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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  LOVE THE POWER - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By TOM B. - December 19 - 11:47 am

  So far i have no concerns. The car is everything i want in a sedan.I love the power, ride and the looks i get when i drive it. Since i live in the snow belt i put snow tires on it and i have no complaints in handling.My car has all options and for the money i would recommend it as one to buy. I had a 2006 SRT8 but i wanted to drive and have the power in the winter.

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  Road Dog - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pete - December 18 - 6:26 pm

  So far so good knock on wood based on other reviews own over 14 months no problems to speak of, excellent vehicle for long road trips especially if you dvd pkg.

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  I wish they still made them today! - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By HeyBlu - December 18 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car used with nearly 58K miles. I now have 147K and have had no major issues. Replaced AC compressor twice, and starter once. The suspension is about due for repair, struts, etc...

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  who needs a prestiege/ import car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By hoofbeats - December 18 - 10:00 am

  price,fuel economy,handling,get up,comfort,braking all excellent , no problems at 35,ooo miles, 30mpg, belies its simple roots and surprizes me with the response it gets. I origenally thought it would be a comedown from my previous 320hp Z-28 convertable, but it exceeds in all categories except straight line acceleration and hard all out cornering( as one might expect) The front wheel drive torque steer takes a little getting use to, but to most drivers won,t be noticed or maybe even appreciated in everyday driving

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  Old fashioned styling..... - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By PTCruisen - December 18 - 2:53 am

  I like the way the styling is.. classic look. Ive enjoyed my cruiser, roomy. The gas mileage could be improved. And the funky smell that some others have come across is the engine coolant. Ive noticed that smell last winter and occasionally when the AC is on. The AC doesnt get as cold as my first car did. But its comfortable. The rear stabilizer bar was not installed even though its on the window sticker. It needs one for a better ride. The turning radius is not tight enough and there are a few blind spots if you happen to be five foot and under. Had some paint problems with the metalic paint. Dealer finally fixed. After contacting HQ.

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  Why all the bad press? - 2010 Chrysler Sebring
  By BuyAmerican - December 17 - 5:32 pm

  Despite the negative reviews I read on several automobile enthusiast websites, I find the styling of the Sebring to be very attractive. The 2010 model year eliminated the grooves on the hood, which results in a much cleaner look. The interior is very stylish with a two-tone beige/cream. The ride is very smooth and quiet and all controls are easy-to-use and where they should be. Apparently the base price has been reduced for 2010 even the dealer did a double-take when they saw the sticker considering the equipment included: heated leather, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, satellite/6-CD changer radio, power windows with auto down AND up, automatic locks, etc. Overall a very nice car.

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  The Money Pit - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By piperfarm - December 15 - 8:33 pm

  I had this car for 4 months and had to replace all the rocker arms in the motor and a pulley that was cracked. Cost me $1600. Not a happy camper. All of this at 38,000 miles. Road noise is not good. I hear clicking and clacking up in the front of the car. I just turn the radio up to drown it out. I like the way the car looks inside and out. I like the way it drives. The motor is a piece of crap - obviously. Especially after reading other review of people sinking lots of money to repair the rocker arms too. What is the deal Chrysler? I have gotten used to the blind spots in the back...it took a while, but I rely on my side mirrors a lot.

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  love this car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By jeremy - December 14 - 11:00 pm

  was looking around for a nice comfortable car. look at everything. look for over 4 months finally i came to like this car over cad. chevy, and lincolns also ford and mercury

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  One of the best - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Jerry - December 14 - 12:53 am

  Looked at it on Friday, test drove it on Satruday, bought it on Sunday......... Im a big man and this car with its telecoping wheel, variable pedals, and power seat, gives all the room I need for comfort and access to all the controls........ The fit and finish is one of the best for a NA built car.....I would like this car more if I could have gotten the hemi, but price and insurnce was was factor. All in all, one of the best I have owned and driven. I gave up a great Ford Crown Vic to drive one of the best! And the styling sure makes a statement!

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  Totally hot!!! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By vamprexy - December 13 - 12:45 am

  Totally love this car,acceleration,great brakes- especially in the wet weather we have here during the winter. ice cold air and the heater is amazing. bring as i call her gets great gas mileage around town she is bringing it home with 22mpg. she gets 28/29 on the highway!!! Everyone stops to look at the car like what kind of car is that!! yeah keep looking...surprises the heck out of them when they all find out it is a chrysler....wont get anything else now. next time a drop top.