In 2025, Chrysler celebrates a major milestone—100 years of automotive innovation, design, and resilience. Founded in 1925 by Walter P. Chrysler, the company has remained a cornerstone of American auto history and a key part of the legendary “Big Three” alongside Ford and General Motors.
Chrysler’s centennial is not just a celebration of cars, but of a brand that helped shape American culture, industrial growth, and even wartime production. As it turns 100, we look back at the company’s history, legacy, and future.
Learn more about Chrysler’s history and legacy here
Chrysler was established on June 6, 1925, following the reorganization of the Maxwell Motor Company. Walter P. Chrysler introduced his first vehicle under the Chrysler brand the same year—the Chrysler Six, which featured advanced engineering for its time including a high-compression engine and four-wheel hydraulic brakes.
From the very beginning, innovation was in Chrysler’s DNA. The Chrysler Six was priced affordably for middle-class buyers but came with features that rivaled luxury models. This strategy positioned Chrysler as a competitive, high-value brand and helped it survive through the Great Depression.
Explore Chrysler’s early engineering innovations
The 1950s and 60s marked a golden era for Chrysler. Its brands like Plymouth, Dodge, and DeSoto delivered everything from family sedans to racing beasts. The Chrysler 300 “Letter Series,” introduced in 1955, became one of America’s first muscle cars—long before the Mustang hit the roads.
Chrysler was also behind the legendary Hemi V8 engine, first appearing in the early 1950s and still revered by car enthusiasts today. By the 1960s, Chrysler’s Dodge Charger and Plymouth Barracuda had become symbols of American muscle.
At the same time, Chrysler was pushing boundaries in design. The “Forward Look” styling by designer Virgil Exner gave Chrysler cars sweeping fins and a space-age aesthetic that reflected the postwar optimism of America.
Check out iconic Chrysler muscle cars and designs
The 1970s and early 1980s were tough for the American auto industry. Oil crises, competition from Japanese automakers, and changing consumer tastes hit all the Big Three hard. But Chrysler came up with a surprising solution—the K-Car platform.
The compact and fuel-efficient Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant launched in 1981 and became bestsellers. Under the leadership of Lee Iacocca, Chrysler received a government bailout in 1979, repaid it early, and rebounded stronger.
More importantly, the K-Car paved the way for the introduction of the minivan—a segment Chrysler essentially invented in 1984 with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. These vehicles redefined family transport and became a staple on American roads for decades.
Read how the minivan saved Chrysler
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw Chrysler merging with German automaker Daimler-Benz to form DaimlerChrysler in 1998. Though the merger ended in 2007, it brought European engineering influences and global exposure.
By 2009, amid the global financial crisis, Chrysler filed for bankruptcy and received a second U.S. government bailout. Shortly afterward, it merged with Italian auto giant Fiat to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
FCA went on to become one of the world’s leading car manufacturers. Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram brands continued to evolve, gaining popularity across the globe.
In 2021, FCA merged with French automaker PSA Group to form Stellantis, now the fourth-largest car manufacturer in the world. Chrysler, under Stellantis, is now being positioned as a leader in electric and sustainable mobility for the next generation.
Learn more about Stellantis and Chrysler’s electric future
As Chrysler hits 100, the company is focusing on a new electric era. Its first all-electric concept, the Chrysler Airflow, was unveiled recently, featuring sleek design, autonomous driving features, and connected technology.
By 2028, Chrysler plans to go fully electric, with a strong commitment to sustainability, affordability, and innovation—once again echoing its original 1925 mission.
In the present day, Chrysler continues to offer refined luxury and performance with models like the Chrysler 300 and Pacifica Hybrid while preparing for a full EV lineup.
Explore Chrysler’s EV journey and the Airflow concept
From making tanks during World War II to reshaping family travel with minivans, Chrysler has always been more than just a car brand. It’s a symbol of American resilience, creative engineering, and forward thinking.
Its vehicles have starred in movies, been driven by presidents, and filled driveways across middle America. With a history of turning crisis into opportunity, Chrysler’s story is one of continuous reinvention.
As the company celebrates its 100th birthday, the world watches eagerly to see what the next century will bring for this iconic American brand.
Chrysler’s journey from a humble Michigan startup to a global car powerhouse is nothing short of extraordinary. Through war, financial crisis, and industry upheavals, Chrysler has remained a key player—evolving with every challenge and setting benchmarks for others to follow.
In its 100th year, Chrysler reminds us that legacy doesn’t mean staying the same—it means evolving with purpose.
Celebrate 100 years of Chrysler history
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