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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  Henrys Comments - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By hhoff - December 15 - 10:00 am

  In 14,000 miles of city driving with an occasional long trip out of town, no problems with engine or drive train have been experienced. Other than routine maintenance, no additional expenses have realized. Although the car is easy and fun to drive, it is sometimes difficult keep ahead of the power curve with the four speed automatic transmissions shift points. The utility and flexibility of the vehicle is outstanding. The car is a fun car with exceptional styling combined with practical utility.

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  Living Up to Expectations - So Far - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Steve - December 13 - 1:06 am

  A joy to drive and look at. Plenty of power and a smooth ride. I have had the car for 10 months now. Although I have a couple of minor irritations to be corrected (alarm goes off and auto wipers dont automatically shut-off after using washer), I havent been back to the dealer yet. Wished pass seat had power controls - my 300M did!

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  My Hemi Is Bigger Than My Husbands - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Hemi Girl - December 10 - 5:05 pm

  Im parting ways with my SRT8 after almost 2 years. My employer is putting us back in company cars. It has been the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. From the day I drove it home I got thumbs up signs from drivers on the highway, people still walk over to talk about it when Im gassing it up, Ive owned Mercedes E class, Audi A6s and various other not so exotic cars but this car has been the best. I average 18 around town, get 21-22 on the hwy, never had a mechanical issue, original brakes, only second set of tires, we live in Minnesota and the traction/stability system kept us on track in the worst weather. Love the U Connect, the Navi, I have had some tickets too, its fast!

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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By CarExpert5 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  What a great experience....a mercedes for 35,000. Its a great ride, excellent speed, great handling, and man o man do I like the styling.

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  The Birdman Flies in his Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Birdman - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This sleek sedan/SUV is the way to go!!! Its unique style and reliable performance make it the envy on the street. Additionally, since the Pacifica is still a relatively new model, you will probably be the first in your community to own one. ENJOY the experience!!!

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  I was hooked at the looks and performanc - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dbender - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle 4 days, and can say so far so good. Its build is like nothing else on the market. It drives like a cadillac, smooth and so fun to look at.

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  Bought it for Looks; Love Performance - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By James Allen - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought it for my wife because she thought it was the cutest car she had ever seen. I was reluctant, but the 7 year warranty helped me decide to buy it. We love to drive it and find it very comfortable. The interior design is great! We are in our 60s and appreciate how easy it is to get in and out and how comfortable the ride is.

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  I LOVE MY PT CRUISER - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By BarbaraBrandle - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the best driving and performing car I have ever owned. It is sooooooooo comfortable. My next car in 2 yrs. will be a limited Edition Turbo. Couldnt afford that this time. If you drive this vehicle, you will be hooked.

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  Only the Best - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By MARY - December 9 - 2:00 am

  WE bought our PT Cruiser in October of 2000. We have 49000 miles on her. She is a very reliable car. We still get the looks, she is the Teal Metallic that was only available the first year. I was very skeptical about buying a Chrysler product, but driving our Cruiser has changed my mind.

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  love the phantom pt2002 - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kennedy - December 9 - 2:00 am

  fun, cute, comfortable, rooming, kid compatable, big guy compatable, traveler, utility....love it