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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  Great car even to drive in 2008! - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By B Peek - June 25 - 6:22 pm

  This car has been a great car. My mother in law bought it used in 2001. It only now has 53K miles on it and it is so comfortable. I am now driving it and really like it. I save my 08 Escalade and have fun driving this 1997! I cant believe the gas mileage I get (no wonder I dont drive the Escalade)! I will keep it forever I think. It is has always been in the garage and shows like a new one. Paint is great and still looks new!

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  Touring sports car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bill - June 24 - 1:09 pm

  Drives like a high priced sedan great ride and comfort great styling and room for the Family Chrysler has not done a very good job marketing this vehicle, Compared to the new dodge SUV there is no comparing the two the Pacifica is a far superior beast ! look for your self.

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  Best And Most Fun Car Ive Owned - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By SCBoy87 - June 23 - 9:06 pm

  I love my new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible. It is peppy and has great acceleration. The manual transmission is easy to operate and the linkage a dream. I have had numerous compliments and I have enjoyed the camaraderie of other PT enthusiasts who flash each other a wave or send a toot of the horn. If you want a comfortable, fun car -- this is the ticket. My only disappointment is in the MPG, which Id hoped would be better, but then I think that with the "powers that be" MPG is institutionally designed to be poor. My PT still gets better MPG than anything else that I currently own. I am very impressed with the quality in construction of every detail inside and out. A great car!

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  Awesome to drive - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Nancy - June 23 - 12:59 pm

  This car is a blast. Ive had it for almost 3 yrs, no major problems. Had to replace the tires as needed - those were pretty pricey. Gas economy is acceptable for its pickup and speed. I get more compliments on its appearance. Im very impressed w/ its storage capacity. I live in Florida and love the a/c system in it...cools down FAST! I was specifically looking for a 2-seater now that the kids are driving and this has been a stellar purchase. In hindsight, I should have gotten the standard shift which would have made it that much more fun to drive. I dont like using the "pseudo-shifting"...Im just to used to a clutch!!

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  Would buy again! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By KRB - June 22 - 4:00 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years. It has been a pleasure to own. Great style and low maintenance.Gas mileage 24 mpg in city and 27 mpg on hwy. I added the leather seats and window tinting and navigation system, thats it! Great car for the price. I would definitely buy it again.

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  WOW! Just what the doctor ordered - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By alocke54 - June 22 - 2:15 pm

  I have been looking for a great deal on the 300 since they came out. Got a smoking deal on a 2007 Dealer car: 6300 miles, 5 speed auto stick (unavailable on the newer 3.5 models), leather, sun roof. Traded in a 2004 Liberty due to the gas mileage. I have just got the 300 and Ive averaged 25 MPG! Great for a large car. Golf clubs and three wheel cart fits easily in the trunk. The cruise control is in an odd spot, and the drivers window is the only one with one touch down (Liberty had both front windows one touch down). Ride is excellent, and I am looking forward to a long, happy, and satisfying relationship.

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  Wonderful car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By rockinsheppymom - June 22 - 9:24 am

  This has been one of the best cars I have owned. For an SUV, it rides like a dream on the Mercedes chassis. It has been extremely reliable. The only minor problem I had was the setback button for the top part of the seat would not work, but the mechanic fiddled with it and got it working. I still have the original brakes at 57k! My hubby had an LHS when they first came out it was also one of his favorite cars, and he has since owned a Cadillac and two BMWs. I also owned a Chrysler van which had no problems either. If they made this in a hybrid, I would buy it again.

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  not my first chrysler 300,wont be my last - 2018 Chrysler 300
  By PSB - June 21 - 9:21 am

  The vehicle handles very well, looks great, a luxury vehicle.

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  Great auto - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Ken - June 20 - 11:10 pm

  Bought 2000 300m new, sold at 95,000 mi. Bought 2004 with 15,000.mi. 2 1/2 years ago. Do not like new style 300m. Only repair was warrantied cam sensor. Check engine lite is on. Service every 3000 mi. Comfortable, handles great. Will keep.Drive Florida to NJ 5-6 times per year and thoroughly enjoy the trip. Super road car. Have had 4 Lincoln Marks and like the 300 better.Anxious to see next restyling.

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  230k still running strong - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By DZ - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought it used from a friend with 12k on it. The only things I have had to do is timing belt, three clutchs, three crankshaft sensors, radiator fan, front bushings and the rear crank for the stabilizer. Other than that just change the oil and brakes. This car has never left me stranded. Fun to drive, very comfortable. To me this is all just maintenance and part of owning a car. Next week Im changing the timing belt again cause its that time. Going for 300k.