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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  Living with a new Chrysler 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Joel Prescott - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is simply drop-dead gorgeous. I have had it for about 6 months, and I still do a double-take every time I walk up to it. No other car I have ever owned inspires so many comments from other motorists. The ownership experience is superb as well. Dealership service has been ideal. Living with the car every day never disappoints. It is very economical to drive, and wonderfully accommodating. I cant wait to take an extended trip it it. Bottom line--when you consider the very reasonable purchase price and all that you get for it, no other new car from any other manufacturer, domestic or import, even comes close.

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  Classy vehicle for price paid - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By A. G. - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Of all the vehicles I have owned, I would have to say the 300C (fully loaded) is tops all the way. There have been so many positive compliments on my vehicle from friends and strangers alike. Im so pleased with the comfort, style and handling. Absolutely exceptional. I strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering purchasing one.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By hwangauto - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This car has style, room, power and performance and great price! The selling dealer also did a great job!

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  Best auto I have ever owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By RAG - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Debated between cadillac and the 300c. Bought the 300 and it was the best decision I ever made. Super value, great performance, great feel and great looks.Hurray for the 300! Can not be beat for the price!

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  300C best choice - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Keith Rundles - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and sure get the looks from others, powerful and solid car that handles very well

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  My best Chrysler yet! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Brad1946 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  They really got it together this time, Im a long time Mopar person (first one was a 273High performace 1967 Valiant). The build demons are not present in this car, they got thier act together. Gas mileage surprised me at 21-22 mpg. Best mid $30s car in the market!

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  Chrysler 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By andreagail - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car right after they came out, I love it more than any vehicle I have ever owned. The power and pick-up are incredible, the hemi rules! I was rear-ended about a month after I bought it, believe me, the car that hit me suffered alot more damage than my 300C and the car was going about 30 mph when it hit me. Other than a delay getting parts, the repairs went fine and the car is back on the road and like it was never hit. I cant say enough good about this car.

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  I love this car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Nancy Baker - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Whats not to love? The fantastic body exudes confidence and boldness. The handling is sweet and smooth, especially on tight curves on the backroads of my home state. It excelerates whith the greatest of ease and there is practically no engine noise. The interior is well designed and the seats are very stable when taking tight curves. The ESP system is all Chrysler says it is! I have the 6- speaker CD changer with AM/FM radio, 250 watt amp and it will put out. For those who liked the cab-forward design, the 300 keeps a little bit of that in the windshield area. Like I said...whats not to love about this car?

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  300c - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By homey - November 28 - 10:00 am

  enjoyable drive, plenty of power,like the one touch electricts,comfortable seating,like the flexibility of driver position seat

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  someone has to - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By dupa - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is real beauty.i love driving it and it gets alot of positive response from people. ive got the limited and i cant say enought about it great body style,motor,wheels, and for the class its in a very good price