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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  The major engine problem ruins - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By Legalmanager - August 17 - 7:43 pm

  I bought the car new from dealer and had 66,000 miles on it with a near perfect maintenance record, then this past week, the check engine light came on. I was told by the dealer I would need a rebuild engine at a cost of almost $8,000. I have since learned at various web sites, this is a common problem due to the infamous 2.7 liter engine and excessive oil sludge. A second, independent repair shop indicated this is a long known problem. After buying four brand new Chrysler cars over the past 20 years, Im extremely disappointed with how they are taking care of (now-former) long term customers.

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  Quality Concerns - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MCLYDE - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Nice Looking inside and out!I was very surprised it was a Chrysler. Drives nice, handles well. I do have a concern on the build quality. Im experiencing rattles, and squeaks...something I have never experienced in the 5 yrs I had my Toyota.

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  98 Voyager - 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
  By denldoc - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Leased this vehicle for 3 years, and over that time, all I did was change the oil every 4,000 miles. Never had one mechanical or interior problem. Was my first new product from Chrysler, and my second van (my first being a 96 Ford Windstar). I liked its quality, driveability and low maintenance so much, at the end of its lease I bought another Chrysler product... The Dodge Intrepid. And Im having the same great experience with it.

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  a different car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By leith - August 14 - 3:13 am

  it is somewhat weird car. it is very good and relibale, but weird. excellent acceleration and wonderful comfort. plenty of comfort features, the seats for the driver are GREAT

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  This car is an enigma... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OnTheFence - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Talk about a love/hate relationship! Luckily the Pacifica leans more towards love than hate. Very enjoyable to drive, extremely well built (Mercedes connection really shows here). However Pacifica is not without problems. Awful fuel mileage (13 City/22 Hwy). Acceleration is..um..leisurely. Plenty of power, but poor gear ratios (forget 2nd). Performance is much better using the auto-stick to hold the gear longer. Rear visibility is in a word, DANGEROUS!. Reliabilty good so far (7500 miles) with the exception of new front wheel bearings at about 4000 miles. Conclusion: Do I like the car? Very much. Would I buy another? Doubtful.

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  Good car to own - 2001 Chrysler LHS
  By White LHS owner - August 9 - 12:14 pm

  I have owned my 2001 LHS for slightly over a year now. Bought it with less than 25,000 miles now has close to 40,000. It has been a very reliable car. My wife and I appreciate the heated seats in the winter. Much quicker car than I would have expected. My only complaint is that there is little leg room in the front however I am 67", so that is not a common concern for most people. My wife (who is a normal height) is very comfortable. As mentioned in other reviews, interior noise is more than I would like, but it is not overwhelming. All in all, a very nice, comfortable, reliable car for a cheap (used) price. I would suggest finding a low mileage, well taken care of car.

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  My first American Made Car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Carrie - August 8 - 12:16 pm

  This is my first American Made car. I love the styling, the color and the ride. I am VERY disappointed in the gas mileage however. I was told by my dealership and by most websites that this car would get an average of 30+ mpg, its a 4-cylinder so why wouldnt it??? Mine averages 17-19 in the city and 23-25 on the highway and this is when I am actively trying to keep my mileage down...no idle, coasting when I am able, avoiding accelerating. This is unacceptable and it would have prevented me from buying this car had I been told the actual numbers. American automakers have got to get fuel economy in check if they want to compete. I will be going back to Japanese on my next car purchase.

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  fun to own - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By karl - August 7 - 10:40 am

  i have really enjoyed my 2006 cruiser the 2nd month after i bought it i hit and killed 2 deer while going 40mph the only damage was it knocked out the black plastic in the front bumper and cracked the clearcoat on the bumper. i get around 22-23 mpg and i have an k&n airfilter in the airbox. the a/cdoes ok but when you switch it to recirculate it does very good. i do recommend a bra for this car because of the front design, bugs love to hit it. the seats inside are very firm that is a minor drawback, lots of room inside also

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  Blue Velvet - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By MBB - August 7 - 4:10 am

  No problems at all...flawless except for lack of power in some situations.

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  Great Minivan - 2000 Chrysler Voyager
  By Daigs - August 5 - 12:29 pm

  For an entry level minivan, I wasnt expecting much at all. The ride on the Voyager is pretty darn good. Acceleration is smooth and peppy. Ive also had no problems whatsoever. Its been extremely reliable!