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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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 1996 Chrysler Concorde
  By Capmaster - February 29 - 12:39 pm

  Ive owned quite a few, but this is the overall best car. The car handles like its on tracks - ultra-stable and predictable. The only repair weve had in 5 years was the oxygen sensors, and I replaced those myself. Its a beautiful, reliable, fun car to own and I cant think of anything Id change on it. What a great car! My wife also agrees its the best car weve ever owned.

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  Best ever - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bob - February 28 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned 27 different cars in the past 45 years. All of them have been American cars (at least in name). I have had my 2005 300C for 7 months and I still get a big smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. This car is amazing. I love everything about it, especially the Hemi. Years ago I owned cars with powerful engins, but nothing compares to this Hemi. Combining the power with the stability control and the suspension, transmission and brakeing system makes it a car worth thousands more than the sticker price. I constantly get compliments about the exterior looks. I get about 18MPG on my daily driving and about 24 on the highway).

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  Still Lovin - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Texan - February 28 - 2:20 pm

  I was concerned after a while if I would become tired of the design but after two years, I think this is such a cool car. I have owned Jaguars, Lexus, but nothing htis fun to drive. I really enjoy it. People love to look at it and if they only knew how much fun it was to drive.

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  300C Car of the year - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By charger srt8 - February 27 - 2:06 am

  Best car ever!!!!! it takes other company guts to build this kind of car that has speed and luxury at the same time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a new mercedes benz.

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  Looks like an Audi, but more affordable - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mopar6700 - February 27 - 1:14 am

  This is an awesome car, inside and out. Very sporty looking and for a 4door family sedan, when paired with the 3.5 V6 and 6 speed automatic, you tend to forget your driving a family vehicle. The engine is whisper quite and provides plenty of pep around town and on the highway. Be careful 80 feels like 40. This is my third Chrysler in a row. Before these last three vehicles I was exclusively a European car buyer. I was originally in the market for a Pasat or Audi A4, but the value in the New Sebring Sedan was too much to pass up. Especially considering from the back it looks like an Audi and the side it looks like a BMW

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  2007 Pacifica AWD-an under rated luxury - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pac07 - February 26 - 8:28 pm

  A pleasure to drive. Friends who have ridden or driven this car can not believe the comfort and luxury. Plenty of power and mixed city/highway of 18-20 miles per gallon. No complaints except for not having 10 position passenger sear (not available). This car was extremely under rated by the experts.

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  Great Vehicle. - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By agist - February 26 - 6:56 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle and am very pleased so far. I have recently owned Lexus and Nissan vehicles(both cars and trucks). This truck makes me wonder why I ever payed the premium price of owning the other vehicles! This thing is great, quiet and smooth ride. A ton of features for the money and really quick. I got the one with the Hemi, Nav, My Gig etc. Anyone looking for a great vehicle at a great price, this is the one! Great job Chrysler!

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  Love my crossfire roadster limited - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By D. Davis - February 26 - 3:46 am

  She drives like a dream. Hugs the curves and has lots of pick up. I enjoy the sound of the exhaust system. The top raises or lowers in about 22 seconds. Anyone wishing a fun car for nice days would love the roadster.

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  Dependable and Fun - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Greenacresmzb - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Turns heads. My husband doesnt like the head room in the front seats. Works for me (53"). Its my car anyway! Great price. Solidly built.

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  Best Used Vehicle for the Price - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Frenchr - February 24 - 6:01 pm

  I bought mine used with almost every option except Navigation (couldnt find one with it) for a great price compared to everything else for its size and utility and quality. Its been great but now I like the couple updates in the new ones - guess Ill wait until they come down in price.