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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  IMPRESSIVE - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By JOSEPH OLIVA - August 12 - 10:00 am

  PLEASE DONT RUIN THIS CAR!!! YOU HAVE A WINNER HERE. THIS CAR GETS MORE ATTENTION THEN ANY CAR IVE EVER SEEN , ITS A BEAUTY ,FAST AND CLASSY.ALL AGE GROUPS AND GENDERS GO CRAZY OVER IT WHEN THEY SEE IT. LOVE IT...............JOEY.

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  Love this ride!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Madelynn - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have never enjoyed owning a vehicle as much as this one. Its a luxury vehicle with "baditude". Its impressive, handles beautifully and is a joy to drive. Im very impressed with the quality of this vehicle. The gas mileage is wonderful. It holds the road and makes the driver feel safe. There is not one thing that I do not like about this car. Its like it was made just for me. Thanks!!

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Vasser - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE IT!!!

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  Smooth Hemi Power in a Large SUV - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By Kevin K - August 11 - 11:21 pm

  My first impression was that it had a CVT transmission its shifts so smooth, but NO. The transmission does not seem to give the same punch throughout a wide range, my Nissans in the past were much better in that area. Interior makes you feel that you are in a nice vehicle, it is also an attention getter on the exterior. For a 6,400 LB SUV it accelerates fast, you are king of the Trucks/SUVs on the road without a Hemi. Will take "most" 6 Cyl Cars as well, just stay away from some of the import powerful V6s like the 2009 Maxima. It is a little bouncy on major dips/bumps, but not overly so. The Brakes are sufficient, but could stop a little better. Handling on sharp bends is average at best.

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  we L:OVE this car! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By LLoyd Merryman - August 11 - 12:56 pm

  We have had this car for only three months but absolutely LOVE it!. It handles like a dream and its very easy to operate the power roof. Recommend it to anyone!

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  Its whats inside that counts... - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By killakass85 - August 11 - 9:30 am

  First-the bad news: if you are looking to lay down 10 second runs at the track or turn heads at the valet then this isnt the car for you. That being said - I challenge you to find a roomier, more equipped, more fuel efficient, smoother riding vehicle than the 09 Sebring Sedan. Traded a clunker in w 200K miles and with all rebates,discounts, +ttf walked out the door with a 2.7 V6, Nav/Sirius Sat Radio, MyGig/DVD System, Power Sunroof, Heated/Power Seats, Hot/Cold Cup Holder, & Remote Start for $19K. Those same options on any other car puts you well over $30K all without the lifetime powertrain warranty. Put 100 miles on it the first day testing out the Navi!!! BTW - Im 64-

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  My 300MS - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By Floyd Carter - August 10 - 8:57 pm

  Purchased the car used,w/57000 miles on the clock. Why did they stop making this model. Its a great road car. Hard to keep the speed down. Handles great on curves and runs like a race car. Love the dashboard display. The tach is a welcome site. Never had the rpms over 3000. Covers a lot of ground with comfort. Only car I have ever owned that is still fun to drive after 2yrs. If you havent tried Continental tires,they are silent. Chrysler did a good job with this vehicle. Its a shame they stopped production. Would like to see a 5spd manual transmission. Check engine light came on and shop replaced a oxygen sensor. It still comes on, but goes off after a day or so. No major problems as yet.

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  Not designed for tall drivers? - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mike - August 10 - 11:29 am

  What were the designers thinking? I went to try out the Pacifica based on reviews. Adjusted seat and steering wheel but could not get into the van without undue difficulty as too low and cramped. Could not fit comfortably in front seat, roof too low, controls not placed correctly. Rear vision impeded by pillars and obstructions. Vehicle ground clearance is too low and long overhang beyond front wheels (not good for places that have a lot of rain/runoff.) Immediately tried out Dodge Grand Caravan. No problems with ingress or egress. Could adjust controls perfectly. Had several inches headroom. With rear seat/ headrests folded, had no problems with rear visibility. Conclusion - The Pacifica designers were all short people or maybe they only feel short people would buy one? . My sister-in-laws husband had the exact same experience in another city/dealer and he is shorter/larger than I am (I am 62.) Why design a minivan only for shorter people????

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  We LOVE this car! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Tammie - August 9 - 2:29 pm

  We purchased this car after buying an 01 model for our daughter and wanting to keep it for ourselves. Our car is a blast to drive and the appearance is classy and looks much more expensive than it was. We get comments on it everytime we are out. The gas mileage is much improved on my last vehicle and did I say it is a blast to drive? I can get a huge Sams run worth of groceries in the trunk when the top is up and an adequate amount with it down. My husband likes to stretch way out to drive and at 62" he has no complaints.

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  This car is destroying my savings!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pmgrun - August 9 - 12:41 am

  Purchased this car with 50k miles on it. Since purchase is has been to the dealer for a total of about 3 weeks. We had to rebuild the first motor, then replace it 6 months later. Had to replace the intake manifold, motor mounts 3 separate times. If it can break it will. It now sits in a parking lot awaiting a tow due to it stalling while idling through the lot. Cant get rid of this thing because its a chrysler and its worthless to the dealerships, 9k dollars upside down in the loan due to lousy blue book value.