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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  Car Of My Teenage Dreams - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By George E. Murphy - February 20 - 11:30 am

  I can recall reading Road & Track as a teenager when I was supposed to be doing homework; all I wanted in life was one of those beautiful touring cars. I have gone through my share of economy, functional, mini-van types and finally I have my car of my 14 year old dreams. Chiropracters should thank all of us for the way for the way it twists necks. I had a Porsche driver pull next to me on the highway and give me/it a thumbs up! I love everything about it, acceleration, comfort, handling and particularly styling. I had to wait until I was 65, but it was worth the wait!

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  Chrysler LHS - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By jimsberg - February 20 - 2:00 am

  An unbelievable bargain cant wait to drive it every day.Far better than previous 1994 LHS. Fuel mileage somewhat disappointing: 18mpg in town, 24-25mpg on highway. Actually is fun to drive (handling)in a way that Ford and GM luxury cars are not.

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  The Perfect Car - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Mami - February 19 - 5:20 pm

  I absolutly LOVE my PT Cruiser. Sure it could use a bit more power like everyone states but Im not in that big of a hurry. This car handles well, is very comfortable and I love all the space inside. I use to drive a small Hatchback and didnt want to loose that style but I wanted something a bit bigger than say a Mini. This car has everything I need and no wasted space. I highlt recommend the PT.

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  Try and find one... - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Crossfire in LA - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is such an amazing car. Fit and finsih are very tight and engine is solid as a rock. Cannot go anywhere without attention--which says alot in LA.

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  great cat - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By lois - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 300 M I love this car the 2002 300 M Special, I find it very comfortable, heated seats just great, I love the look of this car, and feel good driving it! the only disadvantage was to put 4 snow tires on for winter driving. at 5ft 9in. lots of leg room also the rear view mirrors that move when backing up, was great, so far I love this machine!

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  Love it! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By danger_grrl - February 16 - 10:03 am

  I didnt want a mom-mobile, until I got inside. Wow. Very luxurious, comfy for long trips. Fits a lot of stuff for camping and kayaking, tailgating, and all that fun stuff. The second AND third row seats are very comfortable and fit adults very comfortably. Granted, shorter adults will fit better in the third row, but it is by far the most comfortable third row out of all the SUVs out there. My only complaint is that theyre becoming more popular, and its getting harder to find my Pac in the parking lot... Im already looking at getting a new one!

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  most wonderful car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ELK - February 15 - 1:53 pm

  what a luxury,great riding car. a car built for long comfortable trips. we have made 4000 mile trips and have averaged 23.6 miles per gal. we have 31000 miles on our pacifica and have not needed any repairs. we have a front wheel drive and it preforms just great on our n. dak. winter roads. i recommend this car to my friends.

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  Classy and Sporty with a hint of Luxury - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By GregginStPete - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Today marks one month with my 03 Sebring LXI Coupe. To date I am very pleased with my purchase and also enjoy a level of exclusivity that was not expected. The Sebring is an interesting blend of Japanese components and American Design, with some German influence thrown into the mix. (Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Mercedes). I have not seen another car like mine on the road and receive a good amount of looks from other drivers often in high-end vehicles. Overall I find the Sebring to be a sporty blend of luxury and style with a good amount of passenger and cargo room. Fit and finish are good and better than most American cars.

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  1999 LHA Review - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By DAT - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Very good overall, one service item in 50,000 miles, handled under warranty.

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  Babies new car - 2003 Chrysler Concorde
  By okteltim - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking at all the new SUVs and larger sedans until I saw the Concord on the internet. I have a new grandson and the two door vehicle that I did have was not very well suited to handle the required baby car seat. The LXI is very comfortable riding vehicle especially in the back seat.