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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  Nice Car But - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By W. Pasco - November 3 - 11:24 am

  Bought the 300 M as a lease returned car with 1500 miles. We have put about 60k miles on since. Car drives well and has good take acceleration. Had to change brakes and rotors with only 40K miles. Now at 76k the water pump went out. This is a major cost,$700. Also to change the timing belt at 100 K is about $1000.

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  Wifes new ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bprofeta - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I work with the high line automobiles, really liked the quality and styling of this new vehicle, Im impressed, more horespower would be nice but is adequate.

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  WhoooHooo - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By dride9 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have just recently purchased a 2004 and this car is great. I had a 2002 bonneville, and let me tell you I love this car much more. It just goes to show you that simplicity is better. Though it doesnt have the buttons that the bonnie had, it still is far more superior in looks and styling. Can say that I am a chrysler man from now on. And the chrysler dealership that I purchased it from has went beyond the call of duty. No wonder chrysler symbolizes perfection.

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  Pretty nice little car - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Kathy - November 3 - 7:26 am

  A good car, strong and reliable. Great around town, and fine on the freeway. The only problem weve had is with the idle when the AC is on, but if you turn the AC off its fine, and we didnt notice this when we first had the car so maybe its the AC.

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  Love this car! - 1996 Chrysler Concorde
  By tgm49 - November 2 - 11:44 pm

  Incredible! Of 21 vehicles Ive owned, this one has been the most reliable by far. Bought it with 16k mi., now have 230k with original (not rebuilt) motor (3.3l) and tranny. All repairs done after 178k mi. Included timing chain, motor & tranny mounts, rotors, radiator, coil block, alternator, rad fan & water pump (3x since 70k) the rest is intact and in perfect working order including a/c, tranny, motor, abs and all accessories. The secret? change all fluids at the required time set by the manuf. And use the best brand-specific synthetics for all components. This holds true for any of todays vehicles, saving money in the long run in 8 yrs this car has more than paid for itself.

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  2 in a row - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Paul Eisen - November 1 - 7:52 pm

  Have my 2nd. 300C and couldnt be more satisfied. Comfort & performance are the best features. Highway mpg is 27- 28, but have seen 30+ many times. The available power is a plus. Only concern is the size of the brakes, needs better stopping ability, otherwise it is the best value around for the money. Huge trunk and ergonomic perfection.

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  Please do not buy this car! - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By Mnshine77 - November 1 - 2:33 pm

  This car has given my husband and I the biggest headache of our lives for two years. It is now sitting in our driveway, not running and we are trying to sell it as is and telling them they have to tow it away, because I refuse to put another penny into it! Timing chain has gone twice, air conditioning has been fixed numerous times and still doesnt work, trunk wont stay up, driver window wont go down, replaced battery numerous times, dash cluster replaced, starter replaced, car takes forever to start when you turn the key, seals around windows, paint chipping, etc. So many other things I cant recall because they have all run together! Wish I could drive this car into the lake.

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  They Get it Right Then Kill It - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Garth - October 31 - 5:40 pm

  The first thing that struck us about this car is the styling. Although they built it in their minivan plant, it is a much better looking car. The updates for 2007 are a must have. The 6 speed transmission is giving us around 17 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. We see better than 22 if highway speeds are kept at a reasonable level. I agree that the more powerful motor and extra two gears in the transmission help the car to be quick off the line but it is also one of the most relaxed highway cruisers that we have ever driven. The crash ratings are unmatched in its class. The seats are very comfortable and the dual zone climate with rear heat control means that everyone is comfortable.

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  2017, and still cant build a car - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By Susan - October 31 - 6:37 am

  If your buying a 300 for the looks then go ahead, otherwise Id think twice about it. I bought my 300 new. 2015. Currently has 8000 miles on it. Ive had in the shop three times within past 2 months. Transmission continues to slip, jer king hard going into second and third gear. Dealership says it needed a software update. Two updates later its still jerking. Then, yesterday I over fill my gas tank, some how, some way the gas then flows out from under my car. I love my car otherwise but its beyond ridiculous to spend this amount of money on a new vehicle to have these issues.

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  Steer Clear of Chrysler PT Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By JenniferDenise - October 31 - 6:33 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with this car since I purchased it. I barely get 16 mpg when I should be getting over 20. The car stalls when the air conditioner runs. It wont shift going up hills and has a lot of trouble taking off. The check engine light flashes during every up-hill battle. Ive replaced the brakes, rotors and spark plugs twice. I was told it needed a tune up which was done but the problems came back a few months later. Ive now been told that it needs another tune-up. I paid 10,000 on the car and Ive now paid over 4,000 in two years on "maintenance". My powertrain warranty hasnt covered the cost of any repairs to the engine or transmission. Ill never buy Chrysler again