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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  Liked almost everything about the car - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By Ken - February 20 - 3:47 pm

  I had my 300M about 1 1/2 years. It ran and handled very well. Gas mileage was good at 21-25mpg, with an avg of about 23mpg. But, what was being stated in these reviews came to light. Condenser ($700), power steering lines ($200) and front end parts needed replaced. I replaced many parts under the front end and still couldnt get rid of the clunking noise. Finally, you need to remove the front fascia to replace a simple light bulb.

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  I hated Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By kb - February 20 - 11:53 am

  Never thought i would own a Chrysler. By chance rented the Touring version and was extremely impressed with the fit and finish, handling and comfort. I had bought a dodge avenger for my daughter,a college student, and watched her car quickly deteriorate during a 3yr period. I must have put half as much money into repairs relative to what I initially paid for the vehicle.Her car looked good and drove well but quality and dependability was poor to say the least.In any event I swore Id never own another Chrysler product-that was until I test drove a 300c, with all wheel drive. I had test driven the LS, Avalon, A6,Infiniti and STS before the 300c. The 300c was undoubtedly the best car.

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  Solid Ride - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By DreamCruising - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I was concern about the high price of this vehicle, the low crash ratings for the driver (2 stars)in the 2001 models, and the poor gas milage (20-22 mpg city). Still, I have been impressed at how well this car is designed, both in terms of space, comfort, and design-- just very artistic. In time I have come to like this car a lot--crash ratings for 2002 model are now good & milage continues to improve.

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  Fun to Drive Turns heads - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Steve Thompson - February 20 - 9:13 am

  Have been looking at this model, as well as the BMW Z4 and the 350Z, for several months. The Crossfire has the best value, with all the great rebates offered by Chrysler. Having lots of fun driving, no problems so far, looks great, and look forward to driving this car each day.

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  I love my LHS! - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By Khandilipps2kiss - February 19 - 8:40 pm

  I absolutely love my LHS. Best car I have ever owned. Ive had a few repairs done. Window on drivers side, speed sensor, starter, battery, cooling fans, transmission leak (under warranty), brakes, compressor (under warranty), and a few repairs made under recalls. I have the typical things going wrong with my car also seals around the headlights bad, replaced windshield bug guard, trunk release doesnt work. Shocks to hold up trunk are out. Air leaking around rims. Dash cracking on passenger side, window on passenger side doesnt work, windshield washer fluid reservoir doesnt work, clear coat peeling horribly, Speakers in dash are rotted out. But I still love my Chrysler LHS!

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  Reliable - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By Marie - February 19 - 7:49 pm

  Bought the car brand new. It now has 92,000 miles on it. Had to get the first set of tires replaced because of uneven wear. Have always had problems with the car bottoming out unless I keep 40 lbs of pressure in the tires. The car engine is a bit loud, but I have never had any engine problems. It has been a reliable car. Gets 20 miles per gal.

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  Great truck for the money! - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By cvh - February 18 - 2:03 pm

  When I first saw the Aspen, I had no idea what kind of truck it was. Chrysler does not advertise it, but am I glad I found it! We purchased a limited 5.7L Hemi and couldnt be happier with the performance. Compared to the Chevrolet trucks, you get a lot of nice extra features for the money! We love the heated leather seats, navigation system, rear DVD, Sirius radio, and roomy third row seats. Gas mileage not great, but we didnt expect it to be. The ride is smooth and quiet and the pick-up is outstanding. We previously owned a Chevrolet truck and I would never buy another one after finding the Aspen. Its a great buy!

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  Good solid family car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Todd - February 17 - 1:12 pm

  I like this car. It has done everything we needed it to do. My wife and I have three young kids and the car fits them and their car seats fine (one seat had to be taken out, though). It is much safer than any minivan out there. The handling/braking of the Pacifica is very good and definitely could factor into avoiding an accident.

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  Cheap Thrills! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By stig - February 17 - 12:32 pm

  Bought it 5 yr used at 112k miles. I wanted a car I could take to university that didnt say "Cheap" or "Eco". Bought it below PP price from a dealer (5.5k). It ran great and was reliable till the time i broke it... wasnt the same after repairs. Sold it off 4 months back. The car is quite powerful. 200HP in a light car is not gonna be slow. The Daimler Influences are evident because this "American" car is a decent handler. The 4 speed gear box isnt great but it does let you slam the accelerator and use the full RPM range before it shifts. The car looks great and the drop top is nice for the 3 months in a year that it can be put down. I liked the noises the engine made as well.

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  I loved it one time too! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Aggrivated in Ky - February 16 - 6:51 pm

  Ive owned my 300 for exactly a year now. I agree with others it looks fantastic. Granted I bought it used, but The car idles rough, shifts badly, currently need sway bars, wheel bearings, EGR Valve system repair. It sways badly lags in power especially in take off. I have check engine light and 2 lights to do with breaking illuminated. And beware if you ever have a flat tire. The lug nuts have casings on them that go over the lip of lug nut. They are not the removable caps. When you try to take the lug nuts off they caps just spin. I have had to cut the caps off my lug nuts and have to buy all new. On top of that, whoever heard of a car you have to have software updates? Wish I never bought it!