Written by Chrysler cars
Chrysler cars have been built since 1924, and the brand is best known today for inventing the modern minivan. This guide covers the current Chrysler lineup and its plans for new models, as well as the brand’s history and ownership, its most famous cars and its racing history at Le Mans and in NASCAR.
Chrysler cars at a Glance
Founded 1925 First Chrysler car in 1924
Founder Walter P. Chrysler 1875–1940
Headquarters Auburn Hills Michigan, United States
Owner Stellantis Since 2021, through FCA US
US sales 2025 126,373 vehicles Up 1%; Pacifica 110,006
Leadership Matt McAlear Brand CEO since March 2026
Chrysler cars Model Lineup
However, Chrysler sells one model, the Pacifica minivan, which was refreshed for 2027. However, in May 2026 Stellantis announced three new Chrysler crossovers by 2030: the midsize Airflow and the compact Arrow and Arrow Cross, with gas, hybrid and electric versions.
Minivan (1)
Minivan
Chrysler Pacifica
Gas V6 287 hp AWD available
First of all, the Pacifica arrived for 2017, and it was refreshed for 2027 with new styling and LX, Select, Limited and Pinnacle trims. The LX replaces the Voyager, while the plug-in hybrid version ended in 2026. The photo shows an earlier model.
What Are Chrysler cars?
In the beginning, Walter P. Chrysler took over the Maxwell Motor Company in the early 1920s. First, the Chrysler Six appeared in January 1924, and then the Chrysler Corporation was founded in June 1925. In 1928 Chrysler bought Dodge and created Plymouth and DeSoto, so it became one of Detroit’s Big Three.
Later, Chrysler nearly went bankrupt, and in 1980 Lee Iacocca secured $1.5 billion in US loan guarantees. Eventually, the company recovered with the minivan, launched in late 1983. After that, Chrysler merged with Daimler in 1998, passed to Cerberus in 2007 and went through bankruptcy in 2009 before Fiat took control.
Today Chrysler cars are part of Stellantis, which formed in 2021. Since the 300 sedan ended in 2023, the brand has sold only minivans. However, Stellantis plans to grow Chrysler with three new crossovers by 2030.
Chrysler cars History
Chrysler cars have gone from record-setting sedans to the minivan, with several changes of owner along the way.
- 1924 First, the Chrysler Six goes on sale.
- 1925 Then the Chrysler Corporation is founded.
- 1928 Chrysler buys Dodge and launches Plymouth and DeSoto, while two Chryslers finish third and fourth at Le Mans.
- 1934 The streamlined Airflow is launched.
- 1955 Next, the C-300 starts the 300 letter series and wins the NASCAR title.
- 1963 Chrysler lends Turbine Cars to the public in a test program.
- 1980 Lee Iacocca secures US loan guarantees to save the company.
- 1983 The first Chrysler minivans go on sale.
- 1998 Later, Chrysler merges with Daimler-Benz.
- 2001 The retro PT Cruiser is launched.
- 2009 After bankruptcy, Fiat takes control of Chrysler.
- 2016 The Pacifica minivan is revealed.
- 2021 Chrysler becomes part of Stellantis.
- 2023 Meanwhile, the last Chrysler 300 is built.
- 2026 Finally, the refreshed 2027 Pacifica is revealed, and three new crossovers are announced.
Iconic Chrysler Models
These six cars shaped the legend of Chrysler cars, from the first Chrysler to the retro PT Cruiser.
1924
Chrysler Six
First Chrysler Six-cylinder
Above all, the Chrysler Six was the first car to carry the Chrysler name. In addition, it offered a high-compression six-cylinder engine and hydraulic brakes at a mid-range price.
1934–1937
Chrysler Airflow
Streamlined Wind-tunnel design
The Airflow was developed with wind-tunnel testing, so it was far ahead of its time. However, buyers disliked its looks, and fewer than 30,000 were built.
1941–1950
Chrysler Town & Country
Woodie Ash and mahogany
In addition, the Town & Country woodie used a white ash frame with mahogany panels. As a result, it became one of the most famous wood-bodied cars.
1955
Chrysler C-300
Hemi V8 300 hp
Above all, the C-300 was one of the first American cars with 300 hp. Moreover, it reached 127.58 mph in the flying mile, and it started the 300 letter series.
1963–1964
Chrysler Turbine Car
Gas turbine 55 built
Later, Chrysler built 55 Turbine Cars, and 203 drivers took them for over 1 million miles in a public test. Today only nine survive.
2001–2010
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Retro styling 1.35 million built
Later, the PT Cruiser mixed 1930s styling with a practical hatchback body. In total, about 1.35 million were built.
Who Owns Chrysler cars?
Today, Chrysler is a brand of Stellantis, the group formed in 2021 by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA. In the US, however, it is run by FCA US LLC. When AutoGathering has a page for a brand, its name below links to that page.
Parent company Stellantis Amsterdam, Netherlands · owner since 2021
This page Chrysler Auburn Hills, Michigan · FCA US LLC
Plant Windsor Assembly Builds the Pacifica in Ontario, Canada
Model Pacifica Current minivan
Planned model Airflow Midsize crossover due by 2030
Planned models Arrow and Arrow Cross Compact crossovers due by 2030
Sister brands
As a result, Chrysler shares its parent with many other Stellantis brands.
In addition, Chrysler and Dodge now share a brand CEO, Matt McAlear.
Former owners
- DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to form DaimlerChrysler.
- Cerberus (2007–2009) Then the investment firm Cerberus bought most of Chrysler, before it went bankrupt in 2009.
- Fiat Chrysler (2009–2021) Fiat took control after the bankruptcy, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was formed in 2014.
Chrysler cars Accomplishments
The record of Chrysler cars rests on the minivan, bold engineering and early success in racing.
16.6 million
Minivans sold
Chrysler says it has sold more than 16.6 million minivans since 1983.
1st
Plug-in hybrid minivan
For example, the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid was the first plug-in hybrid minivan in the US.
2
NASCAR titles
Later, Kiekhaefer’s Chryslers won the NASCAR title in 1955 and 1956.
16
NASCAR wins in a row
In fact, in 1956 the team won 16 races in a row.
3rd and 4th
Le Mans 1928
Earlier, two Chrysler Sixes finished third and fourth at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
1 million+
Turbine Car miles
In addition, the public Turbine Car test covered over 1 million miles.
1.35 million
PT Cruisers built
Similarly, the PT Cruiser was one of Chrysler’s biggest hits of the 2000s.
+12%
US sales in 2026
Finally, Chrysler sales rose 12% in the first nine months of 2026.
Chrysler Racing History
Chrysler cars raced with success in the brand’s early decades. In 1928 two Chrysler Sixes finished third and fourth in the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Later, Carl Kiekhaefer’s Chrysler 300s dominated NASCAR in 1955 and 1956.
24 Hours of Le Mans, 1928
Chrysler Six at Le Mans
3rd and 4th place
In fact, Chrysler entered four cars at Le Mans in 1928, and two finished third and fourth. The other two cars did not finish.
NASCAR, 1955–1956
Kiekhaefer Chrysler 300
2 titles 16 wins in a row
Decades later, Carl Kiekhaefer’s team won the NASCAR title with Tim Flock in 1955 and with Buck Baker in 1956. In 1956 it also won 16 races in a row.
Talk Chrysler With Other Owners
Chrysler owners have plenty to share, whether it is a classic 300 or a new Pacifica. Soon, AutoGathering will connect this page to a Chrysler community space where owners and enthusiasts can compare models, share maintenance tips and plan meetups.
- Pacifica ownership
- Minivan family life
- Chrysler 300 and Hemi
- Classic Chryslers
- PT Cruiser
- Maintenance and repairs
- Buying used
- Chrysler clubs and events
Chrysler cars FAQ
Who owns Chrysler?
Since 2021, Chrysler has been owned by Stellantis, the group formed from Fiat Chrysler and PSA.
Where are Chrysler cars built?
The Pacifica is built at Windsor Assembly in Ontario, Canada, which has built Chrysler minivans since 1983.
Does Chrysler still make the 300?
No. The last Chrysler 300 was built in December 2023.
What is the difference between Chrysler and Dodge?
Both are Stellantis brands, and Chrysler has owned Dodge since 1928. Today Chrysler focuses on minivans, while Dodge is the performance brand.
Did Chrysler invent the minivan?
Yes. Chrysler launched its first minivans in late 1983, and they created the modern minivan market.
Does Chrysler make an electric car?
Not currently. The Pacifica plug-in hybrid ended in 2026, although the planned Airflow and Arrow crossovers will offer electric versions.
What new Chrysler models are coming?
Meanwhile, Stellantis plans three crossovers by 2030: the midsize Airflow and the compact Arrow and Arrow Cross.
Does Chrysler own the Chrysler Building?
No. Walter Chrysler paid for the New York skyscraper himself, and it was never the company’s headquarters.
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Compare Chrysler cars with its sister brands and rivals.
Photo credits
- Header image: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC0, cropped and resized.
- White 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Touring-L minivan: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- 1924 Chrysler B-70 Six phaeton on museum…: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- Rear view of a silver Chrysler Airflow…: Kuroczynski, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 1947 Chrysler Town & Country woodie sedan: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC0, cropped and resized.
- Red 1955 Chrysler C-300 hardtop in a…: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car with its hood…: Prova MO, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Chrysler PT Cruiser retro-styled hatchback: IFCAR, Public domain, cropped and resized.
- Chrysler cars of the Ghica brothers and…: Agence Rol, Public domain, cropped and resized.
- 1956 Chrysler 300-B NASCAR stock car of…: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.