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 Ride in Town - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By golfergal - October 7 - 9:02 am

  This car rocks. Ive owned it since June and the smile on my face as not ceased. I get so much attention and head turning on this car. The power and the quality of the car cannot be matched for the price. Its a fantastic car. I wish Chyrsler would market it better, but then I dont mind being one of a handful of people that have one. It makes my car very unique!

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  07 300C A Dream Car - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Ben - October 5 - 4:55 pm

  I purchased an Inferno Red 07 300C on August 31st and it a dream. It drives beautifully, and rides just as nice. I got it almsot fully optioned accept for U-Connect and the Rear DVD system. I traded in an 04 PT Turbo and while I was satisfied with that, I am truly satisfied with the 300C. Thank you Chrysler for making such a good product.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By KEG - October 5 - 9:40 am

  My Chrysler 300C is the best car I ever owned. Fun to drive, solid quality, and great looks makes it a real winner. In a sea of cars that are just the "same", the 300 sticks out. Thanks for getting American cars back on track.

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  shes a beauty... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Cyn4Sun - October 4 - 10:06 pm

  I am constantly being stopped in parking lots and people are commenting on my car..of course the muscle head mustangers all wanna race, the ride is fabulous...smooth, corners well quick off the line and terrific acceleration. Nav system has come in handy several times, some problems with the contrast on the radio, but thats not Chryslers problem...Have done full family grocery shopping (top up of course) and weekends away top down, once you learn to pack the car you do fine...if you can manage with a two seater and are looking for a fun car that looks great and doesnt feel like metal rollerskates....its a great value!!!! I love it!

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  Beware the LX model with the 2.7 liter! - 2001 Chrysler Concorde
  By 70_Malibu - October 4 - 10:48 am

  I purchased the car used (with the 2.7 liter engine) as a a roomy rather fuel efficient, full sized family vehicle. The car had 65,000 at the time of purchase. Less than a year later, at 75K, the internal water pump failed and flooded the engine with coolant, and also a loose exhaust valve guide caused the valve to wiggle and not seat seat properly, in turn causing damage to the valve seat. Hence the cylinder wouldnt hold compression. The total cost of repairs was $2,481 !! The 2.7 liter has an awful reputation of premature, catastrophic failures. Research the web!! I did, but it was too late for me! Stay away from the 2.7. Trust me.

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  Great family car - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By colorsmom - October 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family car with room enough for adults to sit comfortably in the back seat. The hatch back is wonderful and roomy. Plus, it looks cool and is a nice smooth ride.

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  Pacifica Great Ride ! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Janene Reed - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed with my Pacifia . Super comfort and plenty of room for the front and kids in the rear seats . I love the styling and attention I get with this car ! I have had NO problems and feel this car will last me along time .

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  X300M - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By X300M - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Turned in my 2001 300M for 300 base has 3.5L not 2.7L as some people think. Much nicer handling car in all respects to the 300M. Attention grabbing exterior with lots of room inside. Sunroof is one touch open and close, a much needed improvement. Too bad to get all windows one touch up you have to go to the "C" or even a jetta.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By YoungFellah - October 4 - 7:59 am

  One of the biggest complaints about this car has been a result of the competition which surrounds it in that mid $30,000 price bracket. You have BMW coupes, the 350Z, the G35 coupe, the S2000, to name a few. And those cars are phenomenal in their own rights. But I got my Crossfire for about $20,000, and it wasnt even a year old. And be fair, which of these cars looks the most exotic? I think that as good as the other cars look, the Crossfire is in a different class. And it is fast enough. The Mercedes 3.2L motor thats under the hood is low on BHP, but it has a fat torque curve that really starts stomping at 3000 rpms. 6.1 0-60 seems good. And the exhaust note!

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  Hooked on my Chrysler - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Eliot C. - October 4 - 1:16 am

  I have owned as many as 4 Chrysler vans ( and convertibles) over the years. My present van is a 2003 Linited loaded with 250K ++ miles that does NOT burn oil and gets the rated gas mileage still. It drives like great auto still highway and city. It tools along without vibrations and tracks true. Road sounds have been my biggest complaint not noted in the Pacifa at all. Of course I have maintained my car extremly well with synthetic oils and replacement of mechanical accessories when they fail but NEVER touched the engine save for a rebuilt transmission and a valve and oil pan gasket change. It has been safe and comfortable and hauled tons of people and gear, furniture art and all manner of materials in and out (roof rack). I have gotten my moneys worth and more. Now it comes time to admit that I am ready for the new state of the art van although mine still looks great with minor rust and small dings etc. I test drove the Pacifica a number of times this year and researched the idea of a new car. I want a one year old because I do not want that first years depreciation. It exceeds my needs and demands for a van or auto. I love the visibility, the safety of a heavier vehicle, and the mass of structure to protect me, my children, grandchildren and friends, clients etc..and all the features the Pacifica carries. Not enough color choices. I drive a car a Long time so I have to live with a color I like inside and out. Eliot