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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  Love this badboy - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By gattor75 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I got my 08 - 300 LX used with 57k already piled on him. Right arm started hurting (squeaking), just massaged it with oil - WD40 and that was it. Ive piled an additional 18k on his back and hes still running like the day I first brought him home, good boy! Smooth ride, quite cabin, roomy interior what else? Oh! even my ex-wife loves him though she kicked against the idea when we were married. lol

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  Still stands out. - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By Big Ron - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this baby right off the showroom floor. Mine has the white exterior with the gray leather interior which all the "Ss" have. The options included with my S8 package are what sold me. Plus, the wheels and exterior package make it unique enough that I felt I didnt need to step up to the SRT. The HEMI more than comforts my need for power and it handles more than adequately for a car its size.

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  Love it! - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By littlebit - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Traveled to Connecticut from upstate NY to purchase the Aspen we were looking for. We love it! Roomy, great ride, loaded and the gas mileage is better than we anticipated. Great looking and so far great performance. The perfect SUV for a large family! Cant say enough great things about it.

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  Great value - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By kgus - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 300 C three years ago as a "new"2006. Plan to trade it next week for a "new 2010". Im getting the same vehicle with a few more options and AWD (I live in the Snowbelt). Ive owned Cadillacs in the past and they dont have anything on the 300C. Tires were worn out at 44000, other than that, have had NO problems...never been in the shop but for routine maintenance. Gets 25 mpg on the interstate at 65mph. The fact that Im buying another should say enough.

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  Its been great for me - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By PaulR - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought new and currently have 65K trouble-free miles. Ive done regular maintenance and had to replace the battery at the 5 year mark. Tires & brakes are original and in good shape. The car is quiet and performs fine. Ive driven it from NY to Fla, SC, MO without any issues. Its everything I could ask for and hope to have it around fro a long time to come.

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  Lous 300M - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By Lous 300M - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car reminds me of some of the old time luxury cars. Had to replace two front door speakers $180.00 for the pair. At 30,000 all dash board functions went to key off position and would not return $800.00. I now have rust on the tip of the hood. To replace with OEM will cost about $2000.00. Sounds like a lot but keep in mind that this car has 90,000 miles on it and a is 10 years old. That comes to only $200.00 per year. Try to buy a new and equivalent for that money. I am going to do what ever work is needed to this car and will still have a great looking, riding, reliable car for years to come. BTW this car still turns heads when I drive down the streets and highway. Regards Lou

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  Loved this car! - 1998 Chrysler Concorde
  By dsherrill - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been through several cars, and this by was my favorite!! Unfortunately, a buck deer brought an early end to my car.. The car handled great, was luxurious, and was absolutely beautiful! I will miss her dearly. I am currently looking at a 300M to take her place.

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  Signature Series AWD - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By Scooter - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it a week but absolutely love it! I needed a sedan that would tow 2000 lbs and there are few that fit the bill. The 300 is by far the best looking of the bunch and the most affordable with great options. I choose the V6/ 5 spd for the fuel mileage and will update the post when I have some miles on it. The selling dealer was awesome to work with and would highly recommend them to anyone interested.

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  Signature Series AWD - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By scoot59 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it for 10 days but Im already in love with it. We took a trip up into the mountains with it the second day and she handles and drives like a dream. I chose the 300 because I wanted a luxury sedan capable of towing 2000 lbs. That is a short list and the 300 is by far the best bang for the bucks and in my opinion the best looking of the lot. I await the 1st snowstorm to she how she does then. Ill update this post when Ive got some miles on her.

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  Pleasant surprise - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By peter - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought 1996 LHS with 87,000 miles on it. I love this car. Fun to drive and real smooth. fair on gas, very fast. Better than a Caddy. I wish that they still made this model. Great stereo and nice leather.