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:

• 

  Caddillac amenities at a Chrysler price. - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Adam P. - April 13 - 6:36 pm

  This car is great for me. Being a high school student and a Caterpillar employee, I need something that is sporty enough for my down time, but luxurious enough for the office. The Sebring seems to deliver meet my needs. I have regularly serviced it, and the only thing I have had to replace is the wiper motor. The nice rims are a big plus, and I love the wood trim and sunroof. However, the paint on the spoiler erodes horribly. Being a 1999, it has both cassette and CD, which is nice. It has been reliable in hot, cold, rain, or shine. The trunk is also huge. And if it isnt big enough I can always fold down the back seats. The Sebring LXi has impressed my friends and is definitely a great buy!

• 

  It is the little stuff! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Mopar Old Timer - April 8 - 5:01 pm

  Autostick too easily shifted by accidental touch. Visibility poor,cannot see cars when changing lanes on either side easily. Ride is rough in city driving, manholes, etc. Tires of poor quality. Use Goodyear or Michelin, not Continentals

• 

  Alright so far - 1997 Chrysler Cirrus
  By shunt - April 8 - 4:21 am

  Just bought this car and had to replace the ball joints, and needs brakes. I like the body style and interior. I am concerned with some of the reviews, I have never had a problem with any Chryslers I have ever owned, hopefully this one wont disappoint me!

• 

  04 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Coconice007 - April 7 - 12:48 am

  Nice ride, but sluggish on take off. Needs more power and better gas mileage.

• 

  PERFECT VEHICLE IF IT WAS A HYBRID - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JOAN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE. IT GOT ME HOME FROM WORK IN SNOW STORMS,ETC. IT IS LUXURIOUS BUT PRACTICAL. I LOVE ALL THE STANDARD CONVENIENCES - MORE THAN I WOULD HAVE PURCHASED IF I HAD TO PICK. TOO BAD IT GETS SUCH POOR GAS MILEAGE.

• 

  Red Rag Top - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By AL. ROMANO - April 2 - 5:05 pm

  It has been a wonderful car to drive and has never let me down or stranded. The power top and power windows have never failed to open or close. The top has a year or two left and it needs a couple of new tires. It may also need a new muffler soon. The top is not ripped and there are no dents just some minor scratches on the bumpers. The leather interior has no rips.

• 

  Nice combo affordable conv - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By patpat - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car give reasonable return from its price. Roomy interior, extremely comfortable seat and leather. Good power and good looking body style. Everyone suprise its a American car when they first see it.

• 

  Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By onefrazzledmom - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I would not buy another PT Cruiser unless it was just an extra car for fun,they have no pick up and take way too much gas for a 4cyl. I get 14 in town and 17 on the highway and with a little tank and that kind of gas mileage, I am always at the pump.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Bryan - April 1 - 8:09 pm

  After reading the reviews posted here, I started to consider the purchase of this car. I already had money down on a Porsche Boxster, but figured it wouldnt hurt to peruse the Chrysler dealership. To see the car in person was impressive, to test drive the car was awesome. Granted, its no track ready, street legal sports car, but that is not what I was looking for. Its fun to drive, handles like a dream, and corners on rails. Needless to say, I cancelled my Porsche order, bought a Crossfire and have been loving every minute of it. This is not a daily driver, but could manage the task just fine.

• 

  GO GRANNY ~ GO~ - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kblair - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I am pleased with this vehicle EXCEPT the gas mileage SUCKS and think that definitely needs to be much better for as small a car as it is. LOVE the hatchback, LOVE the color, LOVE driving it at night as I have poor vision and this car is WONDERFUL! It is overall a great car for an older person as I LOVE the hatchback for groceries, its easy to park. EVERYBODY loves the interior and the head room that rides in it and are so surprised at all the room INSIDE the Cruiser. Just drive one ~ that made the difference for me.