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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  Misfiring, took them 5 weeks - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By MattyPython - October 10 - 6:01 pm

  Bought the car in april, no problems til august took it to the shop, they replaced over 3 thousand dollars worth of parts and it was still misfiring but only when hot. Finally after close to six weeks of it being in the shop they have the nerve to charge us four hundred bucks for some wires. These are poorly built cars.

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  Great car except for the rust - 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
  By family_guy1 - October 10 - 4:38 am

  I got it at 80k now has 105k replaced front brakes, water pump and several pulleys as well as the belt. The big stuff was corrosion issues. The rear brake lines were rusted out at the ABS Pump which is under the van. I also had to have the power steering lines replaced from corrosion. Also one of the gas tank straps rusted through and snapped in half. The body has rust issues at the bottom of the liftgate, above the rear wheel wells and the rocker panels by the rear wheel and under the front drivers door. The front hood is also prone to rust as well. The weird thing is many of these issues are caused by factory installed plastic stickers covering the drain holes.

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  Good and Bad - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mary Ann - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a nicely built car. It is comfortable and delivers a fine ride -- BUT--the gas mileage in local driving is TERRIBLE!!! __Avg --9.5-10.5 mpg!!! and the worst part is that Chrysler says that everything is O.K.--Ha-Ha.

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  be careful!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mary dhedouville - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Pacifica for 5 months now and it has been in the shop with 3 MAJOR problems. The first time an airbag sensor went out and the part was on back order for 6 weeks!!! Thats right...no airbags for 6 weeks. Next an antilock brake sensor went bad...no anti lock brakes for over a week. And then a wheel hub assembly went bad..no wonder chrysler gives u a free loaner for this car!!!!!

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  Total Satisfaction - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mcjesq - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! I required a larger vehicle for my newborn twins, their double stroller and a host of other things I need to haul around. I feel much too hip for a mini van and a little more sophisticated than a large truck. The Pacifica is a perfect fit. I never hesitate to tell people about my joy when they stop me on the street to ask questions.

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  PT PROBLEMS - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Cindy - October 9 - 4:13 am

  Bought 2001 PT Cruiser in 2003 with 34,000 miles on it. At 86,000 overheating caused head gasket to blow. Went ahead and replaced water pump, oil pump, timing belt, all accessory belts while engine was torn down hoping to save some labor later on down the road. Cost to repair 1,792. 2 yrs. later started to lose oil.The bracket that holds water pump in place broke and moved forward into oil pump and timing mechanism. Had to replace water pump, oil pump, head gasket, timing belt, accessory belts etc AGAIN. $2,200 for repairs. 13 months later overheating AGAIN. Needs cooling fan. Cost $720. Sunroof motor $750. Rim corrosion. Cheapest found 350.00. REPAIR HOG!

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  Reliable and fun - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By Tom - October 8 - 8:45 pm

  I bought the car new and have driven it 80k miles. Replaced an O2 sensor,a set of brakes at 70k and tires at 55k, went with Michelin Hydro Edge hoping to reduce tire noise, but still too loud on some concrete. Its great to drive on the road, handles like a sport car. Too bad the computer shuts you down at 107, as the engine is still only at 3800 rpms.The Auto Stick is fun. Put the pedal to the metal and the tach goes right up to 6400 for the next shift. The body styling was ahead of its time, as many of the new cars have nearly the same roof lines. Last weekend took a trip of 700 miles, averaged 28.2 one way and 28.8 coming home, couldnt believe it. Its the best car I have ever owned.

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  Unbeatable Convertible Value - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By ConvertMan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  After test driving many convertibles over the past month, I have come to the conclusion that the Chrysler Sebring is by far the best value out there. If youre buying a convertible to enjoy with friends or family, this is the only car that will allow you to have 3 other adults tag along. The BMW 330ci and others in its class dont come close to the passenger comfort afforted in the Sebring. Add to that the stylish looks, perky engine (200 HP is a must), leather trimming, front-wheel drive and you have a wonderful package in the Sebring. And, its made in the USA! I wholeheartedly recommend it.

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  Gas Gauge - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By John M - October 6 - 8:34 pm

  I have had my 300C since Nov 2007. Now just in the last 6 weeks I have twice run out of gas with my gas gauge showing 1/4 of a tank. I will be taking my car to the dealer this Friday.

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  Bang for the buck - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Daryl Buerger - October 6 - 7:03 pm

  This is the best full sized sedan in its price range. Look no further. I did exhaustive research and comparisons before buying. Almost went with the Charger but stuck with the 300C because a few more luxury features. This cars feel and roadability is outstanding. plenty of power and good fuel economy. I average 18 city and 22 hwy. with the MDS system The interior comfort is great with a ample rear seat room. This car still get lots of attention where ever it goes and it has the ability to get there fast. My 300 is loaded with every option Dont skimp here Ive rented less equipped 300s and chargers only to love the one I have more! Not one disappointment yet.