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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  nice car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Binky77787 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  It is just an all around great family car

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  the best car! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By realtormario - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This car gets a lot of looks! It drives very nice and the equipment is very reliable. By far the best vehicle for the $$.

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  Its Great - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Macs - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, dont hesitate to buy one.

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  I love my chrysler 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Joseph M. Ramirez - July 24 - 3:50 pm

  This car is fantastic,fun to drive & dependable. It has been back to the shop for 2 minor "repairs". 1st to fix a broken visor hook & 2nd to lube & adjust a passenger door. I incurred no charges for these repairs & dealer service was excellent.

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  GT Turbo - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By FLALMONDGT - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 GT Turbo auto and I do not feel there is a turbo lag, the car goes great in fact I have clocked 0=60 in 6.8 sec. I have got 27.8 mpg on a trip and only have 4900 miles on it. I did have the dealer install the rear sway that was missing and that helped the cornering out.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2017 Chrysler 200
  By Lori E. - July 20 - 10:45 pm

  I recently bought a 2017 Chrysler 200 after my Jeep Wrangler took a dive after only 92K miles. To be honest I was going to buy the Mazda6, but after driving that I was like "no way"(it was too outdated and small). The salesman at the dealership showed me the Chrysler, and after a 3 minute argument about my not wanting one I finally said I would test drive it just to get him off my back. However, after sitting in for a minute or two and realizing how comfortable it was, and how I didnt feel cramped in it like I did the Mazda, and how great it handled on the highway, I was hooked. I have a 14 year old who had his heart set on getting the Jeep when he was old enough to drive, but came in after hubby took him for a ride in the 200 and said "I like it WAY better than the Jeep!", so I imagine that he is going to steal this car from me when he turns 16. Im really very happy with this ride. Its comfy, handles awesome on the road, and has just enough bells and whistles to satisfy my inner diva without breaking the bank.

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  Great Looks - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Gary Lee - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, it gets a lot of attension for its great design and looks.The car handles great and has good traction. I have purchased several new Cadillacs and the Chrysler 300 out performs them all.

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  300 c - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By martinez/carl - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 300c for my dad because his lincoln towncar was getting old.The reason I bought the Chrysler is because: 1)the power of the hemi engine 2)the style of the exterior body design 3)the competitive price.

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  best american car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By donn - July 19 - 10:00 am

  this has been the best vehicle i ever owned, i compared it with 540 and mercedes s class and it hadles just as good if not better, this is an amazing vehicle and if you are considering midsize sedan give it a try, there is no competition.

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  a great car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ***** - July 17 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned!!! thanks chrysler