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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  Emmy - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By lorfgen - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first 300M in 1999 and liked it so much that I bought a new one in August, 2001 and kept the older one for my college age son to drive to college. I am a fairly big guy and find it to be one of the most comfortable cars that I have ever ridden or driven. I entertain a lot and the back seat can accomodate another couple very comfortably, with plenty of leg room for even tall folks. The 2001 300M also has a sunroof that is wonderful and still provides me with plenty of headroom. Great car - keep building them, I am sure I will buy another in a few years.

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  My 300M - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Mac Daddy - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is great.This car is a BMW with a Kia price tag. This car would scare any other car.

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  Wicked Fun - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By juzme - April 12 - 2:00 am

  The most fun I have inside a car while fully dressed. Its just great to drive, and extremely comfortable. I had driven a PT about a year ago, and was underwhelmed. The GT PT is another vehicle entirely. If you have driven a PT cruiser in the past, but you were turned off because you thought it was underpowered, try the GT Turbo.

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  Luv My PT Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Cheryl A McDuffie - April 11 - 8:26 pm

  Ive been exited about my PT Cruiser before I even purchased. After purchasing I have experienced nothing more but pure enjoyment with comfort, ride and dependability. I cannot stop loving the Classic look of the PT Cruiser and I still enjoy the looks I get from other people while sporting my car. I purchased the top of the line the PT Cruiser Limited Edition in Cranbury, with top of line "wheels" as well, and I have received many, many compliments about what a "nice" car it is!! Im very happy although I must say.... I enjoy putting the kids in the back seat with the tinted windows and no one can see in. I enjoy people asking me about my PT Cruiser. My mother loves my PT Cruiser!!!!!!!!!!!

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  The Silent Stunner - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By Sergio Salup - April 10 - 6:42 am

  I got an amazing deal on a 3.6 liter V-6 Chrysler 200S and I LOVE IT!!!! I come from driving Cadillac and Audi so Im telling you, it is an amazing value and something that doesnt look like anything on the road. The swooping coupe like look is an elegant yet sporty one... I truly recommend!

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  Baby bentley - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By leasesqft - April 9 - 1:30 pm

  I just purchased the car. I always drove a 8 cyl...This car has just as much power or more with the v6 on the limited edition than i did with my sts cadillac. Loads of leg room ..Navigation system a must have...Great family car unreal truck space....Everyone looks at the car ...Worth every penny so far. I love it.

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  Love My LHS - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By kathie - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Roomy, comfortable, great gas mileage, trunk space for two sets of clubs INCLUDING carts! Handles like a dream especially in snow and ice. Chrysler had a good thing going with the LHS and botched it by discontinuing it. A comfortable ride for long trips even for the back seat passenger.

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  Classy Silver Convertible with verve - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By amerigo88 - April 7 - 5:30 am

  Driving this convertible for 3 weeks now. Took 1,000 mile trip second week. MPG fluctuates a lot, but looks like will be close to 22 city/29 hwy. Ive seen 21 low and 40(!)high so far. Top is almost always down and a/c off. Only hiccup was fuel gauge dropped to dead empty for about 15 minutes, but no problems since. Trunk setup is surprisingly roomy and stooping is not as bad as I expected. My girls act like the back seat is in a roller coaster-fun. Turning circle a bit wide. Haggled dealer into AM/FM/CD/MP3 player to replace AM/FM/Cassette due to some bait and switch resentment. Glad I did. Base audio sounds rather muddy, though. 70 mph with top down and windows up is fine on freeway.

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  One of the BEST used car values!!!! - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By Keith029 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 99 Concorde about a month ago. I have never driven a car with as much leg room in my life. I have 3 children ranging from 5-9 and it works out fantastic! A great alternative to expensive SUVs if room is what you are after. It handles excellent and looks great too! What a great find for your money!!

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  Great car, good value - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By George Brownfield - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Weve been very happy with the car. Two long trips, 28-30 mpg crusing at 75 mph with the 2.7L V6. Room for three adults in the back, including my 6 2" father in law. Large trunk. Handles pretty well, turns well for a large car thanks to the cab forward design.