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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  Excellent--Exceptional for the Price - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Rich Douglas - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I waited, watching others looking like they were having fun driving the PT Cruiser, until the turbo edition came out. The major complaint was the lack of power, and this was largely fixed with the new engine. The interior is well-appointed, but the stock stereo isnt very powerful. (But the 6-disc changer is nice, as well as the multiple speakers.) It looks cool, its pretty fast, and its fun to drive both in the city and down the highway. Highly recommended!

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  great car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By ceasters - May 27 - 3:13 pm

  this has been the best car ive owned. my wife and i have driven many cars over the years and this car has outperformed and outhandled all others

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  Good car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By erik - May 26 - 12:23 pm

  It feels like you are driving a car that costs a lot more. The ride is very smooth. Acceleration is very good for a four cylinder. The trip computer reads as high as 35mpg. But I calculated mileage myself and Im getting 32.5. I drive 90% highway.

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  why spending $15,000.00 more for a BMW 5 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Werner M. Reitter - May 26 - 12:23 am

  This car is fun to drive in every respect! A real touring car, quiet and comfortable. The Navi works excellent, but should be able to be operated at any time! Very recommendable! Drove five BMW 5?series and would not spend the additional $15,000.00 again!

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  New Owner - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Joe P - May 25 - 10:02 pm

  Ive only driven my 300C for 3 weeks, but its lived up to the great reviews I had read prior to choosing it. It feels very solid and surprisingly response for its size and weight. The fit and finish is as good as Ive seen on any American-made car. This car is exceptionally designed inside and out and Id challenge anyone to try it and tell me that it doesnt rival cars costing much more in both performance and appearance. The multi-displacement engine, so far, is getting better mileage than I expected. I previously owned a 2004 Concorde, which I liked, but this is a much higher level of luxury.

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  Excellent Auto - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By DBarden - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My car is as close to perfect as anything built by human beings can be.

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  thrilled with new Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Topdog - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Really have been imporessed with the comfort, performance, and the safety features of the pacifica. It feels luxorious and drives like a gem. Comfortable ride with a great sound system. The added features are great!

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  pure fun to drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By wayne carrington - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were getting ready to buy a toyota sequoia, we were at a car rental store saw the pacifica and decided to buy one the next day after a lot attendent showed us the pacifica from top to bottom. its right up there with the big boys.

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  Excellence without the high price - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By AFbowl300 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has been highly reliable and has excellent value without the high price. I enjoy driving it. It has fun colors to choose from and comes with standard features that one would need who doesnt drive far.

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  weekend car of the century! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Joel - May 21 - 3:00 pm

  I have had this vehicle since October of 2004. It is quick, responsive and reliable. A solid feel throughout the cabin-true Mercedes-Benz quality. Also, everyone wants to know what kind of car it is--For a day running errands, an average of four people comment on it somehow. But dont worry, theyre always good comments, of course.