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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  Finally getting rid of it. - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By robrob1 - June 22 - 7:02 am

  Only the tip of the Iceberg. After 3,000 miles, they tried to fix the dreaded chronic transmission problems . (do a Google search).The sight of seeing the tranny in pieces from my new car made me regret my purchase instantly. They never really fixed the problem, so I was frustrated for 48 months. This car is also a MAJOR GAZ GUZZLER. In cold weather, the dual-exhaust system makes an unbelievable racket. Radio controls (and sound) are worthy of a 70s Corolla, cheap plastic and all. The idea for this car was right, but implementation was an unfinished nightmare. Too bad, it was full of promises. Pros: good ride, seats ok, roomy. Returning it next week, at long, long last. Good riddance.

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  High quality, wonderful car, Great Value! - 2011 Chrysler 300
  By gbruno - June 20 - 6:53 am

  I have had my 2011 Chrysler 300 for 3 weeks now and I am thoughly impressed with the car. The 2011 Chrysler 300 has very high build quality, everyone comments on how well made and attractive the interior of the car is. Chryslers new 3.6 V6 Pentastar is excellent, the engine is very powerfull and gets excellent gas mileage, I am averaging over 20 miles per gallon, driving around town. I have not taken my car on a long highway trip yet, but I am sure this car will easily get 30 miles a gallon on the highway on long trips. The Chrysler 300 rides extreamly smooth, is very roomy and is extreamly quiet, it is a true luxury car! Thank you Chrysler and Fiat for making such a wonderful car!

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  The money pit - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By kimberly3720 - June 16 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car a year and a half ago, and this car has been nothing been a problem. Far as problems goes, water problems have been the most common. Far as reliabilty goes, this is not a reliable car.

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  An awesome boulevard cruiser, NOT a sports sedan - 2011 Chrysler 300
  By oldsnwbrdr - June 14 - 2:49 pm

  My wife was looking at a 2011 Taurus to replace her 2003 one. She likes brash American sedans, and while we liked the new Taurus, I encouraged her to drive the new 300 based upon the reviews Ive read thus far. We have owned the car for two weeks and this review summarizes our early findings.

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  Love my 200 S - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By shawns1 - June 8 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased a loaded 200 S with all the options except navi. Couldn’t justify the $800 for a feature that most smart phones have for free. The V6 is a must – this difference in fuel economy is 1-2 MPG for over 100 more HP. The interior is very nice and the suede inserts in the leather seats looks and feels great. I’m a tech person so U connect was a big selling feature for me. I have an iPhone that seamlessly connects to the stereo to allow for hands free voice activated dialing from your phone’s address book. Simply say the name of the person you wish to call – it’s that easy. You can also transition calls already in progress to the car and vice versa.

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  2005 SRT 6 Convertible - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By emcl - June 8 - 4:00 pm

  Great car for the money. Cant beat the value or performance. Excellent performance and a real head turner.

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  Owner of both a Chrysler 300 Limited and Dodge Charger R/T with AWD - 2011 Chrysler 300
  By 1atomic - June 5 - 1:28 pm

  It is highly unusual for our family to purchase two new vehicles in the same calendar year, but with the lease up on my previous 300C and having over 120,000 miles on my wifes 08 Dodge Magnum R/T, we laid the cards out on the table at our regional Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram dealership and came away with an incredible deal on both vehicles ordered together. The 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited is the way to go, IMO, as it is the most luxurious vehicle in its class for just over $33,000 loaded! With its standard Pentastar V6 with V8-like power and 4-cylinder gas mileage, i knew immediately that this was the sedan for me. I do not miss the Hemi-V8 of my 2006 300C, but happy to have a choice. Great buy!

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  Dont Believe the Hype!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By patronabk - June 3 - 7:44 pm

  We purchased a 2005 Pacifica in 07 seeking a car with a sleek exterior design, ample space for three children, durability, and good gas mileage. Unfortunately, the vehicle only met 2 out of 4 of our expectations. Though the first 2 1/2 yrs were trouble free, the remaining 2 have been horrendous! Despite performing regular maintenance, weve had to repair/replace sensors, valves, hoses, batteries, and the entire break system. Right now, the car is in the driveway in need of a new transmission...and its only 6 years old! I beg you to save yourselves the trouble! Do not purchase this car! You will regret it in the long run. :0(

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  Love my 200 convertible - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By jayes200 - June 2 - 3:49 pm

  I absolutley love my 200 limited convertible. It came fully loaded, more than I could ask for in my budget. Its always getting looks. The inside is sexy....and the truck is more than enough.

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2011 Chrysler 200
  By doc80 - May 26 - 6:21 pm

  Car is very comfortable. After one week and an 800 mile road trip this car was worth the money. Gas mileage is excellent, navigation and stereo is awesome. Seats are comfortable and I love the HID lights. Compared to ford fusion but felt that this had more options for the money. Love this car!