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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  I love this car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Maggie - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable and easy to drive vehicle I have ever driven. I have driven a number of different cars but the Sebring is by far the best.

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  One Hot Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Sandy - October 7 - 7:47 pm

  I love my Crossfire. Every where I go people ask about the car. I love to drive it, it really moves out when power is needed. The handling is great, and its very comfortable on long drives. I have had the car for 2 years and I havent even thought of dirving anything else. I love the interior and the exterior design. Overall the performance is great and I would highly recommend your readers to take one for a drive. But, be careful, as you may end up buying one!

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  300M to 300 Limited - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jim - October 7 - 2:46 pm

  Had a 99 300M with 47000 on it and loved the look and drivability. Limited was just a great looking car with overall appeal for its looks and reliability ratings.

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  Best Ride in Town - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By golfergal - October 7 - 9:02 am

  This car rocks. Ive owned it since June and the smile on my face as not ceased. I get so much attention and head turning on this car. The power and the quality of the car cannot be matched for the price. Its a fantastic car. I wish Chyrsler would market it better, but then I dont mind being one of a handful of people that have one. It makes my car very unique!

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  07 300C A Dream Car - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Ben - October 5 - 4:55 pm

  I purchased an Inferno Red 07 300C on August 31st and it a dream. It drives beautifully, and rides just as nice. I got it almsot fully optioned accept for U-Connect and the Rear DVD system. I traded in an 04 PT Turbo and while I was satisfied with that, I am truly satisfied with the 300C. Thank you Chrysler for making such a good product.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By KEG - October 5 - 9:40 am

  My Chrysler 300C is the best car I ever owned. Fun to drive, solid quality, and great looks makes it a real winner. In a sea of cars that are just the "same", the 300 sticks out. Thanks for getting American cars back on track.

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  shes a beauty... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Cyn4Sun - October 4 - 10:06 pm

  I am constantly being stopped in parking lots and people are commenting on my car..of course the muscle head mustangers all wanna race, the ride is fabulous...smooth, corners well quick off the line and terrific acceleration. Nav system has come in handy several times, some problems with the contrast on the radio, but thats not Chryslers problem...Have done full family grocery shopping (top up of course) and weekends away top down, once you learn to pack the car you do fine...if you can manage with a two seater and are looking for a fun car that looks great and doesnt feel like metal rollerskates....its a great value!!!! I love it!

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  Great family car - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By colorsmom - October 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family car with room enough for adults to sit comfortably in the back seat. The hatch back is wonderful and roomy. Plus, it looks cool and is a nice smooth ride.

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  Pacifica Great Ride ! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Janene Reed - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed with my Pacifia . Super comfort and plenty of room for the front and kids in the rear seats . I love the styling and attention I get with this car ! I have had NO problems and feel this car will last me along time .

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  X300M - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By X300M - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Turned in my 2001 300M for 300 base has 3.5L not 2.7L as some people think. Much nicer handling car in all respects to the 300M. Attention grabbing exterior with lots of room inside. Sunroof is one touch open and close, a much needed improvement. Too bad to get all windows one touch up you have to go to the "C" or even a jetta.