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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  BabyBently - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Laurice Phillips - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Best automobile that has come out since Cadillac came out with the 2004 ESV Escalade(which my wife drives). It tops all 2005 vehicles.

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  One fun car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By spouba - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Finally a stylish car for a 40 something professional that even my kids think is cool. Now whenever we go anywhere the kids (13,6,6) always ask if we can take the "hemi" (as they affectionately refer to it). Its fun watching the reaction of people in the vehicles I pass. They give that long look eyeing the vehicle up and down, front to back. Ive lost count of the number of business associates, friends and relatives that see me pull in and greet me outside to ask if they can take it for a drive. Its an amazing vehicle, well performing, great handling, and stylish. Its amazingly quiet and comfortable.

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  I love it! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Marjorie Keller - November 9 - 6:56 pm

  The Sebring Convertible is the best convertible around for the money. Its style suits me as a woman...I dont need big grills or a powerful motor or a fancy name. My vehicle is 6 years old and I still get compliments wherever I take it! Thanks, Chrysler, for a wonderful "womans car".

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  SRT6 a Blast to Drive - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Brent - November 8 - 10:58 am

  Purchased in June of 2006 as a new vehicle with only 90 miles on odometer.The SRT6 version is a rocket with 330 hp and supposed 0 t0 60 in 5.9 seconds. (Havent tried that yet!) Ive been very pleased with the car as a sports car. The only real complaint I have is the overall ride of the car. The suspension is very stiff and gives a bumpy ride. I will say the same suspension makes the car hug the road on curves at high speed without a glitch. Im 61 and have sufficient room. Friends that are 64 dont have enough room. I love the car but its probably not great for long trips or everyday driving.

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  Lovin it - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mima - November 8 - 3:03 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle people Love it, gets alot of attention. this is the most comfortable and sexy vehicle I have ever riden in. its just like your own personal limo.

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  Great SUV! - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By steve wiclack - November 7 - 9:58 pm

  Purchased last month and paid 4,000 off sticker. Great ride and cornering. I tow a snowmobile trailer and it tugs it like you dont know whats behind you. I pack in 8 adults and threw the kids in it yesterday at school. What a great all-round suv built by Daimler Chrysler!

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  Great Car, SLOW, but great - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By jdavis0503 - November 7 - 2:54 pm

  I bought the car for my birthday! It has been a great car since i bought it 6 months ago. No trouble yet!!! It is sorta of gutless for a 4 cylinder but the car is simply too big for that small of an engine. The transmission sometimes tends to slip from 2nd to 3rd...cant figure out why. Other than that, it is amazing. The factory sound system is better then most AFTERMARKET systems!!!

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  Excellent retro car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By seawolfe - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I got the turbo because I wanted some power along with the style. I had to add chrome that Chrysler "forgot" to enhance the retro styling. But after its mostly done, Im very satisfied with the auto.

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  Test drive a GT and youll drive it home - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Jeff V - November 6 - 2:00 am

  When PT Cruiser first came out I test drove it, loved the looks and the functionality, but it lacked power. I dont know what the clown at Edmunds was thinking when he wrote the turbo still lacks power. WRONG!

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  Awesome Vehicle!!! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Glenn - November 5 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased the Heritage edition model after seeing it debut at the LA Auto Show. The car is great! This model came pre-packaged with a lot of great features - seats are the same as the SRT model, has upgraded suspension and steering over the regular 300C, high intensity discharge headlights, all chrome grill, a spoiler, and other features not available on the standard 300C. I also purchased it in red - a real head turner. Have had lots of complements. It is amazing how a car of this size hugs the road as well as it does. I went from an accord to the 300C. What a change and boy was it worth it!