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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  Still like the car. - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Shotgun - October 2 - 4:30 am

  Bought the car used in 2005 at about 56,000 miles. Have thoroughly enjoyed the car. Havent had many problems, but when I did, I was appalled at the repair price, and the unusual failing of parts that normally dont fail. In 2006 the transmission failed. Cost $3,250 for a rebuilt one. Since then, the sunroof has jumped the track and screwed up the linkage. No repair parts are available from Chrysler. Cost $1,200 for a new one. Then the starter when out. Cost $500 to fix. Its time now for the timing belt replacement (95K miles)& dealer quoted about $1000 to replace it (includes new water pump). Transmission is acting up again but may be low fluid problem. I just topped it up & so far ok.

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  Nice car - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By RSB - September 30 - 10:59 am

  I bought the car on October 2006 with 54K miles and after three yrs and 40K miles more, works like new. At the beginning I was skeptical due to the Chrysler reputation, but I was wrong with it. For its size, its very comfortable for 5 adults, sometimes six. My car has leather seats and dark interior, which I liked. Until now, I have no complains with the engine, after all the terror stories I read after. Major fixes: A/C evaporator blown in summer 2009 ($400), faulty driver side power windows ($100), regular maintenance (tires, oil, brakes, etc.). The paint is OK but I find recently a few spots due to excess rain in Puerto Rico and the warranty doesnt cover it.

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  crusier review - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By drums - September 30 - 10:00 am

  great car,except gas miliage is poor. that seems to be the only down fall that i find. i love the pt

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  our new P.T. - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By carl franco - September 30 - 10:00 am

  pleasently surprised by the fit and finish....also handles very well,rides good (has touring suspension)...its a fun car to drive, and the only thing that looks like it is another P.T.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By golfer1614 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica offers a great ride. I feel secure and over long miles experience minimal fatique, vs, other vehicles that I have owned. The quality of the interior and the placement of instraumentation is excellent. I rate this auto as one of the best that I have owned.

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  Best car that I have ever driven - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By NoVa Driver - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my 300C for the past two weeks. Simply outstanding. Great performance (save for the gas mileage -- but I am still breaking the engine in), great ride, and definitely catches peoples attention. All of the folks who have taken a drive with me say that the passenger seats have plenty of room and are very comfortable.

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  Jesus H. Chrysler! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Barefoot Serpent - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Dame Chrysler finally comes close to hitting one out of the park. With this car and, especially the Crossfire, the Mercedes/Chrysler marriage is beginning to produce attention-getting, praiseworthy offspring.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By JDM1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a e320 Mercedes and this is comparable. The ride is exactly the same. A much better value. Everybody talks and looks at this car. Thrilled with the car.

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  best buy in class - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By mnfraser - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been looking at used M5s, CTS-Vs, and the 300C. The CTS-V is 90% of the car of an M5 for 2/3 the price - and the 300C is 90% of the car at 2/3 the price of the CTS-V (ok, 80% of the engine, at 340 hp vs 400 for the CTS-V, but 95% or more when it comes to features, handling and styling). I have a few small build problems, such as the center console not being bolted into place upon purchase, and a sticky radio tuning button. Be warned that the gas mileage is much more like 15 to 20 mpg than the 18 to 25 advertised on the sticker. I paid $1,500 over msrp. All in all, a fine car, and nearly 30 days in, I would buy it again.

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  LUXURY - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Kenneth Pangborn - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The 300 is more comfortable than a Deville. It handles like a European sports touring sedan with the BMW on any mountain road. Stingy on gasoline. Is built tight as a battleship. And mechanically is superb. Safety features are excellent. And all for a price competitive with a similarly equipped Taurus or Carolla. Chrysler seems to be back on track.