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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  cruisen - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By T.D. - June 26 - 10:00 am

  fun, fun, fun! Super good looks! Beautiful wheels, ex. build quality. Love it in Stone White with a wing.

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  The PT Cruiser Blues - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By garcande - June 25 - 9:59 am

  I recently purchased a beautiful 05 Cruiser Touring Convertible with only 26,000 one owner miles. I bought it from the local Lexus dealer who said it was a trade in. It looks immaculate and garage kept. I had driven about 1000 miles when the electric top riser went out. I took it to my mechanic, he tinkered around with it, but said it wasnt his area of expertise and he was going on vacation. The next day the air conditioner went out. I took it to another mechanic and it was the compressor, of course, and cost $1200 to fix. By contrast, the air on my 96 VW just went at 15K miles! And, I still havent fixed the top. To be continued...

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  Hip grandma - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Shirley Shores - June 23 - 4:05 am

  This has been a good automobile, reliable. Always starts, runs good, but rides like a sport car. I have enjoyed the vehicle. When I purchased the vehicle it had 47,000 miles and now has 78,838. So as you can see not many miles added since purchase. Of course I have kept up the maintenance, oil changes, filters changed, belts checked, always passed inspection too. My dog and I have enjoyed the vehicle in the summer since it is a convertible.

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  I love my car!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MotherOf3 - June 22 - 3:36 am

  This car is awesome. My last two vehicles were vans (much to my 16 year olds dismay), and this gives van interior with a cool looking exterior. My teen is not ashamed to be seen driving this one! The interior feels so luxurious. Weve only had it for a month and cant wait to take a long trip in it. It handles like a dream and I love all the safety features. Radio/CD/DVD/Volume control on the steering wheel makes it easier to change stations without taking eyes off the road (VERY important when a 16 year old drives). Wish there was more storage space when third row is up, but we are a family of five, so can leave one seat down. Gas Mileage is poor, but a safe and comfortable ride. LOVE IT!

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  Killer Seats - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By C. L. Butler - June 18 - 5:20 pm

  The styling of this auto has garnered raves since I first purchased it. The "C" model has certainly been an attention getter. Powerful engine, smooth transmission, reasonably good fuel consumption and a quiet cabin are all positives for this auto. Less pleasurable, at least for this owner, is Chryslers addiction to the idea that the seats have to be hard and firm. We owned a 1993 Concorde prior to this car and it was cursed with the same type seats which caused me great discomfort after a few hours driving. Others in the family have made the same comment. Also, the suspension on this car seems to be given to allowing more wallow and roll in curves than expected. Try out one first.

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  Eye Catching - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dawn F - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Absolutly awesome car to drive. The exterior design is show stopper. Everywhere I go people and stopping by and looking at it. The inside design needed a little extra thought. The seat does not adjust to a comfortable setting for short people. and the low profile makes it a hard car to get in and out of. But other than that is a fun ride.

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  Fun Machine - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Peteylover - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Seems like everyone gives me compliments on my "Woody" Limited Edition PT Cruiser ~ its an eye- catcher! I just wish it came with a 6- cylinder engine ~ I previously had a Turbo-4 Volkswagen Passat and it didnt have any more get-u-and-go than my PT Cruiser so I didnt pay extra for the Turbo engine when I bought my Cruiser. My only disappointment with it is the lack of power, but I can live with it!

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  Despite the reviews - I love my Sebring! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bill Warren - June 14 - 1:30 am

  Having owned 3 Accords prior to my Sebring, I was surprisingly pleased at how much I enjoy driving this car! I love the exterior styling and get many compliments on it. Granted ... the 4 cycl engine is a bit rough, but I find it very responsive and able to make a freeway entrance ... okay, noisily & not particularly refined when you floor it... but I have never wished for more power. The front seats are very comfortable, the handling is quite good & a good ride. I am always surprised when reviews come up short ... and I, personally, have had zero problems with the reliability of my car. Im really looking forward to seeing the new 2007 model ... a smaller version of the 300? Well see ...

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  05 sebring touring - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By j romerowicz - June 13 - 10:51 pm

  Great car to drive.Good engine ,steering, braking and it looks good. Had a 01 Chevy Malibu before. Stay away from those beaters.

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  Dependable & Fun to Drive - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Roger - June 11 - 6:50 pm

  Fun to drive and quick to pass. 60 to 80 is a kick. Turbo is definitely worth the money. Very flexible with rear seats that fold, flip and fold or remove. Seats 4 adults comfortably. Wish it was a little wider. Car has been very reliable and really like the AutoStick. Allows you to take off in 2nd gear in snowy weather for better control.