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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  Fun to drive and noisy - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By JPIERRE - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This car combines several qualities. No rust or sign of it after 6 years exposed to road salt in the Montreal winters. Still solid and no rattles. The reliability after the first 6 months of ajustments, is at par with other well renowned cars.

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  DONT buy this car without a warranty - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By Wesbar - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall quality of this car is pathetic as Ive had one problem after another. The rack and pinion had to be replaced ($800)after developing a dangerous amount of slack, the front passenger door lock actuator went out ($150), the drivers side speaker went out ($150) and now the fuel gauge is malfunctioning. I just paid the (Irving, TX) Chrysler dealership where the car was bought for a full tuneup ($200) at the 66,000 warranty service and they can do absolutely nothing about the very rough idle the car has developed. I can honestly say buying this car was a mistake and I will have absolutely nothing to do with Chrysler products in the future.

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  Crossfire Review, 2005 - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Robert Barclay - December 14 - 1:46 am

  The only drawback is that cant carry anything in the car, not even golf clubs (have to put in front seat). fantastic car to drive. I have people constantly come up and admire the car.

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  got to luv it or hate it - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ily - December 13 - 10:00 am

  i find that i luv my pt...but there are always a few things you dont like about everything.....for one brrrrrr cold car in the am...need to warm it up...had trouble with drivers window....had to bring back twice...but other than that and the putting of gas in more often.I LUV MY PT!!!!! ily

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  I really love my Concorde. - 1996 Chrysler Concorde
  By mishka - December 13 - 2:00 am

  My car is really comfortable, and has never given me much trouble. The air conditioner has given me some trouble. When I purchased the car it needed to be replaced because the clutch was harshly removed. Since replacing it the clutch burnt up recently, so I dont know if that is a common problem. Other then the air the car has always been great. This is also my first car and Ive learned to drive with it. It is a little big but has really grown on me.

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  Great car, but... - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By DC Driver - December 12 - 2:00 am

  We bought after having our 2nd child, since we couldnt fit 2 car seats in our old convertable. Its fun for me to drive but my 6 husband is frustrated by the visor mounting and low windshield, which make it hard for him to see. Its comfortable though unsexy - I feel like Im in a convertible version of my parents car versus something young, urban & hip.

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  sebring lxi - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By tasha - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Although I did not have any actual engine problems, I had several problems with everything from the sunroof leaking to the brakes squeaking to the automatic mirrors not working. Mine was probably a lemon, though, because I have heard only good things from other people!

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  Great car for the money - 1997 Chrysler Cirrus
  By MrG65 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new and have had virtually no problems (just brakes etc) in 100,000 miles. Very roomy and comfortable, no complaints.

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  Fun and Beautiful - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By CKUNICKI - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I just got the car but had to make a trip this weekend. She was joy to drive. I have to behave myself on the speedometer side. I was doing 90 without even realizing it. It felt like i was doing 55. She handles very well and has a great turning ratio.i do agree that the interior could have been alittle better designed, but I really enjoy driving her

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  Its a Fun Little Car - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jwarnke - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Although somewhat underpowered, I set the cruise at 75 on the highway and have no problem. The kimited is pretty heavy and therefore rides very confortably - it also really affects the gase mileage.