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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  Wow!!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Canyonero - March 14 - 6:43 am

  Now this is a CAR!!! This car is built for true TALL Americans are. This car is made for TALL people that know what cars were like in the 70s. This car fits me like a fine glove. If you are over 6ft like me. This car is made for YOU.

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  Massive Shaking - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Magnum - March 13 - 6:12 pm

  I purchased this Sebring Convertible limited from the showroom floor after test driving a 2006. After purchasing I was on my way home when I noticed the car had very bad shake at 45 mph and massive cowl shake that did not show up on test drives. Dealer stated this was normal, but that was after they rebalanced and replaced the tires. The car has gotten progressively worse and gets out of balance and alignment on the slightest bumps. I had a 1999 Sebring conv and vibration was very minimal compared to this.

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  hold on to something - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By francis.hiebler - March 13 - 3:39 am

  The 4 liter v-6 w/ 6 speed trans is like a rocket ready to take off. At 50 mph there is no hesitation to 80mph. german autobahn tested to 115 mph when governor kicked in. I know theres more than that. smooth transition between gears and great handling performance around turns. snow is nothing in the AWD. worth every penny.

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  smiles per dollar - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Gary - March 12 - 4:45 am

  for two passengers its the most fun you can have for your buck . Bystanders think its an Italian exotic ,sure its german technology ok and build but only AMERICA designs bodies that we dream about pretty soon the Japanese will start copying it the big / long nose short back classic sports coupe reminds me of another classic , oh yeah the ford mustang the crossfire has got more mustang heart than the latest mustang (re modeled 1967 ) hey and im a ford fanatic. you can say its really a SLK merc, using bits that were for the scrap pile, or just a product of a necessary marriage, between a European brand and a American giant (we would like to forget chryslers 70,s and 80,s efforts) its right.

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  Great car!!! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By benjamincmh - March 11 - 10:33 pm

  I drove this car from ohio to San Diego california with no issues love this car I brought it used with over 80,000 miles on it almost a year ago and drove it recently from ohio to california I never changed anything or had any issues car is great !!!

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  great experience - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TRETIAK - March 10 - 10:09 pm

  This Pacifica is Great!I through out my back this fall and it was hard to get down and sit in my sedan the seat height is perfect. I checked out 5 suv/ crossover types (Trebeca,XC90,SRX,Murano,Highlander),the Pacifica was the most comfortable seating the best support for my back. It is roomier than the others, the third seat is even comfortable with adults. The placement of all the controls are convenient when driving. I especially like the electric seat controls, they are laid out just like a seat on the door, the lumbar control,even the adjustable peddles,and the heat seat controls. Plenty of power with new 4.0 engine and the new 6 speed transmission with AWD and having 6 adults on board.

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  A head turning looker.... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr. PGV - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Black on black...I loaded this baby up with all the goodies...maxed out. A beautiful ride and the Sirius Radio is maximo funno....I laugh at my neighbors in their hulking Denalis and Expeditions,as they guzzle their way to work, and hulk around corners. The Benz dealer and Bimmer dealers were snobbish and haughty, and DID NOT LISTEN TO MY CONCERNS.I am a VERY PICKY Consumer, so the fact I chose this vehicle, says a lot.I was so impressed, I bought my wife a new Town and Country Limited. Congratulations! I put a Police Benevolent Society sticker on the rear window to PROTECT me...cause I am speeding along as we go.

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  2005 Crossfire STD - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Ken Klug - March 9 - 10:52 pm

  Comfortable/quite ride, Good handling, Well designed & built, More than adequate performance, Interior well laid-out with ample storage and plenty of room for two. Fuel consumption is good considering displacement & HP. Lots of features for a base model. Attractive unique styling. A lot of vehicle for the purchase price. Well satisfied thus far with all aspects.

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  Pretty Solid So Far.. - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Mike G - March 9 - 4:37 pm

  This is a pretty solid car. You can tell once you slam the door and start it up. Very stable performer. Fuel economy about 18 MPG. This car has some ponies under the hood. This car was loaded with all available options. Handles great! Only one problem - had PO430 emission code pop up once at 1,100 miles. Checked pending codes and reset. Code has not returned. I suspect it is due to break in issues. This is a very fun car to drive, and very comfortable. The Nav system works great, and the upgraded stereo system is awesome. This was worth the 43K I paid for the car. I suggest if you buy this one, get all of the options including the Hemi. You will not be disappointed.

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  Great car, minor details need attention - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By CB - March 9 - 4:13 pm

  Cupholder location is poorly designed, difficult to "learn" the switches. Auto lights should come on with wipers on intermittent not just full speed. My drivers side door will not stay open. Tired of getting beaten up every time I get in or out of vehicle. Comfort A++, eye catching A++++.