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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  Traded my Cadillac! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Royalt - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving Cadillac DeVilles for the last 12 years. I was going to buy another until I saw the 300. I loved it from the moment I saw it and bought one last week. Its fun to drive and has great luxury features, a great ride and a look that my wife & I love.

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  happy cruiser - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By groovy grammy - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Loved the Cruisers looks since the first day I saw one. Took about 2 years before we bought an 2003 Inferno Red touring model, with 5-speed. As your can tell we are happy owners. You can drive just a car (all the others) or you can drive a cruiser!!!

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  The good Ole PT Loser - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jake - August 15 - 4:07 pm

  Been a fantastic car. Regular maintenance (especially changing the timing belt every 100,000) is important with any car, and this one is lasting because of it. Fuel mileage could be better for a car that has a 4 cyl, but overall it isnt bad. Has just enough power to pass and accelerate aggressively, but isnt overpowered by any means. The transmission shifts smooth and crisp and the ride is what youd expect from a smaller car. Its not had to have any major repairs outside of regular maintenance and basic wear and tear stuff that goes wrong with every vehicle. Ive seen many reviews stating that these cars chew through brakes, but thats not the case with mine...I believe driving style has more to do with that than anything else. The rear doors open farther than any other car Ive ever owned and getting in and out of it is very easy, almost like getting into a small SUV. With all the positives are some negatives. Mine does have a little shake to it between 45 and 50 MPH, and the turn signal lever has caused me to flash my bright lights at a few people. Overall though, everything about this little car has been up to par and well exceeded my expectations. I will be buying another one of these when I need another car.

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  My Sebring 2002 - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By yalelaw2002 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my sebring sedan. It is a great car, it is stylish, it has a unique look that makes it stand out from the other sedans, and its sporty. There is so much room on the inside, it makes it feel so comfortable and cozy. I have not had any real mechanical problems (the motor to the windshield washing fluid had to be replaced), and I know that every time I get inside to take a trip, whether its to the local store or across country (Ive made several cross country trips), it will drive like the first day I left the dealership.

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  Curious - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Chava - August 6 - 10:00 am

  the car runs great and now I am thinking that perhaps I should have bought something else

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  love it - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By DB - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it and I love it. Compares favorably in luxury and roominess to competitor models, and chrysler has invested significantly in reliability. Good value.

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  Fun Fun! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Big Dave - August 3 - 4:16 pm

  This car is a blast -- A sports car in disguise that can blow away most sports cars on the road. I bought it with all the options and now have 5,000 miles on it. No problems. 17 mpg average, which is better than I was expecting. Turn off the ESP and spin the wheels! The power, performance, and braking is excellent for a large sedan. The auto stick is fun. Very solid feel at over 150 mph. This car makes the drive to work or play very enjoyable. I call it the Bat-mobile. All it needs is body armor when you lock it, cables, an oil slick, and rockets.

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  First class car. - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By lee miller - August 2 - 9:43 pm

  THIS car is the most beautiful car on the road. I have the Heritage Edition this car is an eye catcher. I have several luxury cars this is the finest of them all. chrysler keep up this style this a great car.

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  Everyone Loves It! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By lilbitaluc - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Sebring Limited Convertible for ~16 months. Its a joy to drive, my friends love it and always want rides with the top down. I personally feel like a teenager again when I get behind the wheel! Mine is White w/Navy blue rag top, only seen one other this color. Its great in the snow, good gas mileage, I just love it! When she gets old, Ill upgrade to another I think!

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  liking my pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By smarch - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We have the best of both worlds...room enough for 6, but not the hugeness of a minivan or suv. Incredibly safe which was important for us. Lots of get up and go.