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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  Killer Seats - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By C. L. Butler - June 18 - 5:20 pm

  The styling of this auto has garnered raves since I first purchased it. The "C" model has certainly been an attention getter. Powerful engine, smooth transmission, reasonably good fuel consumption and a quiet cabin are all positives for this auto. Less pleasurable, at least for this owner, is Chryslers addiction to the idea that the seats have to be hard and firm. We owned a 1993 Concorde prior to this car and it was cursed with the same type seats which caused me great discomfort after a few hours driving. Others in the family have made the same comment. Also, the suspension on this car seems to be given to allowing more wallow and roll in curves than expected. Try out one first.

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  perfect car - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By littel - June 18 - 7:28 am

  i love every thing about the car in and out..every detail it has...even the 17 inches rims on it.. i fell in love with it..i just had to have one when i saw it.. it was meant for me to have one...thank you building this car just for me....hehe..

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  Awesome Car!" - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By kahuna - June 17 - 10:46 pm

  The Crossfire is an absolute blast to drive. Its unique styling gets more attention than a modern day "lady-go- diva!" Everyone from little kids...to car enthusiasts...to little old ladies have asked me..."What kind of car is that!...or Boy does that look fun to drive!" Owning and driving it has been a real boost to my ego! Once I "put it on"...thats right! You dont just "get it to it!" You slip into it...like an expensive tailored suit! It has more than enough power to get anyone into trouble with the LAW. It hugs the road like a vacuum! It handles like it was on rails! Yes...I LOVE my Crossfire!

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  Love it! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By AIMNICHOLE - June 17 - 4:56 am

  This car has been amazing! I have so much fun in it! Also with the glass back window, and the airtight top, you cant even tell it is a convertible with the top up, it is awesome!

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  Was PT - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Touring Edition - June 17 - 3:23 am

  Easy to drive, maneuver, economical. I have to fight the family to drive it.

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  300M 100K , Still Going strong!! - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By Jesse A. Esparza - June 15 - 10:05 pm

  My 300 now has 100K miles on it and it still looks and drives as good as when I first drove it off the lot. Ive done the regular tune-ups etc, aside from a faulty computer, replaced under the original factory warranty, the car has been trouble free. I get about 21/22 MPG in Houston, TX city traffic and an average of 29/30 Highway. In the past six years its made the following trips form Houston TX to: Chicago, IL 5 times/ Orlando, FL 2 times/ Colorado Springs, CO 2 times/ El Paso, TX 4 times/ Mexico City, Mexico 8 times/ San Antonio,TX 20 times/ Dallas, TX 20 times. It has been a great car, Ill drive it until the wheels fall off!!

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  Eye Catching - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dawn F - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Absolutly awesome car to drive. The exterior design is show stopper. Everywhere I go people and stopping by and looking at it. The inside design needed a little extra thought. The seat does not adjust to a comfortable setting for short people. and the low profile makes it a hard car to get in and out of. But other than that is a fun ride.

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  The Perfect Sized Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Onebzybvr - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I really like the size of the Pacifica. I have 2 teenagers, and it allows me to transport them and several of their friends comfortably. I feel safe driving it because it seems wider and lower to the ground. You dont get that feeling of being in a truck, like some suvs. I was recently rear-ended really hard, and the Pacifica took it like a champ. The damage was minimal. We only had to replace the bumper.

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  Love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PRice - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Very heavy on the road. Wind doesnt seem to rock it. The seats are very comfortable(leather). Putting down the 4 back seats make a very roomy cargo space.

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  WOW!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By T-Roy - June 15 - 10:00 am

  WOW!! is all i can say one of the best cars that i have seen. Keep going with this and you guys are bound to be the first major consumer of next year.