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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  Canasta Carols 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Carol ONeil - March 11 - 3:10 pm

  I was not planning on buying this car as my husband had just bought his Silver 300C four months before, but when he called me from the dealer (he was getting his first regular service done on his 300C, he said a Jade Green 300c had just been delivered! I traded in my 1999 Cadillac Concours and truly enjoy the super looks and the handling and power of my 300C. Our daughter bought a CHARGER with the HEMI in Dec. 2005 and she loves her DODGE!

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  Gator Johns Chrsyler 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By John ONeil - March 11 - 2:54 pm

  I was caught up in the cars great looks and comfort and then sold my 2000 300M for the Silver 300C. I have taken several road trips with this vehicle and got anywhere from 24-26 MPG depending on speed, around town it gets 19-21 MPG. I have not had any problems with the car. The great looks of the car still turns peoples heads. I liked it so much, I bought another 300C Jade Green for my wife 4 months after mine. Our daughter just bought a 2006 CHARGER with a HEMI and loves its performance too. Chrysler has truly found a winner here. We actually saw 300Cs while in Russia and Belarus last May 2005 and they turned heads there too!

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  Goodbye PT Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Otter Doyle - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned a Chyrsler until 2000. I had no problems with my PT Cruiser, well built. Reading about the Crossfire and seeing it at the Auto Show sold me on the car. Once behoind the whell I was not disapointed. It runs quick and agile. Takes me back to my youth.

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  Great Luxuary Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Hayden Marshall - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We got this vehicle on the 28th January (I was allowed to test it for a day) and we have been enjoying it very much. the leather seats (tan)are nice and firm, the seating configuration is great, i have sat in every seat to test for comfort and ease of entry, I am 59" and have had no problems getting in and out. The audio system is astounding. The ride is so comfortable;I took my wife and her aunt to dinner to night and they sat in the second row watching a tv show (on two 5.6 LCDs in the front head rest, similar to what will be offered in the Mercedes version) and she said that she forgot that we were traveling. Hayden Marshall

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  Pride in the Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dawn Beavan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This automobile handles like a dream. I feel like a kid just getting her license. It is my "Baby". Thank you Chrysler!

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  happy camper - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ken Beaver - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I needed a car that could haul stuff, but still be fun to drive.

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  The greatest - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Hard - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The best car I ever owned

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  I Love IT! - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By littlevera - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my little PT from Florida to Maine and up to the mountains of Tennessee a few times... It also came in very handy when gutting my 1928 house, hauling building supplies!! Im going to buy a convertible in a year or two...love it! :)

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  Desert Delight! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Sunny - March 7 - 6:00 pm

  I bought this car used (CARFAX showed one owner with low mileage.) I love and have always driven convertibles. This one has a very tight body due to the roll bar with very low noise and /or rattling for a rag top. I get about 24 mpg around town. It perfect top down in the Palm Springs autumn, winter and fall. For triple digit heat (100+F) in the desert summer, the triple insulated top and forceful a/c keep it very comfortable. The interior is roomy, even for a 62" guy like me. The "theater" seats put you in a higher position. I havent had a single repair and the turbo provides high performance when needed. Fun to drive, attracts attention (Ive had several offers to buy it) and reliable!

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  Woody Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By TomD55 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Have put over 4000 miles since purchase. While the gas mileage could be better, I am very happy with overall vehicle. A bit sluggish with AC on, once up to 65 mph, it will keep up with the pack. Fun to drive, good looking and quiet riding. Receive at least a compliment per day on style, looks, etc. A good car for individual transportation. Leather seats are great!