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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  This is a HOT CAR!!!! - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Alfredo Carlos - July 15 - 2:00 am

  With Chrysler incentives and a bit of negotiating, I picked up my brand new 2004 300M in the deep red lava metallic with all the bling-bling for over 7 thousand less than MSRP! The dealer even waived the $149.00 handling fee. This is truly a hot car in every way. Outstanding looks, incredible comfort, totally loaded features, and power to boot. This car has all the features of luxury cars that cost more than twice what I paid for mine. Driving this car, I feel like I was Jeff Gordon pretending to be Donald Trump. What a feeling!!!

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  WOW and DOUBLE WOW - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Retired - July 14 - 2:00 am

  After owning BMWs, Nissons Z cars, many US sports cars this one is the BEST!! It simply turns heads everwhere. The ice blue is a clasic color. The car handles like a dream on curvey country roads and very stable on the open highway. The sweep back design coupled with the auto spoiler is a plus for the over 75mph crowd. Inside the layout is great with easy to reach controls and comfy seats.

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  Dont Count On It - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By AlanFraser - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a maintenance nightmare. Every four to six months, there is an ignition problem in which the car has power but the engine will not turn over. The dealer has tried at least four times to correct the problem but it returns. Clutch switch has been replaced twice, starter, solenoid, etc. No joy. I most emphatically do not beat this car. It is a total lemon. Do not buy this car and expect reliability. There car has an even bigger problem in that the weight balance is horrendous. It is so front-heavy due to the six-cylinder engine that it is dangerous in virtually any corner. You wont pick this up in a drive test.

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  All I can say is WOW!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kelasings - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Wasn’t even looking at a Pacifica when I bought one this past weekend. Saw someone in a suv I’d never seen before. Thought it was a new BMW X class vehicle. Chased the vehicle down and found it was a Pacifica. Went to a dealership & took a drive! I was hooked on the looks but then I drove it and I was in love. The ride was like a dream- smooth, great acceleration, handled corners like a tiger! Great options-6 disc DVD, CD player, cassette player, leather seats, heated seats, navigation system, sunroof, 2 rows of seats in the back that fold down & more. Bought it from Harvey@Green-Gifford in VA Beach - the best no-pressure sales person I’ve ever met!

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  So much Fun! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Marius Zaugg - July 13 - 6:03 am

  My wife bought one, I negotiated the price. I cant tell you how much fun this car is. I get so many compliments, I think I am driving a $100k car. The roadhandling qualities are European of course and are very accurate. The overall design makes me think I am driving an Aston Martin. People stare at the car every where we go in awe. I havent had so much fun in a long time. The overall quality feels very good. No problems to report so far. Solid metal panels, smooth Mercedes engine and transmission. I test drove other two seaters and for the money I feel I got the most car.

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  Lotta Bang for the Buck - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By JackInMidtown - July 13 - 2:00 am

  It has been some time since I actually looked forward to having to drive somewhere. My 2004 Crossfire Coupe has put that feeling back into me. With its second-to-none looks and go-getter attitude, it puts pleasure back into the driving experience. Daimler- Chrysler has brought out a product that they should both be proud of. DC incentives make this car worth every penny.

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  My Sebring - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Imdoug - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Since I have purchased my Sebring in 2001 I have not really had any problems with the car. I have had the regular oil changes and tire rotations. This has been a great car and gets the looks. I have people all the time wanting to know what year the car is and they cant believe that its a 2002. I have to say this has been one of the best cars that Chrysler has made. I of course would love to have the 2004 Chrysler 300M. The limited edition one. I just cant find one. I would love to see them make that car again.

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  love my 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Sherri - July 11 - 4:10 am

  I had always driven SUVs. I was a little hesitant about going to a car because my sons are 6. They said they had as much room leg room in the 300C as they did in the Suburban & Tahoe! It is a blast to drive and I dont think i will ever go back to any other vehicle. Im waiting for the new 2006 RTS(?) version to come out and will possible buy that!

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  A Little Piece of Heaven - 1996 Chrysler Concorde
  By Doc Slezzzter - July 11 - 2:00 am

  After upgrading from an 89 Olds Ciera, this feels like the epitomy of luxury. The leather bench is a little slick during tight corners, but the suspension and steering are tight and responsive. The 3.3 is more than sufficient for highway and rural roads alike. The A/C will freeze you and the heater makes an oven out of the huge interior space. The computer reports over 31 mpg on highway trips and averages to 24.3 for day-to-day driving. The tranny keeps me concerned, but only b/c of other ppls stories, Ive had no trouble with it.

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  Great Value for the Money! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carl J. - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first convertible and I am very happy with it. I have 70000 miles on it and it looks as good as when it was new. Very few problems with the car, all were minor. Still no leaks. The trunk is great for a convertible and the back seats actually are comfortable. I keep thinking about a new car, but cant bring myself to get rid of it. On the downside, it could use a few more horses, but the car is very reliable. The top is still in great sheape. It still turns heads!