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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  I love my Chrysler 300 Limited - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Ted - April 25 - 4:06 am

  Handles, rides and acts like a car should. Quiet, has plenty of power. No problems

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  Great car! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Trina - April 24 - 8:16 am

  We just bought this car in June 2006, its a 2006 and it is a great car. Handling is excellent, engine has real power and interior is beautifully designed. Anyone looking for comfort in a car, this is it.

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  What a Surprise!! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Tomas - April 21 - 4:36 pm

  This is my first American Brand car and what an exiting surprise it has been!! I started to drive in the late 70s when the quality of American cars began its decline, which steadily continued throughout the 80s and 90s. Ive owned 3 Japanese and 3 German cars and I never seriously considered any American cars until this one came out and I didnt think twice about getting it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By richard Harrington - April 20 - 9:06 pm

  I traded a 2001 LHS for the 2005 300C. I am absolutely thrilled with the comfort, performance and reliability. I am a Chrysler owner for life. There may be faster sedans, but not at the price or size. Thank you for a job well done. On a recent trip from florida to Massachusetts, I averaged 25.4 mpg going approximately 70-75mph.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By M. Elizabeth Crum - April 19 - 5:30 pm

  Love the car. Lots of compliments. Rear vision is limited and a problem. Needs to have handles in roof of front riders side. very comfortable ride and big usable trunk. Great leg room in rear seat.

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  Super 300 - 2014 Chrysler 300
  By Tim Gracey - April 19 - 1:42 pm

  Good value in the size category.

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  2002 pt after 80,000 miles - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By richard Eaton - April 18 - 8:26 pm

  first car we ever brought new. the only problem we have experienced in the past with around 50,000 miles, the car would over heat. if you stopped for 5 minutes and restarted the car, the overheating would stop. carried it to the local chysler dealer and let them keep it overnite to locate problem. no problem found and has not over heated again since then and vehicle has over 80,000 miles on it.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Wally - April 17 - 11:00 am

  A bit confusing, at first, coming from a Sebring convertible to a big sedan but I now am very comfortable driving it. Maybe because I was used to the convertible but I seem fascinated by the quietness of my new car. I love just about everything this car offers. In 1976 I owned a Coupe de Ville and thought that was quite a car but this Chrysler surpasses that one in just about every way. I love my new car.

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  One awesome car.... - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Linda - April 16 - 4:36 am

  I 100% love my car. It is very comfortable and was just a good decision on my part....Gas mileage is awesome and i just love when the sunshines and i can put the top down....Once again one awesome car...Also this was the best car buying experience i have ever had.....

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  Awesome! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By DAN - April 13 - 3:40 am

  The Chrysler 300C is without a doubt the most incredible vehicle Ive ever owned. From its stylish beefy good looks to the interior space and comfortable ride it is a pure joy to drive and look at. A real eye catcher. Youll have to get used to people slowing down to look you over on the road as well as getting eyed at the service station. Chrysler designed and built a truly unique vehicle Im proud to own.