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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  2004 Chrysler Sebring LX 2.4 DOHC - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Brian - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my sebring used in 2008 it had 47,000 miles on it. I must say I love my sebring. There is some reoccurring reviews saying bad things about this car. But the truth is the 2.7l Chrysler engines are junk they blow up. if you have a 2.4 or a 3.0 youll not have a problem. stay away from 2.7l Chrysler motors. The only thing i did to this car because I had to was replace the tires and brakes but only because of normal wear.

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  Look out for front end issues - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By stan - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My car has 40k on it. Unfortunately, my front end feels loose and rattles and squeaks. my research shows that about $1000.00 fixes it and it will come back again in about 20k miles. Due to a poor design and heavy front end

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  2 Transmissions Later - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chris - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a used car dealership and had to replace the transmission after 6 months and at less than 60,000 miles. This car must have been in an accident because I was replacing wheel bearings and front tie rod ends frequently (bearings once/yr). When I sold it the car had coolant leaking into the engine, transmission fluid leaking, and the transmission was dying for the second time. I drove a lot of miles on it, but always had the regular maintenance performed. Chryslers are known for their transmission issues and front end problems, which is exactly what I had. I will never buy a Chrysler again.

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  Worst Car ever - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kiss it goodbye - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have never had more problems with one car in my life. It only had 32,000 miles when I purchased it and now only 73,000 3 years later. Constantly in the shop for tie Rods and ends mostly the right side. Also blew freeze plugs and ac out twice, fuel pump went out and left me stranded. Front passenger seat almost threw my passenger thru the window due to cam not matching for seat. You name it and it has happened. I would never recommend anyone buy this car. I also paid only $10,000 and got 3 years extended warranty. I have only 800 miles till it runs out. It is in the shop as we speak. I have acquired gastritis and ulcers from this car and no health insurance cost thousands for med

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  Disappointed to say the least - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By BL Elliott - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I saved for months to buy this car. I loved the room in the back seat and trunk area is HUGE! Loved the streamline look of the car with leather and a sunroof. Then it started. A/C failed, power windows failed, rubber seals around the doors were falling off every time I opened the door, and dont dare take it to a car wash. And if that wasnt bad enough, the 2.7 engine started to "tick". Come to find out that this engine is famous for SLUDGE. It gets trapped in the top of the engine and kills the horsepower and overall performance of the car. Very disappointed in this "American" car. Makes me sad to know I might have to buy a foreign car to get some reliability. Its just sad.

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  51,000 miles and lots of problems - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Jaras500 - September 2 - 9:22 am

  I bought the Cirrus two months ago and already Ive had to fork over almost $700 in repairs. The car looks nice and the inside is beautiful but thats about it. The car wont start when its hot outside or if it rained the night before. I am having a tuneup done on it to see if that will fix the problem but Im not getting my hopes up. The parts for this car are very expensive and you have to take out the entire engine just to get a tuneup done. Stay far away from this bucket of junk and buy a Toyota Corolla or Chevy Prizm. At least with them you wont be stranded in a parking lot in 90 degree weather or pouring rain.

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  Worst car ever - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By the worst car ever - August 21 - 7:10 am

  I bought this car in October 2004 thinking wow this car looks so nice. And needles to say, it only looks nice. Ever since I purchased this car my bank account has dropped drastically. Front end changed 2, motor oil magically disappearing, rear cross member completely shot, this creating a nice 5k bill not including the new back tires. Front suspensions changed 4 times, Rack and pinion change both sides over 4 times. Now that I only owe one month to the bank, I will be selling the money pit. Hey I just purchase the 2010 Hyundai Genesis with their 100k millage warranty and 10 years. wow I love this Car, check it out

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  Impressive Looks Poor Engine - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By malviv - August 16 - 5:35 pm

  This vehicle has a history of engine oil consumption. I would strongly encourage any prospective buyer to completely research this before making a purchase. A nice car with a bad engine doesnt make for a good investment.

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  Stay away from 2.7L V6 engine! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sandi - August 8 - 1:57 am

  I bought this car new and always liked the styling, the features, and the ride. I had very few problems with this care until it hit 60,000 miles. I started having problems with the engine and discovered: Oil Sludge! I learned through Internet research the 2.7 L V6 engine in this car was known for developing oil sludge, coolant leaks, catastrophic failure due to poor design. At 67,000 miles, Ive replaced water pump, water inlet housing, and still have coolant leaking into the engine. Im guessing its the gaskets.

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  Worst Car I Ever Owned - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Marilyn W - July 15 - 7:12 pm

  Bought car in 2004 with less than 12,000 miles - had problems ever since - I drive less than 50 miles per month. Power windows broken and replaced fumes inside car when starting ac/heater only works on high alternator being replaced now waiting for entire engine to go - I love the look of this car but it is not worth all the repair bills. Now engine making "funny noise" - I hope it isnt expensive to fix - on disability and cant afford it anymore. Chrysler should be ashamed especially since they took tax payer money for bailout. Bet they have no car problems, will never ever have another Chrysler product.