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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  Nice car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Beary Love - March 11 - 7:02 pm

  We bought Pacifica in July of 2005 brand new. Fell in love with it right away, needed a large car for the family. We follow the maintenance schedule of the car manual services like oil change every 3000 miles, etc. NEVER had a problem with it yet. Very reliable! NEVER had a problem with oil or anything else. The only thing would like to have different is a better mpg. Otherwise it has been a great car for us from the beginning.

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  Love my ASPEN! - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Cool Chrysler Aspen - March 2 - 8:18 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used and LOVE IT more than the previous 2 SUVs I have owned. It is classy, sleek, stylish and has alot of "bang for the buck". I was hesitant about purchasing it at first due to the gas mileage, but its really not that bad. I love this truck! My husband drives an Infiniti Q56 and now wants to trade trucks )

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  loved 1 bought 2 - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By super special - February 28 - 12:03 am

  Ive loved the car since day 1 first I bought a 2004 300m special in 05. Loved so much went looking for another now I own a Grey 2002 special Ive had no Major problems w the 2004 had the tranny replaced on the 2002 under warranty from dealer when u buy used always a? about previous owner I love the cars and they look good

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  cute - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By anita_9410333 - February 26 - 3:54 am

  I bought this car back in the late summer of 2009. It had 32,000 miles on it. So far no trouble with it. Rides very good. Being in my early 20s its an attractive car, with plenty of room for friends and family. Enjoyable car.

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  Nice Car! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By adam07 - February 22 - 4:47 pm

  Bought it new 8 years ago and still love this thing! Its so stylish and luxurious for $22,000. After 7 years the battery died once, the struts rattle on bumps and could use a replacement, and I need to replace the wiper blades because squeak really loud when you use them, so it has its typical wear and tear but the interior still has a newish smell amazing because I have 3 kids riding in it all the time! There is a lot of road noise but overall it is my favorite car Ive had. I love the way it drives, it has sporty suspension which turns really well and has really good pick-up for a small V6 which means good gas mileage, I would say it gets about 23mph. Good job Chrysler!

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  Luxury, Performance, Coolness, & Quality - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Speedle - February 21 - 11:00 pm

  We have put over 39,000 miles on our 300C in the past 4 years. No problems at all. The Hemi makes it fun to drive and the hi tech goodies are easy to use. The Boston Sound System is absolutely the best car radio I have heard. Talk about value for your dollar. I usually trade cars every 3 or 4 years, but I cant come up with a good reason to trade this one.

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  LOV my 2006 300 Limited - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Asim - February 17 - 1:13 pm

  i have been a proud owner of a 06 300 limited, it was love at first sight and obsession at first test drive. i regularly extract 30+ MPG on hwy and city is 17.5/18.5 MPG depends how u use it. its a real show stopper, and and head turner, it has this presence on the road which commands respect from other motorists.

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  Great Car!!!!! - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By srhall89 - February 16 - 12:35 am

  Purchased the car brand new, havent had a major problem yet! Rear shocks squeak a bit, squeaking noise when i turn the wheel, and front speakers blew out, but other than that no problems. Great car! When I first got behind the wheel I expected it to be slower, but its pretty fast! Not as fast as my 03 Hyundai Tiburon, but still has lots of get up and go. Rides smoothly. Great features that come with and can be added on to car. Had the car 10 years and clear coat still intact, headlights havent even fogged over, still crystal clear!

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  Still going! - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By Firefly - February 11 - 10:07 am

  I bought the 300M new and now have 181,000 on her. I have had to do no major repairs just belts and brakes. I have owned a dozen new cars and this may be the best one. It rides great, seats are wonderful, good performance, good mileage 19 city 24 hwy. Im not getting rid of this one until it something major dies on it.

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  Total SAFETY & Total QUALITY - luv em! - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By 300C Fan Club - February 9 - 10:39 am

  300C/Hemi is a total underdog in the luxury sedan class. Its built with Mercedes Benz M-series body so its got the comfort, roominess, and smooth marshmallow ride. Most importantly, 300Cs SAFETY Rating (esp. Frontal Crash Test which is the most fatal) is one of the tops in this category of sedans per research data. And, at the current market price, its a steal!!! Also, as a Petite Female Driver, I appreciate Chryslers foresight in providing features like adjustable pedals, highly adjustable seats, etc. to make it possible for me to drive a rather voluminous car despite my height. Owned this car since 07 and had 0 problem. LUV em and will only buy Chryslers from now on.