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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  Absolutely problem free - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By White Rhino Chick - April 21 - 10:26 am

  I have had absolutely no problems with this vehicle. I just at had to replace the axle shaft but that was the first major thing to go wrong with this vehicle. It gets 32 mpg and I have changed the oil and rotated the tires every 3,000 miles. Highly recommend this car if you cant afford something like a Hybrid!

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  Everything and More - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By bill - April 21 - 6:10 am

  I have only had my 300C for 3 months. After driving it for 5,000 miles, i am more impressed with its comfort and handling than I was at first. I find that it isnt just a way to get from point A to Point B - it is an experience akin to flying first class in a widebody jet. I also enjoy the looks that passing motorist give it. the fuel economy isnt a real factor since i appreciate the 4,000 plus pounds of security that it ofers my family, along with the fact that the 5.7 Hemi provided more that enough power to get out trouble. the tranny is super responsive. I dony have near enough room to praise the interior except to say - TOPS! In general, I could be happier with my new 300C.

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  PT Cruiser GT Convertible - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Jamie Wagner - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I knew that I wanted this car,when I first saw it on the Chrysler web site.I had to have one.As soon as the cars started hitting the dealerships,I called around until I found the one I wanted.A Black GT Convertible.This car to me is everything retro.It makes me feel like a kid again.I know that it will be a classic.I do not have anything negative to say about this car.I know that I will enjoy it.I plan to keep it forever.

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  Incredible Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Asriel - April 19 - 10:00 am

  The look is awe inspiring. People cant keep their eyes off it. The features are incredibe, especialy the rain sensing wipers. I used to have the 300M and I prefer the old interior, espcialy the old shifter. shifts slowly into gear from reverse, otherwise incredible driving performance.

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  Very happy - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marcia - April 19 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! Sitting higher on the road and the interior head room makes extended drives very comfortable for all passengers and the driver. The versatility of seat adjustments has made hauling cargo very convenient when needed.

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  I love my car! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By G. R. Thompson - April 17 - 7:26 pm

  After shopping all makes and models of cars, I drove this car and fell in love with it. It is so comfortable and such a classy looking car.Its also fun to drive, and I like how it hugs the road. I was looking for comfort 1st and mileage 2nd. The comfort of this car is great, milage could be better, but that was my choice. It gets a little less than the invoice showed.

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  Great car!! - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By casdfsldkfj - April 17 - 10:00 am

  great handling, easy to park and fun as hell to drive!

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  "Outstanding Creation" - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By M Lubel - April 17 - 12:26 am

  What can I say! This one really takes you back to the 50s & 60s Hot Rod days in Hi-Tech style. Extremely comfortable on short and longer trips... gas mileage is excellent when you consider what you are driving. We have two E Class Mercedes Benzs and you can see and feel the little crossovers such as "AutoStick" and PWs on dash. Handling is outstanding. Cruising on Interstate @ 77mph is a walk in the park. Acceleration from 0 to 100 is trip... pulls hard all the way... 4 wheel discs stop just as well. At age 62, you can really appreciate this one... I do. Like the sedan... Love the Ragtop. Quality,Class and Style.

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  2006 chrysler 300 srt8 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Phil - April 13 - 11:46 am

  This is a great auto. Very fast and smooth. Better gas mileage than I thought I would get. Average around 18mpg. Its a fun car to drive and has a great sound. Have been very pleased with this car. If you can find one buy it you will be pleased.

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  excellent - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pete Hampto - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I had a Infiniti Q45 and 2 Bmws, I find the Pacifica to be more luxurius and get more car for the money.