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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  Always Out Crusin - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Prior Ford Man - April 12 - 6:20 am

  After driving nothing but Fords all my life, I wanted some style, fun and power in my next car. The PT GT Cruiser gives me all I wanted. I love looking at Tara (my GTs name) and taking her on long drives here in CA. When I need power she gives it and when I need to haul supplies she accommodates with space to spare. Chrysler did a good job making a unique styled vehicle with power to match her great looks. There nothing on the road that looks like her except maybe an old Woody.

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  whata car - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By benntamm - April 12 - 2:00 am

  great car..lotsa power..looks great..

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  Purchased for wife, love to ride - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Ron - April 11 - 1:26 pm

  This car truly brings back the days of the 60s muscle cars. My wife and I were looking for a new car and this time it was her choice to make. I had been privately salivating over the 300C, but never made mention of this to her. She said, lets go test the 300C, thats a great looking car!" She test drove it, as did I and the rest is history. The car drives as great as it looks. Its appeal transcends generations. At full throttle, it will push you back in the seat. This 4100 lbs. beheamoth can rocket. It handles nicely, especially on the freeway. The car is comfortable and the interior is roomy. Neither of us have experienced a claustrophobic effect as reported in CR. Great car!

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  Great Car for the Price! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By sueandron - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first "new" car and I really like it. It has the acceleration and handling I was looking for, and the space for the family inside.

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  Great car, flimsy trim - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By Art Schoepfer - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is a great car, roomy, good styling, and well built. One obvious defect, is the exterior plastic trim which becomes brittle after 2-3 years. The plastic hood trim on my car actually blew off my car when I was traveling on the highway. I complained to Chrysler about this, but they told me this is normal for this car, and they dont intend to do anything about it. It costs more than $150 to replace this defective trim.

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  Amazing in performance and class - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Senor Carlos - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I loved the perforfance of the veichle and of its power.

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  Performance - 2004 Chrysler Concorde
  By Rev. John - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Good car, fun to drive, but front is to low, but overall handle very well.

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  What a blast to drive: road trip fun - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By alanlcham - April 8 - 2:00 am

  quick, corners great, cool looking, makes others turn their heads to get a good look, chicks look and smile, I got this instead of a corvette. completely happy with my decision. I believe it will be a classic. I do love the stereo and my good cigars fit in the ashtray. Any SLKs want to race?

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  Finally Got the RagTop - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By PLumma - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking for a convertible for a couple of years now... Im no fast buyer. After alot of research I found the Sebring to be the best overall value taking into consideration purchase price, fuel costs, and INSURANCE. It is much cheaper than a mustang. So do your homework like I did and Run dont walk to get your sebring.

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  Exciting and Refreshing Look - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By msgirlnextdoor - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is all German except for the design. It is quite a head turner. The car is solidly built, inside and out. Despite it only has 215horsepower, it really doesnt find power lacking at all. The only thing is you cant brag about and you know how those Japanese car drivers like to brag about their 350Zs... This car handles cornering extremely well, great at making tight turns and makes a wonderful autocross car. The huge safety concern with the car is that the rght rear view is non-existent, which makes it very dangerous when backing out. With the very sexy and different design, this car makes a great inexpensive collectors car.