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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  Best car in the world - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By Rob Smith - May 2 - 7:30 pm

  This is the best car in the world. Incredibly roomy, huge trunk, smooth ride. I got the long wheelbase though, and its engine is not nearly adequate. No AWD option either!? Needs more options too.

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  Aspen Limited HEV Excellent so far - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By tpedwards - April 28 - 1:31 pm

  I wanted to replace my 2005 Durango Limited with another exactly the same. Problem is, they are no longer made. After looking at Jeep Commander (ugly), Ford Explorer (too small), Ford Expedition (too big), Chevy Tahoe (rear not flat), Toyota Sequoia (too expensive) I finally decided to try to find a used Durango or Aspen. I found an Aspen HEV for a reasonable price. I drove from Battle Creek, MI to Indianapolis, IN spent the weekend then on to Bowling Green, KY and finally had to refuel. 553 miles of mixed highway and city on one tank! I love this SUV, but I have to imagine that Chrysler discontinued due to sluggish sales and expensive to build.

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  Love my convertible - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Angelizz10 - April 27 - 11:07 pm

  I bought this baby blue convertible new. It gets really outstanding mileage that it automatically checks for you. I am getting around 32 highway. The only problem I have had during my 70,000 miles was at about 50,000 it wouldnt come out of 1st gear! I drove it slowly, to the dealership where I purchased it. It was a small plastic piece that I learned Chrysler had in it that wore out about that mileage. I had extended warranty and they fixed it. Glad I had it. It is a snazzy looking car, and being blonde, I look good in it with the top down and Andre Bocelli playing when I head to the beach. Great fun and would buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Owner of 2nd Chrysler 300 - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By Texan - April 23 - 8:34 pm

  I just traded my 2005 300 for a 2010. I made one mistake, should have gotten the 3.5 engine. The only complaint I have is a whinning noise when using the A/C. The buttons on the key are real easy to push by accident. Otherwise this is a GREAT car for the money. The price is very reasonable compared to Cadillac & others of equal size and quality. Smooth ride & easy to drive.

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  Fantastic car! - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Hemilover - April 18 - 6:40 pm

  If you drive this car you will buy it! The 300C has everything youd want. Mileage is not bad at all for a Hemi. Ive been getting 22 mpg on the highway. The power, handling, styling is exceptional. Chrysler should advertise this car!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Mike - April 15 - 1:37 pm

  We bought this used with 26,000 miles on it and are now at 36,000 miles. It has every option besides the Navigation/DVD. The HEMI is amazing and we love the style and how it rides. Our 5 year old is able to get into the 3rd row seating by himself. The 3rd row is spacious but a little bumpy riding back there. The only issues that we have had were with the tie-rods and with the rear assist system. Two sensors have had to be replaced. Great Ride and we plan on driving it till it dies.

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  Great car! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mike - April 14 - 1:19 pm

  I really dont understand the ratings this car has received. Maybe the folks that do the evaluating would prefer a cherry wood dash like those in their Bentleys. Either that or I am just uncommonly easy to please. This car is a fantastic value. I have taken several trips with it and consistently get 37-38 MPG. It is easy to drive, has plenty of passing power and is comfortable and reliable. The exterior design is very stylish and I find the interior to be both attractive and functional. My wife is the primary driver and she loves the car too. You can nit-pick this vehicle apart, if you choose to do so, but, for the price, I think its an incredible value. Not a bad warranty either (lifetime)

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  1994 lhs - 1994 Chrysler LHS
  By ronnieonnie2000 - April 14 - 8:07 am

  I love my 1994 Chrysler lhs. It gets good gas. 27 mpg on the road.

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  u-connect problems - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By patrick - April 13 - 4:46 pm

  I love this model-this is my third sebring convertible, 96, 99 and now the 08. However,the u-connect phone continues to dump the stored phone numbers-4 times so far. the dealer replaced the computer, but is still dumping. No one seams to know what is happening.

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  Great car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By marlonm - April 3 - 6:24 am

  I have 121,000 miles on my 300C and still love the car. In general, it has been reasonably reliable and is certainly fun to drive. I would buy one again.