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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  New arrival - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By pt109 - August 25 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had less than a week and have put almost 800 miles on the the little thing. Last car was a Crown Vic so torque seems a bit on the thin side. Love the top down and quiet with top up. as far as styling goes people either love or hate them. I love it. every time I get behind the wheel I think beetle because of the body color dash and view over the hood. Ride/handling trade off seems perfect for this sporty but not sports car. I was hoping for better mileage than my Vic but so far it is about the same. Disappointing for a 4 Cylinder, but I didnt buy it because it was an econobox.

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  Chrysler 300 just quits at speed - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Leiah - August 25 - 12:34 pm

  I adored this car from the moment I bought it. Looks cool, comfortable, roomy, handles like a dream. Until 3 months ago. Now, I have a very expensive paperweight on my hands I dont even dare drive. The car loses power at speed, locking out all control, making me a ton rock in the middle of the road. It now sits at the dealership, where they say "their computer cant find a problem." This is the FIFTH time it has been into the shop for the same problem. Chryslers response when I contacted them? Tough luck, lady. Trade up to a new 300. Its paid for, so they arent making any money off it. After many, many years as a loyal Chrysler owner-NEVER AGAIN!! Toyota dealership, here I come!

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  Love it - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By jim wygle - August 25 - 11:26 am

  The car replaced a Cadillac Eldorado ETC. Was going to buy the new Cadillac STS until I drove the 300C. What you get for the money makes the 300C an excellent choice. The 400 lbs of torque make the car fun to drive. The back seat has more than ample leg room. The cabin is both comfortable and quiet. People are constantly asking me about the car.

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  Wow - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Steve Lamb - August 25 - 5:00 am

  I wanted this car for my wife. Chysler was running a sale. The dealer didnt bait and switch me, but gave me the car at the sale price- we practically stole it. Everytime we drive it we find another very well thought out design feature. As an Architect I am totally impressed with this car! As a guy who has owned Jaguars, Triumphs, classic cars and hot rods, Ive got to say that this car is the BEST designed car Ive ever driven and in build quality is only second to my old 1926 Pierce Arrow Roadster. This car is a steal even at retail!!

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  Wow - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Steve Lamb - August 25 - 4:43 am

  I wanted this car for my wife. Chysler was running a sale. The dealer didnt bait and switch me, but gave me the car at the sale price- we practically stold it. Everytime we drive it we find another very well thought out design feature. As an Architect I am totally impressed with this car! As a guy who has owned Jauguars, Triumphs, classic cars and hot rods, Ive got to say that this car is the BEST designed car Ive ever driven and in build quality is only second to my old 1926 Pierce Arrow Roadster. This car is a steal even at retail!!

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  Wow - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Steve Lamb - August 25 - 4:43 am

  I wanted this car for my wife. Chysler was running a sale. The dealer didnt bait and switch me, but gave me the car at the sale price- we practically stold it. Everytime we drive it we find another very well thought out design feature. As an Architect I am totally impressed with this car! As a guy who has owned Jauguars, Triumphs, classic cars and hot rods, Ive got to say that this car is the BEST designed car Ive ever driven and in build quality is only second to my old 1926 Pierce Arrow Roadster. This car is a steal even at retail!!

• 

  Wow - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Steve Lamb - August 25 - 4:43 am

  I wanted this car for my wife. Chysler was running a sale. The dealer didnt bait and switch me, but gave me the car at the sale price- we practically stole it. Everytime we drive it we find another very well thought out design feature. As an Architect I am totally impressed with this car! As a guy who has owned Jaguars, Triumphs, classic cars and hot rods, Ive got to say that this car is the BEST designed car Ive ever driven and in build quality is only second to my old 1926 Pierce Arrow Roadster. This car is a steal even at retail!!

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  Ladies and gentlemen we have a winner! - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By mrcolem - August 24 - 1:31 pm

  When I first saw this Truck I was impressed. People say it looks like a Durango need to look again!! This truck rocks. Drives as smooth as an ocean breeze. Picks up like a rocket and is better on highway gas than my 4 cyl car was! Its not as good city but not bad either. Plenty of room and better features than some of the supposedly "top of the line" trucks. Chrysler has truly outdone themselves on this one! People are sleeping on this truck but thats okay. I dont mind being the only head turner in town

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  The 300 is Great - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Jim Schneider - August 24 - 12:56 pm

  Amazing automobile, gets great mileage (6cyl), rides like a dream, and looks Fantastic. Test drive one and you will buy it.

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  Does it All - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Norm Couturier - August 24 - 7:36 am

  425hp - lots of mid-range torque, tight-shifting 5-speed auto-stick transmission, posi-trac RWD, 1st-class exterior styling (mine is all black), best brakes Ive ever felt (Brembo), smooth and quiet at speed, yet surprising nimble and accurate for a 4,000-lb car. Reasonably sticky 20" Goodyear F1 Supercar radials do a nice job (but wont last very long). Chrysler did a fabulous job of cramming classy styling, a great chassis and good old-fashioned musclecar power (without the bad side effects) into a reasonably priced sedan (considering what youre getting).