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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  Nice Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By spartyjim - September 29 - 11:19 am

  We bought this car new. One unique problem that was fixed even though the car was out of warranty. Headliner buckled and was replaced. No mechanical problems, it drives very nice and the ride is smooth. A problem common to all SUVs Ive had is the side visibilty. Pillars make you have to look carefully. Highway mileage is over 21 mpg with air on at over 75MPH. No oil use like some others say. We have the small V6

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  Huge Mistake Buying Chrysler 300M!!!! - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By ChryslerJunk - September 28 - 11:44 pm

  I was stupid enough to go from owning a reliable, quality built Honda Accord to purchasing a Chrysler 300M in late 1999. Big mistake. I was suckered into believing in American made and falling for the cool exterior design...what was underneath was pure junk. I cant tell you the amount of money, worry, disappointment, and absolute frustration this vehicle has brought me. I remember bringing it home thinking I would baby it and have it for years...imagining it could be considered a classic some day...what a naive notion that was. Its a Chrysler stupid!!!! USA Auto Execs dismissed Dr. Deming who wanted to teach them about Total Quality Systems. So he went to Japan where they listened.

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  150000 miles on original battery - 2001 Chrysler LHS
  By TW - September 26 - 4:28 pm

  Best car I have owned. I have driven this thing 150,000 miles and it has only had 2 malfunctions. Shift Cable broke which I discovered was a design flaw in the cable. Also had to replace the Control Module. Still have the original battery though. Love to drive this car on the highway. I hugs the curves and holds speed through the mountain roads. I cant find a car that gives this styling, features and ride.

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  Still smiling - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Michael - September 25 - 8:33 am

  This car is fun to own. Performance is very good although it needs a 5th gear in the auto box. There is almost no road or engine noise at any speed. Reliability so far has been perfect (7500 miles). It rides and handles well and is comfortable inside. Mileage is good for performance - 22 around town and 27 on the Interstate.

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  My Chrysler 300 Touring model - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Charles Kangas - September 24 - 5:40 pm

  The only problem Ive had is the radio quit after a fer miles. The dealer replaced the radio but it took two weeks.

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  VALUE - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By DAVID WOYTHAL - September 24 - 2:50 am

  I think it is one well-built car and definitely a great value for the money. It has plenty of power when needed and when driven sensibly gets great gas mileage for a 4000 lb.vehicle. It is by far the best Chrysler vehicle I have ever owned, and I have been buying Chrysler products since 1972.The paint and fit and finish were outstanding. Definitely a big winner in my book.

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By omarturner - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The PT Cruiser does not only look cool it drives amazing ! I love it so much I am so glad to have bought it, it is like a sports car with substance and affordability!!!!

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  griffs 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By GRIFF - September 23 - 10:00 am

  one bad ganster looking sedan. i love it!

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  Chrysler Hurts - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By IDK - September 22 - 5:54 pm

  I bought my car new replaced brakes twice rotors once. I agree with the person that said maybe the brakes are not strong enough for this car. I now seem to have an electrical problem. Airbag light comes on when it wants, windows work when they want car just lost power on an exit ramp. From what I seen on this site dealerships can not figure it out. I Bought this car new so I would not have to deal with a care breaking down, because I thought it would be better to make payments on a new car instead of constantly repair an old one. My bad (I was wrong).

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  Great Car! So Far... - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brennen - September 22 - 10:06 am

  I absolutely love my Pacifica. I have the Signature Series with all the extras. Although I was worried that having so many power features could potentially mean expensive repair bills, this has not been an issue thus far. The Pacifica is extremely comfortable for four passengers, but it could have used a little more leg room in the third row. The seats are supportive, the the ride is smooth and quiet, and the engine and transmission perform well. I have had no problems at all with this car. I am extremely pleased my purchase.