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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  Fun Daily Driver - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By snowdogg - May 21 - 2:15 pm

  The Sebring GTC is my second convertible, much different from my 95 Cutlass Supreme. I plan on using this car for commuting on a year round basis (in Vermont). It remains to be seen how it will fare in winter, but with FWD and good snow tires I think it will be OK. Gas mileage is good at 28-30 mpg on regular, the top is truly weatherproof and interior quiet with top up.

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  After 3 years, still love it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John - May 20 - 11:36 am

  Weve had our Pacifica for just under 3 years (40,000 miles) and it has proven to be a great car. The ride is very comfortable, I could drive all day in this thing. The fold down seats allow for great cargo space and the 2nd row seats are very comfortable. 3rd row is a little cozy. Weve had no problems mechanically thus far (knock on wood). The dual climate controls are great. My wife says she feels very safe in this big car. Wish wed gotten the heated front seats for Minnesota winters. The AWD is great in snow. The only knock we have is the poor gas mileage. I wouldnt hesitate to recommed the Pacifica.

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  Great Family Car - 2003 Chrysler Concorde
  By Scott George - May 16 - 9:40 pm

  My Concorde is the best driving car Ive ever owed. The only problems are its to low to the ground for large folks like me. It is missing hand holders on the front passenger side which are needed. The body style is boring. The car rides great and it loves highway speeds. The car feels very safe which is good going at highway speeds.

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  Cant find anything better than this! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By gg - May 10 - 12:24 pm

  I drove my present vehicle until our family outgrew it. I was sick to part with my old truck, but had spent a couple years researching cars. I had decided a year in advance that the Pacifica would suit all my needs, without having test-driven it. I found my Pacifica on the first day of shopping, and bought it on the same day. The interior is beautiful, and there are so many extras. I am spoiled now. It is big enough for a family of 4-6, has extremely comfortable seating, but isnt too high off the ground for us short people. Seats are far apart so we dont have to hit elbows. Now I can afford a more expensive car, but will not part with my Pacifica!

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  not happy with 06 improvments - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Toledonana - May 7 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had 2 Croozers, 00 and 02, and the 06 seats are awful!! I was so disappointed when I test-drove I may go look for an 05 instead. It feels like youre sitting ON the car now instead of IN it. Theres less headroom than before and the whole interior feels smaller. Im 56" 220 and Im not comfortable in this car anymore...it makes me cry! Ive got to hold down the cost so I cant go for a Limited or GT with their adjustable seats, even if I knew it would help! Ive even looked into getting the seats rebuilt aftermarket but its crazy that I have to even consider it. I love the rest of the car but the seat problem is too big to ignore. What a shame they improved the wrong thing.

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  Medicore at best - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By iso - May 5 - 11:35 pm

  I bought my Sebring Convertible with 98K on it. Not new, I know. My biggest complaint is oil issues. The oil light came on, I took it in and they replaced the oil sending unit. 10 miles later, it came on again. Every mechanic I took it in to gave me a different explanation and a different price. I drove it for a year with the light on. The rear window broke and cost around $1000 to replace. The turning radius is horrid. The interior of the door came away from the door. Crappy Chrysler quality. It was fun to drive, but a headache overall. Im buying Japanese next time.

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  2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Sick to my stomach - April 27 - 12:50 pm

  This car has by far the worst gas mileage in the CITY that I have ever experience in my life! I used to have an 84 Chevy Caprice Wagon Estate and it got better gas mileage and was a more comfortable ride. For shorter people like me (I am 5 foot 3) the car is extra roomy, but for someone a little bit taller I would be a little bit concerned in the front seats. I simply hate this vehicle and I cant wait for them to repo it. Its not even worth paying for any more... I am just going to take the hit to my credit and move on amicably. They will just write it off as a loss and sell my debt to a collections agency anyways. I have never in my life been disgusted with a vehicle until now.

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  Safe, solid, comfortable touring wagon - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By McThermal - April 25 - 10:33 pm

  Car had two minor recalls for headlight harness and fuel control module. Waited for parts. Has never stranded us or not started. EGR valve replaced at 49,900 miles. Still have 50% brakes after 50,500 mi. Brakes are one of its finest features. They stop straight and true like a Mercedes. Vehicle is solid as a vault, but heavy which keeps fuel economy and performance from being rated higher. Goes fast on highway with no worries, tracks beautifully. Two rows of heated leather seat are best in the business. It really can seat six, but four are very, very comfortable. AWD kicks in on snow and is barely noticeable. Goes nice and straight. Utility of a minivan with lt more style. Volvo-like safety.

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  Looks awesome, in shop often - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By gregory tortorello - April 23 - 1:01 pm

  This is best looking car I`ve ever owned. I was blown away by the stylings of the 300. Unfortunately it has been in the shop over a dozen times with one problem alone clocking 6 visits without the problem being rectified. Needless to say, I`ve given up on this model and probably all Chrysler products as well.

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  Fun wih a Price - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By JPK - April 15 - 9:03 am

  First family SUV, and loving it. Throaty Hemi likes to drink though. I do a lot of city driving, and looks like I am still getting around 17mpg. Specs say 27 gal tank. I seem to only be able to get 20 in it!