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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  Better than my Porsches - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By jps - May 21 - 7:50 am

  Believe it, I have owned three Porsche 911s and this Crossfire has garnered more looks, great questions,and more enthusiasm than any car I have previously driven. Even in car crazy Los Angeles. The build quality from the Karmann works is excellent. The driving experience is just right and the kids and grownups keep staring.

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  Like a dream! - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By like a dream - May 20 - 11:39 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. It has been wonderfully reliable and I love driving it. I am only sorry they stopped making it or I would buy another.

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  8 way power seats, passenger side - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By jchialiva - May 20 - 6:24 pm

  only comfort disappointment. 8way power seat was not even offered as an option for passenger in 2005. manual recliner only. they were standard in 2006. my three prior chryslers had them as standard equiptment. it is not that they were unfarmiliar with the tecnology. if my primary objective had not been the hemi,i would have passed on the car. of course we all understand that telling a customer that it will be available next year is not good sales technich. my three prior chrysler were purchased from chrysler corporation and this was from daimler-chrysler. that could account for the difference in philosphy.

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  I should have had one of these all along - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Michael Smith - May 19 - 11:43 am

  I have a 2005 base, 5 speed, convertible. I cant believe how much attention I get with it. Everyone wants to go for a ride. People thank its a $30,000.00 car and when I tell them that I paid around $18,000.00 for it they ask me if I got it used. nope! The 5 speed is fun and shifts so smoothe. It could use a little more power but with this car you just want to kick back and take it easy anyway.. It rides and handles great. I expected alot of noise with a conv. but I was so supprised at how quiet it is. The way you sit and the way everything is layed out makes me feel like the car was made for me. Alot of thinking went into it. the only thing I would trade it for is the gtversion

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  Greatest car Ive ever had - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dianne Bryson - May 18 - 9:27 pm

  We have used this car for a lot of traveling long distances and have had nothing but pleasure from it. It is so easy to put the top down and up. We will definitely buy another Chrysler Convertible when we are ready to purchase a new car. We were going to buy a PT Cruiser, but were so glad we didnt do that and instead have this car. Its a beautiful color of dark cobalt blue and gets much attention on the freeway. We have had great service from our local Chrysler dealership for our checkups and that is always reassuring to have service that you can trust. WE go to Airpark Chrysler in Scottsdale, AZ. Our model has cloth seats which is much better for this climate! Thank you.

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  Cant top Chrysler - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By alias - May 18 - 3:48 pm

  Great car. It replaced a same year Neon, which was also a great car, but I wanted a droptop. I sacrificed my new system in my Neon for the Chrysler premium audio system, it sounds good, but will definitely be replaced in the future. One thing I wish the Sebring had was a CD player, its available with the higher end models or extra option. Drives great, love the V6, has balls. Wind noise at interstate speeds is minimal unless there is strong wind outside, then its a little louder, but can be fixed with extra stripping around the front and rear window junctions. I drove it from my hometown to Denver the day I purchased it, and it was superb. The gas mileage was comparable to my Neon.

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  Fun, Fast, Rare & Classy - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Black Crossfire - May 17 - 10:02 am

  I have never had a car that has gotten so much attention before. From little kids to little old ladies, everybody loves my car. I cant begin to tell you how often I am approached by people asking me what it is, and telling me how much they love it. Its definitely a head turner. Its fun to drive, very fast, and very quick. It corners like a dream. The only thing Id change about it is the cup holder...too small, and a little better gas mileage. But it doesnt do too bad. About 22mpg. Chryslers biggest mistake w/ this car was not advertising it very well. I think that most people are intimidated by its looks and think that it must be way out of their price league w/o even checking it out.

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  Exceptionally well made car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Marc B. Mankuta - May 16 - 11:23 pm

  This is a Mercedes Benz, in Karmann built, Chrysler clothing. The car looks fantastic, drives beautifully and is one of the best built cars Ive owned. The interior materials feel first rate and the convertible top mechanism looks like mechanical ballet going up and down. So far there is nothing I dont like about the car. It is a steal at current market prices. Not a sports car to compete with Corvettes or Porsches on performance but a beautiful, open top, comfortable cruiser to compete or exceed them on all other levels most especially price.

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  Great value in used car - 1993 Chrysler Concorde
  By Bluehistorian - May 16 - 9:51 am

  I bought this 93 Concorde 8 years ago for a bargain price. I have keep it garaged most of the time and performed regular maintenance. It has provided virtually trouble free service during the entire time. It is fun to drive, and I love the 3.5 liter power plant that gives plenty of get up and go. The exterior design still appears contemporary even thought he model is 13 years old. Interior and exterior quality have been excellent. The leather seats have held up well and look good. Unfortunately, it just suffered through a hail storm, and the insurance adjuster has "totalled" the vehicle. Even though it is a little dimpled, I intend to keep it a while longer.

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  300C!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By LuAnn Roesch - May 15 - 5:30 am

  As you can see I titled this 300C!! because the car has caused so much excitement. Never have I driven a large sedan with as much comfort and kick. The multi-phase hemi engine provides respectable fuel mileage and the ability to move when needed. The exterior design turns heads no matter where you are and the ride is excellent.