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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  95CONCORD 3.3 - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
  By tshields - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Problems with suspension began at 35000 miles and continued. Also, Chrysler disc brakes pitted requiring pre-mature replacement. Chrysler tie-rods are of poor quality. Engine/transmission trouble free at 135,000 miles and body is perfect.

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  Awesome car! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By amw1 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  A great car for the money!!! Wonderful purchase for under $10k.....especially compared to the alternatives (Civic, Neon, Focus, Taurus, etc.). Drives like a dream!

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  PT Cruiser Convertible GT - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By g. pogan - May 23 - 1:13 pm

  Handles well in snow, easy to enter and exit for 6foot 6 inch 240 lb. 65yr old. really handles well on 4 lane and turnpikes at 80 with stability and good handling characteristics. Solid feel to vehicle and no rattles or squeaks, top fits tight with no air noise and roll bar keeps cabin quiet with top down. An excellent buy, for a distinctive car that doesnt look like everything else on the road.

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  Great Value - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By bags - May 23 - 4:46 am

  Im up to 18,000 miles and 3+ years. No squeaks, rattles, or shakes. Great versatility. 5 speed has adequate power. Mileage is so-so.

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  What a surprise! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By RF Breton - May 22 - 11:06 am

  I have owned mainly four door sedans most of my life and prefer the ride of a full-sized luxury car. I just bought a 2006 Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition in Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat and it is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen on the road. The 5.7 HEMI mated with a 5-speed Mercedes auto- stick transmission is fabulous, and can run circles around any Northstar caddy. The ride is quiet and smooth, but it handles with such agility and positive steering response it feels like a much smaller car. I am very impressed with the overall fit and finish, and am considering buying a second one (his & hers) in 2007. For what a Mercedes costs, I can buy 2 of these loaded!

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  Second Childhood Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Peggy - May 21 - 7:33 pm

  After reading about this "Spec" model at an auto show in early 2000 or so, I thought....if this ever comes to fruition, I must investigate!! Well, to make a long story short...It did. I investigated. I fell in love. The romance is still going strong!!! I am an older "cool" woman (as my Grandchildren call me) who has always had a love for cars that was instilled in me by my "sonless father"! I was very fortunate and at this point in my life having the time of my life with the Crossfire as a sidekick!! The biggest thrill is the manual handling...making me truly feel a "part" of the whole process. (The quick glances that come my way arent so bad either!!!! I feel l9 again!!!!!!

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  Its a HEMI - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By auser - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Just got my 300C on Friday (5/21/04)...had a chance to test the HEMI all weekend. All I can say is "WOW". First American car Ive ever purchased (they finally got it right!). Everywhere I go people break their necks trying to get a glimpse. I was stopped at Wal-mart and some guy just asked if he could look inside...

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  The best care I ever owned or seen! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By dhoble - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is incredible. I bought this over the E class and the 5 series. You CAN NOT do better for the money ANYWHERE. Expect this car to increase by at leat 10k over the next year. The bgest looking luxury car ever designed. I recommend the limited or the C. Nothing less.

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  A lot to like in the 300C! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By big bill - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Outstandihg ride, solid likes its glued to the road, seamless performance, didnt feel the 4 cylinders kick in or out, never feel a lack of power. The Nav system is great, radio is great, and comfort is tops. On recent road trip w. 1200 miles on the odometer, drove 80+ and got 24 mpg.

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  Chryslers Inspiration - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Warren Wadehra - May 21 - 10:00 am

  its a great car