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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  2001 PT LE - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jdsax85 - July 25 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this car six monthes ago and have had no mechanical problems other than reverse grinding going into gear occasionally. The interior of these look like a million bucks, but the seats arent very comfortable. Ive upgraded to 18 chrome wheels, have painted the front and back bumpers to match, added a wing, and get looks and compliments daily.

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  Love driving this car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By G. Maddox - July 25 - 1:50 am

  I purchased my 300C as a used car i think i received an excellent value. The 300C is without a doubt the most exciting new car out today it combines luxury and power into a beautiful package thats as much fun to drive as it is comfortable on long trips. My thanks to the Chrysler enginers for building this fine car.

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  [BEN] - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ben Meister - July 24 - 9:26 am

  We have only had our PT for 2 months and So Far have nothing but praise for it. It Turns heads where ever we go and has plenty of get up and go for the Interstate. We traded in a 03 for our 05 and the differences are un- beliveable. The styling and handeling have been drasticlly improved.

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  Great Boring Car! - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By petesinbraintree - July 22 - 10:15 pm

  What can I say, just a solid, reliable but boring ride! No issues in five years, reliability is really underrated for these cars. HUGE trunk and back seat, with two kids it hauls all sorts of stuff. Resale is horrible so if youre looking for one they are a bargain!

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  great car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By cnvrtble4lyf - July 22 - 8:35 pm

  Living in upstate NY, everyone thought I was crazy for buying a convertible! ... HOW WRONG THEY WERE! This is the best car Ive ever owned - a "practical" sized car, powerful V6, smooth handling, great look, fun to drive, reliable, power top ... plus quiet and well-insulated to keep the heat in (even during snowy January days) I love this car!

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  Best car I ever owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By moyers - July 22 - 4:23 pm

  Im a senior citizen, and it is hard for me to get excited about a new car, I looked at other makes, but this has for class, style for the money than any other.

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  PTC Convertible - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By NTC - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Excellent front leg room and very comfortable. Easy instruments to read. Roof is easy to raise or lower. Quiet with roof up ride is smooth. Great acceleration (2.4 turbo). Only downside is fuel economy.

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  I Just Luv It - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By KajnBabe - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car the moment my father told me about it! Its sooo sleek and I have never had so many compliments on a vehicle. Thumbs up come at me constantly. Even have friends who have copy catted my car. A wonderful experience to own one. I have a Silver Touring and am fixing to upgrade to a White Limited. Ill write back soon about the White Limited.

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  great car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By emil - July 22 - 10:00 am

  so far after 5000miles have enjoyed it very much. owned 3 lexus and think this car matches them. had trouble with pulling to the right, factory memo, fixed this with change in alignment. in shop now for a problem with harmonic balancer. none available in the states, car tied up now for over 10 days.still no word when part will be available

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  They need to build more - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By grantfleet - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The only negative about the 300C is its availability.Chrysler puts the hemi in so many models that the factory cant keep up with the demand.I had to wait 4 months for a factory order but woth the wait.Traded in my 2001 MBZ and felt like I "stepped up" in class...