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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  Rating the Chrysler 300Limited - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By doug roark - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Exterior design, general ride, excelleration, and handling are excellent. The interior could be upgraded somewhat. (2000 Chrysler LHS would rate higher inside.) Interior color selections are limited. Exterior colors are all very good! Would definitely recommend this automobile.

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  Who needs a Benz - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Percy Mccray - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Hey who needs a Benz? I have owned 2 previous 300s, a 1999 & 2002 and I have absolutly loved both year models. I had decided that my very next vehicle would be an E-class Mercedes until I saw the new 300, but when I drove the new 300 I flipped my wig. Wow, what a ride and experience that test drive was. I literally test drove that car for 2 hours; I simply did not want to stop driving this vehicle. Chrysler stepped up to the plate and came up with something really special. The shift in transmission, smooth as butter, the extreme luxury feel and look is inpressive and eye catching. Style, equipment, and appointments for $35,000 still has me asking the question,"WHATS THE CATCH!" Mercedes Who

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  One of the Best - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jim Hlavacek - March 26 - 6:16 pm

  Not since the 70s has an American automobile manufacturer produced a large sized sedan that has impressed me enough to own. The 300C Hemi not only feeds my need for performance, but does it with comfort, safety and style all for a price I can afford!

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  Love My PT - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By emeraldeyedonyx - March 25 - 10:16 am

  I absolutely love my Pt cruiser. It is comfortable and stylish. I like the way it hugs the road. I have an anxiety of driving, but not in this car. I feel so safe. I have no regret about purchasing this car. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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  Great car - my favorite so far - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By rdnewman - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Im 63" and love the room even the back seats are comfortable for my size. Dealership has taken great care of us, but the car has rarely needed anything. It has been a joy, especially considering the reasonable price. I expect to own this car 10 years.

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  quick review - 2003 Chrysler Concorde
  By short review - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the dollar. Very roomy and comfortable, with suprising economy.

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  What a Deal! - 2004 Chrysler Concorde
  By efudd - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome. Huge, Powerful, Luxuious, Handsome! Alot of bang for the Buck.

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  What a Car. - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Crossfire Bill - March 23 - 4:33 am

  I bought a Blaze Red Pearlcoat Limited Roadster for myself for Christmas. Quality was excellent. I have had more fun with this car than any other car I have ever had including Mercedes and Toyota sports cars. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  One Great Ride - 2004 Chrysler Concorde
  By Mrs. Byrd - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is spacious and comfortable. Its the perfect car for a trip with comfortable seats that fully recline and plenty of leg room.

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  Improvements - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By J. Anderson - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice auto to drive