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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  Solid - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By davez - September 20 - 2:00 am

  My 300M was purchased in Philadelphia, and has been with me for moves to the cold of New England and the country of Lexington, Kentucky - one word describes my experience with the 300M - solid. Never any serious issues, the interior leather, size, and dependability will make me keep this car for 5+ more years..

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  A GREAT CAR! - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
  By owner of a great car - September 16 - 2:00 am

  its a shame that crysler stopped the cirrus, its a fun car, that looks great.Unlike my parents cars, (toyota,and ford) i have had NO big problems with mine. Since 2000, the only thing that has happened is that there is 1 rust spotunder the hood,small,and not noticable unless u open the hood,and the window froze once. THE CIRRUS IS A GREAT,SPORTY CAR, WITH REMARKABLE HANDLING AND ACCELERATION FOR A 4 CYLINDER 155HP VEHICLE. ITS A GREAT CAR FOR ANYONE, AND IT LOOKS,FEELS, AND DRIVES JUST LIKE NEW, 4 YEARS LATER!!!!!! I AM ONE HAPPY OWNER

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  review - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By celticsweetie51 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Handles well. No motor trouble! Basic maintenance is all that is needed. Roof is easy to operate. Rides smooth. Corners-no problem. Best car Ive ever had!

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  The bestcar i have ever owned - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Modesto88 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. I was worried because it was my first two seater. But the seats are comfortable and it grabs the road like nothing I have ever driven. The speaker system kicks, and the looks kill. When I pass people I feel like I am in a Porche or something because everyone slows down to look. The Turlock Delership made me an offer unlike any other. Also the service you get from Chrysler because of owning a crossifire rivals Mercedes. Finally the free matching luggage reminds me of another sports legend...Ferrari...

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  chrysler concorde - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By cmm50 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The car rides great is very roomy and dependable. The one problem I have is the annoying noise my locks make. They make a loud screeching noise when used.

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  Do Your Homework - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Eric Jorgensen - September 11 - 1:36 pm

  Read reviews like Edmunds and Consumer Reports; test drive several times; negoiatethe price et

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  Chrysler 300M - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By bamaglou - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in April and I would compare it to a Mercedes. I havent had any problems so far. I have really enjoyed this car. It has the comfort and the smooth ride that I was looking for in a sedan.

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  Grandmas Toy - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Yogomom - September 11 - 2:00 am

  My Sebring Limited Convertible is easy to handle and a fun car to drive. I especially like the way it corners. I first drove one as a rental on a 2 wk vacation, fell in love with it, came home and bought mine after driving GM vehicles exclusively for more than 40 years. Gas milage rated on the sticker at 28 miles per gallon, I recently got 30. I have driven other sport cars and find this one to be the most confortable riding.

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  Love this car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By nolevol - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Great gas mileage, pickup, comfort.

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  what a blast - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By sotiri - September 10 - 8:20 pm

  This is one fun ride.handlling is amazing. But the real fun starts when you push this puppy to the limits. she really runs like a thoroughbreed at a price you can afford.lots of room, trunk space is great and best of all are the other drivers who constantly say what a nice car then give you thumbs up.