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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  Pretty Good Deal - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Alices 300M Special - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I like my 300M Special. It has a lot of great features. I dont agree with Edmunds statement that the interior is dated.

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  So Glad I Waited for the "C" - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By julez18 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I had previously like the look of the 300; but am thrilled I waited for the "new" luxury edition. Proud to be American & Buy American

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  I love my Chrysler Pacifica - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Albert - June 26 - 4:56 pm

  Its all about the quiet ride and luxury amenities... Its like almost driving a Benz, believe me i can tell..I just Love it

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  Noticed Elegance - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By A Lineberger - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Everyone thinks my car is beautiful. So do I. Cruising the interstate at 80 while getting 27-30mph is wonderful. Top end for passing is strong, but dont look to drag race. 0- 60 should not be an issue. If it is,look elsewhere. Heated seats for a 40something back makes touring a breeze. My daughter with her 2004 spec-V sentra is (as I type) looking for one. She flew home from Texas and drove my car--now she says she needs a change because she got spoiled when here in SC.

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  Great Choice!! - 2004 Chrysler Concorde
  By Bladano27 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I drive 100 miles round trip to work and back and this car has been a savior. It is as comfortable to drive as it is to ride in. Trunk space is perfect for those long weekend trips with the family. A great family car that has some "Sport" to it!

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  Won an award, then lowered the quailty - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By DISAPPOINTED - June 23 - 2:16 am

  With less than 2500 miles on the odometer the air bag lite up and would not go out. The defroster stopped working. Chalk up 3+ weeks in the shop with the interior gutted to replace the defective main wiring harness plus other defective parts the dealer was great. They didnt mfg the car ,just repaired it. Interior is"cheap" for a 35k car. Many good things on my 2001 lhs were deleted. Ie good leather seats, instant mileage calculations, seat back pockets,automatic adjusting seat for 2 ,trunk treatment, tilting side view mirrors when backing up. Display on dash between tach and odometer is diffucult to see and read.

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  To own it is to love it - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By rkyprod - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I was waiting for the new 300C to debut but the salesman convinced me that the additional $15,000 I would be spending for the hemi engine (with no rebates) wasnt worth it. The heavier steering reminds me of my old 85 Daytona TurboZ, really hugs the road. Ive been through an Eagle Vision and Chrysler Concorde since then, and they cannot begin to compare with the joy in driving this car.

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  This was a nice car - 1993 Chrysler Concorde
  By andold - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Just traded this in on a new Infiniti I35. Bought it in 1998 with 85,000 miles on it - trraded in with 143,000. This car has been a pleasure to own - had all options and the 3.5 L engine. Never had any trouble that one would not expect, except the air quit working about 3 years ago (I rarely used it any way). Cruise all day 75 mph and get 27+mpg doing it! Mpg not so good arounf town (17). Surprisingly nimple, great pick up, very comfortable, nice styling. Nver had any serious mechanical problems did have to replace a water pump and the automatic antenna. Did have some rust...but all in all, this was an excellent value.

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  Going Topless - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kevin Hicks - June 21 - 2:00 am

  My review: I am writing because I have been so pleased with this car (Sebring JXi convertible.) The 4 cylinder model is not what you want. Get the 6 cylinder. No major issues in the past 4 years and now she is at 112,000 miles. My only manufacturing complaint is the seams on the convertible top should of been double stiched - or at least done better. So I am now getting a new cloth top as a result. Im going to keep her 1 more year. The 2004 models have a very poor color selection. Sea foam green? PUKE! White=boring. Black- too hot in Florida. If Chrysler will offer a nice blue, or bring back firemist pearl red ( like mine) I will buy another one.

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  Just a couple of issues - 2004 Chrysler Concorde
  By K.Cory - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I really do love my car. It is the nicest Ive ever owned. Dusty roads seem to be my biggest problem. Already had the seals replaced, didnt work. Until this problem is resolved, I get dusted out. Had a problem with my cigerette lighter also. Keeps falling out of the dash. Wires and all. Had it fixed, did it again. Going back to the dealership. There is a burning smell, sort of like lighting a match that is present just after high exceleration, like passing. Had the dealer look at it, didnt get noticed. Still doing it, will get it looked at again. Anyone with the same concerns?