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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  My favorite car Ive ever owned! - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Julie Hines - October 27 - 3:53 pm

  I love my new 300c from its classy looks to its wonderful ride. The power gives a real sense of confidence on the road when the need to accelerate quickly presents itself. The interior is so comfortable. I love all the automatic features you can set such as the headlights and the wipers. The navigation system is great. The Boston Acoustic sound system has high quality sound. After driving SUVs for 10 years, I was concerned I would feel cramped in a sedan. Not so in the 300, the interior is quite roomy and there is lots of leg room. The trunk is quite spacious as well.

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  300 Great Auto - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By mjp - October 26 - 3:30 pm

  My 300 Touring is a dream car for comfort and styling. The navigation system is a farce. I have a 250 Garmin handheld that is far superior to the $1800 for the navigation system. Alpine is not interested in working to improve or upgrade a very antiquated program disc. I have about 1900 miles on my vehicle and have been getting about 25 on the interstate. Ride is wonderful. Cruise control lever could be changed. Easy to hit it versus the turn signal. Sound system is outstanding. Styling is fantastic. Overall I am very please except for the navigation system.

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  Im thrilled. Wife is ecstatic. - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By TalkingToilet - October 25 - 1:17 pm

  This is our first convertible. After reviewing all available in our price range, this one by far seemed the best choice -- simply because its easily the classiest-looking of all its peers. Weve had old Fords and newer Mercedes...my wife has never cared which we drove. To her, a cars a car. The Sebring Touring Convertible, however, has her coming to my office EVERY DAY to steal it from me or to wait until I get off so we can just drive. She hates driving in traffic...except with this car (when the tops down). Im thrilled. Wife is ecstatic. NOTE: Get the V6. Dont you dare skimp on this. Its not very powerful, really, so dont go for anything less.

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  The Best One for the Family - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mblaudio - October 21 - 11:18 pm

  I just recently became a father, and had to get rid of my Dodge Dakota, Not only do I love this vehicle but I purchased a nicely equipped touring, and unburied myself 11k out of my Dodge truck and my payments went up $60.00 a month. I needed out of that truck, but as I drive it more and more every day it just gets beater. My wife loves it more than her Jetta because it is so much easier to get take the baby in. I have almost 3000 miles on it now, and it is performing perfectly, handles awesome, and the gas mileage while it could be better is better than that truck was. I am getting I guess split between highway, and city around 15-18. I love driving it. The stereo is ok, especially w/sirius

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  1st PT - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By REM - October 21 - 9:23 am

  I bought this vehicle sight unseen. It has taken five years off my life and has gotten back to enjoying music in the car.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By debbie - October 20 - 5:20 pm

  I have had the car for almost 2 years now, and it is the first car that I have not had to take back to the dealership for something major

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  Wanna Fly? - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By jjbbss - October 20 - 7:03 am

  If you are not a jet pilot and want to experience the thrill, strap on one of these SRT8s and enjoy the ride! I could not believe that i would ever drive a muscle car again. Be careful and have FUN!

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  Love it - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dean - October 20 - 3:10 am

  Purchased mine last week and what more can I say than its fast very fast build and comfort are excellent - did I mention it it was fast - This is a very nice car and as I have not seen an SRT on the roads in England I feel like Im in an exclusive club

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  ex M5er - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Steve - October 19 - 6:03 pm

  The day after trading an 01 M5 for this SRT8, my stomach was in knots of anxiety, but no more. Im crazy about this car! It has tons of features, is built well, and looks fantastic! It doesnt have the quality materials as the BMW, but its so much less expensive. I expect this car to be much cheaper to own and repair, the Bimmer was horrific.

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  Big bold and a dream to drive - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By GRB - October 18 - 2:39 pm

  Wonderful ride quality at an exceptionally good price. Good equipment level and nice finishing touches. The ride is positive, comfortable and at all times you feel under control, despite the large size. Build appears solid and have not noted any drifting at sharper turns.