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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  Love on first sight - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By Affan - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I like what I see and it is totally worth it

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  Great Car - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By Dakota - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new when it first appeared, and I never buy a new model, but fell in love with the looks and performance. Like the drive and the features, especially the heated seats in these North Dakota winters. Did have to replace a couple of sensors under warrenty, but no other problems and the gas mileage is great.

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  love my prowler - 2002 Chrysler Prowler
  By carcrazy - June 13 - 2:00 am

  you could not get more looks walking down the street naked than you will driving a prowler. my yellow 2002 causes a scene every time i get it out.

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  Head Turner - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By The Islander - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Five days ago I turned in my 2000 Sebring JXI (which gave me not one bit of trouble) and am now tooling around in a 2004 Limited. With its Brillant Black Crystal Pearl Coat finish & its high shine Chrome Clad wheels it certainly has been turning the heads here in the Sunshine State. I had been very pleased with my previous Sebring but I must say this new 2004 has a better feel all the way around. Handling, ride, looks & if it gives me as many problem free miles as the previous Sebring - well for the money you just cant beat it. Its a fun Florida car & great for taking our "northern" friends out & about.

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  better than all japanese put together - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By Sean k. - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Dont just take my word for it. Go to a dealer and test drive it for yourself. My sure you have an open road in front of you when you step on the gas. I have owned just about any car you can imagine. This is one of the best if not the best one yet.

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  AWD version sits higher - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By villanpd - June 7 - 7:26 am

  AWD version which I have sits an inch or so higher than the other variants. I like the height as most SUVs do not block my view as they do in a lower sitting vehicle like a sebring (which I also have). The car is nimble for its size, corners well, and gives a great ride. Apparently, the 300 is blessed with the Mercedes Benz suspension system for a fraction of a Benz price. It also has the Benz designed transmission which is smooth and is able to be shifted manually into higher-lower gears. Nice touch that adds to the secure AWD ride on mountain roads. The exterior is great and everyone knows it. It gets lots of looks. The interior is not as impressive as you might expect, but suitable

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  Well Worth the Price - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Oedipus1608 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Almost everything is perfect. I have a smile on my face every time I step inside.

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  Happy Crossfire Owner - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Marsha - June 3 - 10:30 pm

  GREAT, I make sure there is always time at the end of the day to go for a ride !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Fun car to drive - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ken Nemeth - June 3 - 5:06 am

  This is a classy looking car that is fun to drive. The only drawback so far is the average gas mileage. You expect a small car like the Cruiser to have really good mileage and it does not. Still a great car to drive. It is a company car and I am looking forward to taking the trip in it to Florida. I love it ... wanted one from the day I first saw it.

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  ...about my new Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jimmy - June 3 - 3:46 am

  The last time I wrote one of these it was in praise of my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8t. Little did I know what a jinx I caused myself. Okay, the Pacifica is a nice car. One I wouldnt have ever considered but I hate minivans and with a new addition to the family, I had to get a bigger car. So far, crossing my fingers, I love everything about my Pacifica. I love the ride, handling, stereo, the navigation is awesome (though about 4 years behind the times in my part of the country), and the DVD in the back is great for the kiddies. I dont know what else to say other than, buy one! Hopefully, 4-5 years down the road I will still be singing its praise.