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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  PT Excellence - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Fredric - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Zero problems in 80000 miles. Car is as tight now as it was new. Car is as comfortable now as it was new - no noticeable wear on anything except brakes and tires. Car drives as well today as it did new. Paint and interior look as good today as they did new. Spends most of its life outside subjected to the elements (salesmans car). Versatile as a minivan without the bulk. Only service has been recalls and routine maintenance. Liked it so well we bought another only a loaded Limited this time.

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  Near perfection from an American auto. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By csclancy - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Overall is a great vehicle. The acceleration is pretty pathetic, but then again Im a 19 year old driving a car for a 50 year old. I love it though. The Mercedes inspired load leveling suspension is a thrill on the highway as well as on city streets!!

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  Excellent car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Cary - September 17 - 5:43 pm

  My last car before this one was a Porsche 911 so I really didnt expect much when I got behind the wheel. But I was very pleasently surprised by the strong, predictable power band, incredible cornering, excellent braking, and styling that never seems to lose its appeal. For a small car, it isnt particularly fuel efficient but apart from that, no complaints.

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  Why own anything else? - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Tom Anderson - September 15 - 9:43 am

  Have owned since car was rare. Have NEVER regreted buying this car. What a fun, fun, fun car to drive. Unique styling, endless variations to customize it to individual tastes. I cant see myself owning anything else.

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  2000s and beyond - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By DeLeeuw - September 15 - 2:00 am

  It handles smoothly, and is an exhilerating fun car to drive whether in the autostick mode or regular automatic drive. Its interior and exterior is everything that a person would want in an automobile at an affordable price. No attention to detail has been left wanting. Thanks Chrysler for this winning design.Has great curb appeal!

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  1999 LHS - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By R Statt - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I also own a 1997 Cadillac STS. The LHS has all the same equipment and options as the STS, except for the engin & suspension. The LHS is more comfortable, has more interior room, trunk room, and looks better. Overall I prefer the LHS over the STS.

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By WWJR> - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I believe That I was the first to purchase a 300M in my City, when Mercedes and Chrysler merged. I had to have one. Everywhere I go people would say I love your car! People would just stop me and want to look inside the trunk and under the hood, ask me about the performance, gas mileage etc. I would throw the 352hp in there and the seats that lets down for trunk space. my car is the Best! I have two Lincolns for business, but this is a luxury and sports car. Way To Go Chrysler!!!!!!

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  Bobs Reveiw - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Herskowitz - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I found my Crossfire to be an exhillerateing ride; with a quick punch, luxurious cabin, and smooth ride.

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  Wow Wee! A Home Run! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By M-benz - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is truly the car of my dreams. I beleive this car is the most well designed and built out there today. I feel like I am in Heaven. It does every thing right! 35 grand, a steal!

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  above average Chrysler product - 1999 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Ms D - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Great running, looking car. Great gas mileage (300 miles to tank)!