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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  Detroit to Key West to Spokane - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By anniebelene - February 29 - 12:03 pm

  I bought Petey the end of April and in mid-May left metro Detroit for the south end of I-75 by way of stops in Cumberland Falls Kentucky, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Columbus Georgia, Ft Meyers Florida, Key West Florida, St Augustine Florida, Lexington Kentucky and back home. Petey handled like a dream! She was tight on the corners and surefooted in the mountains. She took Daytona Beach very well. The top functioned perfectly. In June Petey and I and a Victrola in the back seat set out for Spokane. Again I couldnt ask for better preformance. Gas mileage varied from 20-25 mpg depending on top up, top down, mountains or plains. Shes quiet both inside and out. Shes a traffic stopper!

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  Lovin it! - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By molly - February 29 - 4:06 am

  Have thoroughly enjoyed the PT Cruiser! Also have enjoyed the comraderie of the PT Cruiser Clubs - they were an unexpected bonus.

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  Its hott, but under powered. - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Fire_Phil - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is beautiful in every way, the lines are sexy the interior is sexy, but its not a sports car. It looks like one, but needs more power. 215hp for a 3000 lb car is not a sports car, but more like a bloated fish. If you want style go grab it, if you want performance look elsewhere or buy a nitrous tank.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By wbb - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my company car and it has been a great vehicle.

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  Fantastic - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Chris - February 27 - 11:03 pm

  In over 25 years I have never purchased a new car until this one. One test drive and I simply couldnt wait a year for one to show up at CarMax. Pull up the specs on a 545, an XJR, a Caymen S...heck, check out a $170k DB9. The SRT takes them all on (with my 62" wife sitting comfortably in the backseat - try that in a BMW) and costs 50% less besides. Ive not figured out, and may never use, 1/3 of the features they packed into this thing but thats OK. Its the perfect car for those who need a practical daily commuter / family hauler but still recall wistfully the mustang/camero/whatever they had in high school. This car is so much fun, Im not sure why anyone would buy anything else.

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  Troublesome PT! - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Chris - February 27 - 12:30 pm

  We purchased our 2004 PT (new) in Feb 2005. We are currently at 64K miles & are not happy campers. We have had 4 service calls for engine jerking when starting the car. Dealership did a tune up and changed spark plugs the first time. Back to the dealership 21 days later (same problem), changed the spark plug wires (warranty). Back again 45 days later because of defect with the new spark plug wires (warranty). Now we are back again, but we are out of warranty. We had to replace the tires at 30K miles. We were told (by the Goodyear location) that the back end is out of alignment (from the factory) and cannot be fixed. We have 2 Hyundais with +160K and have never had service issues!

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  PT - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By KA - February 26 - 10:10 am

  The PT Cruiser is a fun all around car, except for the suspension it could be a little tighter.

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  Nice touring car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Waldo30101 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car for my wife who wanted something luxurious but taller sitting seat wise. We have taken two trips, one over a thousand miles round trip and were comfortable the whole way. It could use more power but it had no problem cruising at above legal speeds up hills and valleys. Our previous car had a 5 speed transmission which I think would have helped this engine. We receive a lot of stares and positive comments about the car. Everyone seems to like it. Especially mini van owners.

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  In love with my PT - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dbalser - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I had admired the PT for quite a while, but I was reluctant to get into a high car payment and I always drove Japanese cars in the past, so I was reluctant to change. I decided to go and test drive a PT thinking that I would either love it or hate it, but at least I would know if I really wanted one enough to take on another car payment. Once I sat down in the drivers seat I was sold. We purchased that very PT the same day! I realize that I was maybe a little bit too spontaneous, but after 9 months of driving the PT, I know that it was a good decision. I have no regrets and now I am trying to convince my Mom to buy one!

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  I love this car. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By xetamarie - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great for long tips, it is so comfortable with lots of leg room. Cruise control was great for the highway driving. Ive been for long trips in other vehicles and came out being cramped and sore. In the Sebring I was able to be relaxed and experience no cramping. This vehicle can handle curves in the road very well. Before the Sebring all of my family drove Fords. I was the first one to venture away from a Ford and I am so glad that i did. I look forward to buying another Chrylser in the future.