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:

• 

  04 AWD Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brian - March 5 - 9:24 pm

  Needing a vehicle that seats 6, but not wanting a minivan or an SUV necessarily the Pacifica caught my eye. I love the clean lines and the luxurious ammenities in this car. It provides a very comfortable ride and is fairly responsive. The number of options for the price are amazing. Particularly love the DVD player, sound system, memory seats and heated seats. The only negative is that the engine is average at best for this year. It probably would have been OK if I hadnt drove an 07 with the 4.0L. With a budget in mind, we went with the options over the more powerful engine. This vehicle was a steal for the price!

• 

  Mixed Opinions - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Matt - March 4 - 7:54 pm

  I have owned this car for almost 2 years and Im just approaching 40k miles and over all im impressed with the looks and thats it, mecanicaly I have had nothing but headaches. The transmission slips and steering becomes difficult when its cold (I live in Canada), extremly rough idle and the dealer claims there is nothing wrong, I had to replace all speakers in the car, both rear power window motors twice, brake rotors at 15k and the OEM Goodyear tires stink they wear out fast and I had them replaced at 20k miles for a set of Michelins. This is my 3rd Chrysler and I wont be buying another any time soon and in fact Im trading it for a Honda Accord EX V6 next week.

• 

  Love this car!! - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By CrUiZeR - March 4 - 1:56 am

  Ive owned a 2002 PT for almost 4 years. Bought with 60,000 miles, now have just over 100,000. Have had VERY few issues with this car. I never head out in the morning with the fear that the car wont start or get me where Im going. Runs great and gets some good speed on the freeway. Not everyones cup of tea, but the car is beautiful, especially with a spoiler, chrome accents, and aftermarket mags. Interior is well designed and comfortable. Would recommend this car to anyone looking for a nice family car. Now Im just looking for something more sporty.

• 

  Love my 300 - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By ROCK - March 3 - 10:12 am

  So I went against the preferred engine and really I think the concerns are a little overrated about it. I think if you want performance slapping a massive engine in it wouldnt satisfy my personal preferences. In saying that we bought this because $4 gas will soon be a reality. The car rides incredible, the fit and finish is the best of any Chrysler I have owned by far. The road noise is minimal and the look is just sleek it looks like a much more expensive car. The stereo sounds great and the sets are very top notch. We traded in a Durango and this has more leg room in the rear then our SUV had. I am really pleased with my purchase and the 25 mpg makes me smile.

• 

  Great 3rd car! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By John - March 2 - 12:46 am

  I bought mine as my daily commuter and it works well for that -- fun to drive, reasonably efficient (for a luxury sport car) and, well, its damned fun to drive! People taller than 61" will probably not be comfortable in this car (Im that and the top of my head just barely rubs the headliner from time to time). Fit and finish are superb as you would expect from the germans and the drivetrain is smooth (Contrary to most reviews, I find the 6-speed manual easy to get along with). Manners at speed are excellent! Interior needs improvement -- chrome plated plastic has to go and the cup holder stinks. Overall a great, fun car and I wouldnt trade it for anything but the ragtop version!

• 

  A Great American Sedan! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By afwxforecaster - March 1 - 11:23 pm

  I recently purchased a 300C Heritage Edition, after trading in my 2003 Audi A4. Now, I absolutely loved my A4, and would recommend it to anyone. However, I wanted something a little larger, because the A4 was just getting a little tight for my family. I am extremely impressed by the 300C. It is large, comfortable, luxurious, and has never ending power. The interior and exterior styling is first class. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking at the large car segment...this is truly a great American sedan!

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned! - 1996 Chrysler Concorde
  By Capmaster - February 29 - 12:39 pm

  Ive owned quite a few, but this is the overall best car. The car handles like its on tracks - ultra-stable and predictable. The only repair weve had in 5 years was the oxygen sensors, and I replaced those myself. Its a beautiful, reliable, fun car to own and I cant think of anything Id change on it. What a great car! My wife also agrees its the best car weve ever owned.

• 

  RICKS 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By RICKY CROWDER - February 29 - 3:30 am

  YOU FEEL GREAT WITH THIS CAR. FROM CRUSING TO ROCKITING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS CAR WILL TAKE THE MOTO FROM THE COMPETITION. GMCS PROFESSIONAL GRADE, LOOK AT THE 300C. FORDS BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD, LOOK TO THE 300C. THIS IS THE CAR THAT CAN MAKE ANYBODY FIT IN AT THE AUTO SHOW. IF YOURE YOUNG, YOU CAN COMPETE WITH ANY OF THE NEW HOT RODS. IF YOURE OLDER YOU CAN PARK NEXT TO THE MOST EXPENSIVE LUXJURY CAR AND NOT FEEL OUT OF PLACE. THIS CAR IS COOL ENOUGH FOR A SINGLE MAN OUT ON THE TOWN, AND CAN MAKE A MAN MARRIED WITH CHILD FEEL AS IF HES STILL GOT IT. THE DOWN SIDE IS YOUR WIFE OR GIRLFRIEND WILL WANT TO DRIVE TOO. THE FINAL WORDS. HOMERUN CHRYSLER, HOMERUN.

• 

  Best ever - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bob - February 28 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned 27 different cars in the past 45 years. All of them have been American cars (at least in name). I have had my 2005 300C for 7 months and I still get a big smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. This car is amazing. I love everything about it, especially the Hemi. Years ago I owned cars with powerful engins, but nothing compares to this Hemi. Combining the power with the stability control and the suspension, transmission and brakeing system makes it a car worth thousands more than the sticker price. I constantly get compliments about the exterior looks. I get about 18MPG on my daily driving and about 24 on the highway).

• 

  Still Lovin - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Texan - February 28 - 2:20 pm

  I was concerned after a while if I would become tired of the design but after two years, I think this is such a cool car. I have owned Jaguars, Lexus, but nothing htis fun to drive. I really enjoy it. People love to look at it and if they only knew how much fun it was to drive.