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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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By touring limited - May 9 - 8:31 pm

  This is a great car. Ive never owned a car that has attracted more attention. Its hard to get gas without someone asking me about the car and telling me how great it looks. I even had a man follow me to a motel to ask me how I like the car because he was planning to trade his cadillac in on a 300!

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  this car rules - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By dave-L - May 8 - 11:39 am

  The car has met every expectation in the 2 years Ive owned it. Fit and finish have been superb, as well as the performance and mileage. Im getting 18 mpg in town and 26 on the highway with mid-grade gas. The cylinder deactivation system is virtually invisible to the driver. The car has had absolutely no problems (after an initial front end alignment ajustment).

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  Very reliable - 2001 Chrysler Concorde
  By Don - May 7 - 9:46 pm

  I do all types of driving. This car is very comfortable and rides the best of any car I have owned. I have had no problems with the car----Zero. I had front brakes installed at 72,000 miles. This is about normal for any car. Gas mileage on an interstate trip tops out at 30.6 to 30.8 any time on a trip.This is cruising at 65-72mph.

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  Dont listen to the car magazines!!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Coffey - May 6 - 8:30 pm

  I got this car for a give away price. Thats why i bought it instead of a 350Z or mustang. IT IS A BETTER CAR! The car magazines hate this car. I almost didnt buy it because of that. BUT I DID and am I glad. This car is a true sportscar. It has luxury features, and handles like a dream. It is nearly as fast as the 350Z, has more luxury features, and is soooo much cheaper to own. I am getting 30 mpg at 75 mph on the interstate. And do I ever get the looks and compliments. Again DO NOT LISTEN TO THE CAR MAGAZINES. This car is great and it can be had at bargain prices.

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  Best value on the street - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mark Kuntz - April 30 - 11:00 pm

  This car is by far the best value on the road today in the luxury class. It quietly floats down the highway at 85 MPH, get a radar detector, youll need it. Unless you live in Colorado or like area, dont bother getting the AWD. I live in Northern Illinois and have the standard Traction Control and Electronic Stability Program and it is all you need. I was amazed during the first snow storm I drove in. Styling is unique and eye catching, get use to alot of long stares as you drive by other cars. If youre considering a Lexus LS 430, any Lincoln, Infinity M45 or S class Mercedes, do yourself a favor, and test drive the 300C. Youll end up saving $15,000 or more.

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  Our newest PT Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By D.G.J. - April 27 - 6:10 pm

  This is our familys fourth PT Cruiser, a black 05 Limited with the "woody" treatment. We still have two PT Cruisers, an 04 plum (the wifes) and an 03 patriot blue standard shift (belonging to my business) - both of them basic models. We love this car, not only for its classic "retro" look, but because it is extremely comfortable to drive and functional. All are a joy to drive. We took our 05 on an 8,600 trip around the country in July-August 2005 with absolutely no problems (in fact, no problems in the total of 19,000 miles now on the odometer). I just hope the are still making the PT Cruiser when its time to trade in the 03 - but that wont be for a while.

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  Way to go chryler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By GH - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I belive that the Pacifica is the perfect car for the family with kids older than 4. It has the room of a van, but a look and handling of a car. The way they brought together the easy or use and high dollar look is a great sign for Chrysler..Way to go!

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  Thrilled that I bought it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CharlieinNJ - April 26 - 2:00 am

  After purchasing my 2002 Acura MDX, I remember seeing an artists rendering of the 2004 Pacifica. It was love at first sight! I said, "If it looks as good on the inside as it looks on the outside, when it comes time to trade in my Acura, Ill certainly be visiting my local Chrysler dealership". I now have a Pacifica. Let me tell you, I LOVE IT! People have remarked they wish it had more horsepower....I just dont find that to be the case. Overall, I find this vehicle to be an amazing home run by Chrysler. I have no regrets buying it, whatsoever. Ill take my Pacifica with an extra $10,000 still in my pocket over buying another Acura MDX, ANYDAY!

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  the 300 c - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By nick - April 24 - 12:56 pm

  car is one heck of a ride and with the hemi the power is there when ya need it. best car i have ever owned. thought my 78 trans am at the time was ..but this car has it beat hands down. recomend to buy no matter what engine. due to stability control and ride. a very nice car and better than the imports you pay 60k or more for.

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  Excited to be back in American Sedan - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By sah2 - April 23 - 11:53 am

  Have had the car for ~one month. Love everything about it. So nice to see this styling come from Detroit!