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. Why Buy Import Luxury? - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By buyamericanonly - June 7 - 9:24 am

  I have had my car for almost a year. Purchased it used with 57k on it. This car has all the bells and whistles as the more expensive import cars but half the price. The 3.2 engine is very strong but I still get mid 20s on the gas mileage. It is very comfortable on the inside and plenty of room. The trunk is so big "You can fit 5 bodies in there." The only problem I have had is having to replace the weather stripping due to shrinkage and the headlights filmed over a little. There is no reason to purchase a more expensive import car when these cars are half the price and just as reliable. Take it from me I am a sales manager at an import dealership. Just follow the scheduled maintenance.

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  The 300 - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By amarkovic - June 7 - 9:24 am

  Best car ever for the money. I hope they dont change the design, this one is #1 for good

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  Its A Keeper! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob R. - June 7 - 8:05 am

  Quiet, solid, comfortable ride while driving. After test driving several mid-size SUVs (Toyota Highlander, Subaru Tribeca, Infiniti FX1, Suzuki XL, and the Veracruz), I settled on the Chrysler Pacifica. I think this is an excellent automobile. Chrysler should continue to produce it. It would be a shame to discontinue such a fine vehicle.

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  love it! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By tony - June 6 - 1:47 pm

  LOVE my Car! This is my second 300, had the old model and drove it for 6 yrs before buying the newer model. This car is one of the best cars i have ever owned, looks, style and fantastic ride. My friends are envious.

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  I Love My Car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Marilyn - June 6 - 11:57 am

  I love this car, looked at it when first came out. I leased a 2005 which is up.They are not leasing anymore must buy 2008 and there is no difference in design from 2005. Looking at the Zs cant bring myself to give up xfire. Yes people still ask what is it? A real head turner. Havent found another car to knock my socks off. May just keep it. Still turn around and look at it when walking away.

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  Ive Been Pleasantly Surprised - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By C. Brady - June 5 - 9:29 pm

  I turned in a 2004 Toyota Solara SLE V-6 and was concerned about going to a 4 cyl. While the V-6 was quicker and quieter, the Sebring is not too bad. The car, so far, has been proving a good investment. Mileage has been 27 MPG in a 60-40 mix. (highway-city)

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  I call her persilla - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By KINGFISH - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I FELL IN LOVE WITH HER ON FIRST SIGHT just HAD TO HAVE HER I didnt even test drive her I knew this was a fast car just by the vibes I felt from the car. So this is the wind up I get into the car aND iT IS A DREAM COME TRUE SHE HANDLES LIKE A CHARM AND IS A EYE CATCHER.

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  Great!! - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By kaptain - June 3 - 9:54 pm

  I purchased the signature series 2008 with a Hemi. I love it! I also own a Concorde and the gas mileage isnt that much of a difference but the space is! Rides great and handles really well. Love that it looks classy and not everyone is driving one!(i.e. Tahoes and Expeditions!) I absolutely love it.

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  Love It! - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By happycargirl - June 3 - 6:13 pm

  Just bought this car used. It drives just like a car. I have never owned an SUV but could not resist this one. It looks like any other luxury SUV without the price! We got ours for a steal at 22k. Loaded with DVD and great stereo! Has plenty of room for my two kids and all there stuff!

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  Unrecognized value and performance - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Will - June 3 - 6:03 pm

  This is a well planned vehicle from bumper to bumper. There is nothing that is not within easy reach of the driver. The options are super, with the GPS put in the proper spot, right on the speedometer display! Seats could fold a little flatter, but the third seats drop down very easy. We have riden with 7-8 passengers. Eight is a little tight, but no one complained. I have looked at them all. This car, known for its safety, has all the extras of a luxury car.