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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  First family car - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By EZG0_N - February 5 - 5:39 pm

  I bought the car new in 2000 and have loved driving it! It now has 143K miles on it. Love the styling, performance and ride. I can get 3 car seats in back with enough (carefully packed) in the trunk for a short weekend trip. The HVAC has never works properly. There have been some problems with the dashboard blinking, radiator, driver’s window, headlamps foggy, dashboard cracked, rims leak – badly - and now some minor electrical and transmission problems. Otherwise the car is still sound, very minor rust on the door bottoms and acid rain spots. It’s going to be sad to trade it in once the 4th child arrives.

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  Its been a love/hate relationship : ) - 2001 Chrysler Concorde
  By Jesse Jane - February 5 - 5:16 pm

  Purchased with 29,000 miles - at 92,000 had to replace my engine. Although I had done oil changes regularly the engine was caked with gunk! I still owed...so I replaced it and am using premium gas and better quality oil. So far with the refurbished engine Ive put 72,000 miles on it. Other than the car just up and dying on me the one time, its been extremely reliable, starts great, still runs smooth and has been roomy enough to accommodate my growing children. The paint job still shines. When Im ready to purchase another car I will consider a Chrysler again, with a different engine.

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  At Last - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chinatown - February 4 - 9:11 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2006. It had 28,000 miles and now 56,000. There have been a few issues, but all were covered by the extended warranty I purchased from the C.U. where I secured the financing. I am 62 years old. This is the 1st car that I have owned where you actually look forward to a lengthy trip. The ride and seating are simply incredible. You will feel as fresh when it begins as when you arrive at your destination. Maybe it is the Mercedes platform and engineering. Bottom line, I will stack it up to any other crossover. It will win, hands down.

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  Was great while it lasted - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill - February 3 - 12:19 pm

  Purchased car originally in Nov 2004. First time we purchased American and was really hoping car would last 8-10 years. Had all the maintenance performed at regular intervals. In Dec 2009 check engine light came on. Apparently a TSB for engine sludge if car is mainly driven in city (as my wife has). Now car bucks and hesitates. Weve had it back multiple times and now have given up and purchasing a new one, as this is our people mover and the check engine light will not go off. Overall, the interior of the car was very nice. Seats were comfortable and material quality good, but after we had our third child, the 2/2/2 seating was a problem- although not Chryslers fault. Great while lasted..but

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  should have been better - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By larry neel - February 2 - 12:01 pm

  The car is a very pretty car. The inside looks very good. The quality of leather is very good. The gas mileage could be much better. You can use only one size tire and it cost $900.00 for a set of four. The brakes are really bad from the factory, and the ride is poor. The features on the car are really nice. The really bad part is how low it is in the front end.

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  Cost alot to own one - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By curt - February 1 - 12:25 pm

  This car costs alot to own and maintain. At 40,000 miles new tie rod ends, then again at 90,000 miles. new lateral arms, right rear axle seal leak, transmission leak, power steering leak, and several front end alignments. I was going to give this car to my Son to drive, but I wouldnt be doing him any favors there. If you have alot of money to spend keeping this car on the road, this is the one for you.

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  This Car is CRAP! - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Vania - January 31 - 11:18 pm

  I bought this car and I have never had so many problems let alone recalls on any of my cars like I have with this one. The value of this car is very low after purchase and the Fuel Mileage is Horrid I drive a lot and commute with my family. I have had this car 2years and had 4 recalls and enough problems NOT covered by the Warranty or Extended Warranty to have placed a large down payment on another car! Not to mention its body it like plastic!! If you dont get the only changed Immediately the gas mileage is Crap. I would NEVER buy this car or a Chrysler made EVER AGAIN! The customer service is great by phone and fair at the dealer that is the only good part!

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  timing chain - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By browniegirl - January 31 - 12:06 am

  Make sure you get all of your oil changes every 3000 miles. We did not know at the time of purchase that this particular engine has an internal timing chain, in the engine. They wanted to replace our engine with the 3.0L because the 2.7L has such a bad problem with this. We had to have the engine rebuilt and it was almost impossible to get parts for the timing chain assembly. Stick with a car that has a timing belt. Dont buy one with the timing chain in the engine, it only leads to a more expensive repair.

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  New Owner - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By robert - January 27 - 7:09 pm

  Just bought this about 3 weeks ago and my wife and I love it. Looking at all the reviews made me hesitant at first but once I drove it, WOW!. So far so good. Super quiet ride, great sound system, love the interior lighting! My only complaint is that I havent owned this sooner.

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  my biggest mistake - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By chigalnomore - January 25 - 1:08 pm

  I wanted a car loaded that looked good and that is what i got. Too bad the car spent more time with the mechanic that being driven. I less than 2 years repalced radiator , water pump/timing chain twice cooling fan motors, starter, numerous sensors, 3 power window motors fuel pump and engine ocntrol module. I invested 5,000 in parts and repairs on top of the 5800 i spent when i purchased it new Car has been in shop for over 8 weeks with electrical problems and i am hoping to get at least 250. as is. Will never buy a chrysler product again.