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:

• 

  bad problems - 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
  By vipcrunked - January 17 - 12:18 pm

  their a po300 problem that no one can fix i replaced the following distributor, cap, rotor, egr, vac leaks, spark plug, plug wire, fuel pump, and still says po 300 dealers cant figure it out 6 garges cant figure it out and the funny thing is it run great and always has $2,500 later

• 

  Great car so far - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By HawkeyeScott - January 16 - 7:48 pm

  We bought ours just before we started our family. Weve now had it for 2 1/2 years and its only been back to the dealership for free car washes. (Knock on wood.) Lots of room for 4. Very back seat small. Nice riding. Easily the fanciest car weve owned. After safety, reliability is the #1 concern for me. This car has been tremendous in that department. Nothing but oil changes for the first 30 months. Gas mileage isnt great but it is big and safe. The FWD does sometimes make me feel like I am holding on to the steering wheel for dear life, esp. when accelerating quickly while turning. I am sorry to those who have had trouble but I just havent had one issue.

• 

  Poor Gas Mileage - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By duneriders - January 16 - 4:52 pm

  This car is roomy inside for a family of 4. I could only fit 2 carseats in the back seat, so if you have more than 2 children, I wouldnt suggest buying. It has a lot of space in the rear cargo area, it is enough to fit, stroller, play yard, and luggage and still have room to spare. It didnt get the 17 in town and 23 on freeway that I expected, I only got 14 in town and 20 on freeway, and I am not a fast speedy driver.

• 

  Fun - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Emily - January 14 - 9:57 pm

  I wanted a convertible with a back seat, and this was one that I could afford! I really do love this car... its so much fun to drive around with the top down in the summertime, but Ive also had no issues driving in several inches of snow. I had a small leak repaired by the front window shortly after purchasing, and have had no other issues. I have the smaller engine - not a ton of power, but still enough for me. Im really happy with this purchase.

• 

  happy BUT..... - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sara - January 14 - 6:58 pm

  I bought this car used from Car Maxx and it started out pretty good. Had to replace the brakes, etc. and then the gear shift mechanism just snapped leaving me stranded. Now I seem to have a wiring issue so I have no power outlets and they cant find the problem. Now I have to replace the pulleys for the serpentine belt. I really like the car, its fun, great looking, great air, good stereo system and is comfortable to drive anywhere. Just unusual things go wrong and I didnt purchase an extended warranty due to financial issues at the time. Next time I will and I would buy this car again. My mom owns a 2008 Sebring.

• 

  I know why they really quit making these - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By Travis - January 13 - 11:38 am

  I have only put on 2000 miles on this and its been to the shop twice. And still has problems. Wont start all the time. Engine light is one, sometimes flashes (that means there is something seriously wrong and not to drive it). The ignition light flashes, going back to the shop tomorrow. Only goes 35 mph right now. My navigation system is broken again. It lasted two days. The dealership says there is nothing wrong. But then I get it and it wont start. There is not much leg room in the second row. No cargo space. If you travel you need a luggage carrier. If it didne keep breaking down I would love it, but there is always something wrong. I only have 2000 miles on it.

• 

  Good Car For The Price - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Patrick - January 12 - 7:04 pm

  All I can say is, "So far, so good!" I purchased my Sebring used with about 69,000 miles on it and I can say that I have had no problems with it. Shifts well, great gas mileage (I have actually calculated it consistently at 32 mpg on the highway), and very sporty styling. The 4 cylinder does feel a little underpowered... I wish I had the six after driving for awhile. I would sacrifice some fuel economy for a little more horsepower. Not a lot of fluff. If you need a large passenger compartment, but want some fuel economy this is a good car to consider. Im happy with it overall.

• 

  Great Value and Dependability - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Reno Rider - January 11 - 10:21 pm

  Good value! 2.4L Touring. Purchased new and 32K miles later it performs well. Routinely driven on mountain roads, it handles well. Millage ranges lowest 17-highest 38. Typ 19 - 26 Reasonable power. Mechanically, the 2.4l engine offers excellent accessibility in the engine compartment, better than my first car - a 1959 Chevy. Easy to change oil and spark plugs. All major engine components and accessories easy to inspect. Dealers addressed minor quality issues, defective door window regulator, leaking seal on transaxel, 3 instances of stalling corrected by dealer based on a service bulletin. The body style is not appealing but its good safe and efficient trans portion.

• 

  Nice to look at, frustrating to drive - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Unhappy customer - January 11 - 7:22 am

  I bought a 2008 brand new after trading in my 2001 Dodge Durango, which was bought new. I was told the Aspen was a step up. WRONG. At 22k miles it started making this loud churning/humming noise. Dealer made me buy new tires. Didnt resolve the issue. They have replaced everything that rotates and spins from drive shaft, trainy, front end, rear end .. now the steering wheel vibrates. I have never had as many issues with a vehicle than I have with this. My Durango was in the shop once for a recall. I wish I had that SUV back!

• 

  Great car, going to miss it - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BV - January 10 - 4:09 pm

  This car saved my wife and daughter in a high speed side impact. Our 2007 was a nice vehicle, rode great and we put over 60,000 miles on it between early 2007 and Jan. 4th 2010. We have 3 kids and with a roof bag, we vacationed and drove in style and comfort all over. Problems were limited to a few warning lights which the dealer promptly fixed. We liked the way it drove and the space. The look was "spot-on" for us too. Power was good, fuel economy was fine but not great, and shifting was a little odd sometimes but not bothersome (some people over-react to that). We were so impressed by its safety and features - we bought another 2007 Limited used one to replace it.