a car nut and Chrysler hit a Grand Slam with this car. I like it better after a year and 3 long trips. A Flawless car so far.

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  Another Chrysler Turb-woe - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kms - March 2 - 1:06 pm

  Unfortunately, we purchased this car when it was on Consumer Reports "Best Bets" list. One year later this specific model is on the "Worst". We have had a major engine overhaul and replace numerous sensors. The 17" rims and tires have been another expensive problem. The paint and finish is the worst I have seen in my 35 years of driving. If this is the kind of product the American taxpayer is supposed to save Chrysler for then let them fold!

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  Nice car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bernadette B - March 2 - 7:13 am

  I didnt want a mini. This is the next best thing. Can still carry 6 if I need to. I enjoy driving it and like the way it looks, sort of like the Mercedes they just came out with, but there are a few issues that should have been addressed with the 2005 model.

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  First Roadster in Dallas! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By thomasrayw - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I got my dealers first Roadster and I love it! The exterior styling is awesome, and is fun all around. The look with the top down is classic and clean. The convertible top is done much better than the Viper which is twice the price. Nice gauges and quality sound system. I would like more horsepower though. At 215hp, its less than Im accustomed to in my Cadillac CTS (also a fabulous car!). Speed lines on the hood are a great touch, as well as the 18" front and 19" rear wheels. Better rear visibility with the top up than the coupe version of this car. Great trunk space with the top up, and plenty of room for groceries with the top down.

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  IZZLES C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Izzle - March 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AMAZING!!! I LOVE IT!!!

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  Stalls While Driving - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Heather Moraitis - February 27 - 10:10 pm

  I have had this car for 2 months and it stalls while I am driving. The power steering freezes and I cannot maneuver the car. It has happened around town and while I was on the interstate. I am fortunate I have not been seriously injured along with my 2 children. The dealership cannot identify the problem and therefore says that nothing is wrong. I am taking steps towards filing a lemon law complaint. I am trying to get help from Chrysler, but the customer service representative told me there is nothing they can do unless they can determine the problem.

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  # fifteen is # one! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By AK Peppard - February 27 - 1:33 am

  Purchased my first new Chrysler in 1965. Between then and now I have had two Pontiacs, three Fords and fourteen more Chryslers. My present 2006 is clearly the overall winner.