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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  2004 Sebring Limited Convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By wwoods18 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost five months. My experience so far has been very positive. I have experienced no squeaks or rattles(even over very rough pavement). The car has given me no trouble at all. The only return trips back to the dealership have been for regularly scheduled maintenance. The only gripe I might have is that the paint scratches much too easily.

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  I love my chrysler - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Elizabeth Youngblood - February 25 - 12:03 am

  I like this car its spacious I went from an SUV to a sedan and I want to keep this car forever. Even though its not the best one out of all the chryslers, I am already looking to change the image on my car.

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  Even better than 2003 - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By nick - February 24 - 12:03 pm

  Had a 2003 pt and had exceelent experience no problems. Leased a 2006 and this one is even better quieter and even more solid than 03 Only drawback is still gas milaege poor for a 4 cylinder. around 18 to 20 mpg mixed driving. Would still recommend car.

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  Great Car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bob A - February 23 - 4:12 am

  The 2007 went in a wind tunnel, all holes got plugs and heavy glass, triple door seals. So quiet!

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  300 C Exciting Car to Drive - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Al in So California - February 22 - 2:23 pm

  After researching the 300 for two years (including driving 2 300 touring rentals), I purchased my car 3 months ago selecting the HEMI version and certainly have not been disappointed. For not that much more money, the 300 C is loaded with extra features, more powerful and very much a more finished vehicle inside and out. The driving experience has been excellent as I drive mostly freeways. This is the car that you want to drive more and more given the high level of excitement and satisfaction. The car has effortless power and handling is great. The car holds the road very well for a big vehicle when changing lanes and braking. This is a very solid vehicle as it moves down the road

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  nice vehicle! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By steven b - February 21 - 11:39 am

  The Pacifica drives sooo nice. It drives like a car on our curvy roads in Kentucky, the leather heated seats are just awesome when its chilly out. The AWD is great in rain & snow.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By mjv - February 21 - 11:08 am

  Very smooth ride. It feels like a luxury car. Much improved over my 2004 model. By getting the smaller engine, I was able to spend a little more on the interior features.

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  Parking Challenged - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Still Cruising - February 20 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Limited Turbo new. It was the styling that sold me. I love the roomy interior vs: the small exterior. Tall people dont do too well in the back seat however, (heads rub the roof). The original tires all went bad before 25K. Mechanically it has been sound. Has plenty of power for my needs. MPG could be better. Turning radius is wide so plan ahead, thats my only real beef right now. No issues as of 28K. Overall I have been happy with this car. Someday I may even calibrate the compass.

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  1999 Sebring Convertible JX - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lisa - February 20 - 2:01 pm

  Beautiful, fun car to drive. You get many looks in this baby! Its fast, roomy back seat, and handles seamlessly. The 2.5 Mitsubishi engine is powerful and reliable. You cant miss with this one! Family friendly and sexy to boot!

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  Happy Camper - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jack - February 19 - 2:57 pm

  I have had my Pacifica about two months. I liked it when I drove it off the lot and like it more now. This is a distinctively styled, great looking vehicle. It handles extremely well, has great pep, is supremely comfortable, and can haul a ton of stuff. No matter what highway speed you select, the engine is basically loafing (about 2000 rpms)and has all the power youll need for any situation. I was a little concerned on gas mileage at first (17 mpg with a mix of city and highway), but it has improved steadily to a now acceptable 21 mpg. For a vehicle with this much power and space, I can live with that.