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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  Happy - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mike - June 20 - 1:20 pm

  I had a Corolla but turning 50 I wanted to treat myself to something I could call mine. I dont like to spend a lot of money on cars. Driving this car makes me feel good and young like I want to just hit the open highways. So it burns a little more gas than most cars. Hey treat yourself. Dont leave too much behind because someone else will have no problem spending it. Happy motoring

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  I love this Car, I love it, I love it! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Sandra Mayfield - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt looking to buy a new car. I went with a friend to South County Chrysler, she was getting her oil changed in her van(June 9th). I walked around the dealership, saw the Crossfire, fell in love, bought it the next day!

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  Love my 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By whistfully - June 18 - 11:56 pm

  As a widow, not knowing much about cars, I depend on my dealership a lot. My 300 is leased and I have free oil changes every three months which is wonderful. I know they will watch everything going on with my car and be honest about any problems should there be any. I love driving my 300, just as I loved driving my Sebring convertibles in the past. But unlike other cars Ive had, the 300 is super confortable, it takes the bumps in the road with ease, I feel safe inside with all the air bags and GPS, and I love the metal flaked paint and sun roof. A little piece of heaven.

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  A salesmans dream ... - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Spleenman - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars Ive ever had the pleasure of driving. Smooth as silk on the highway, fun in the city, a real looker as well as handy navigation system and MASSIVE trunk all while keeping her rear end tight. The interior is gorgeous. From the leather seats to the partial wooden steering wheel and dash, this car just screams class. The stereo isnt quite as refined as you might expect, so dont expect to blast it without some minor distortion. The 6 CD changer is handy but with Sirius radios access to 500K CDs 24/7 with no commercials to interrupt the music why should you bother???

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  The Best !!! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By friedo82 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I have not had a single problem with this vehicle, and Ive had it for 2 years and 30,000 miles. It drives great and is very comfortable. I have every option except leather and the total price was about 23,000, wich is great for a premium coupe. It is an overall beautiful vehicle and i find it much more attractive than the new 03s with the different front bumper and dash. The older dash in the 01 and 02s were much more sporty.

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  Great car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LW WHITE - June 17 - 7:23 pm

  Vehicle is very enjoyable to drive, tracks very well, is very smooth riding,very comfortable. The GPS is in a very convenient place on the dash in front of the steering wheel. Seats are very comfortable and interior very attractive. Automatic rear lift gate is appreciated. Sound system is fantastic.The car has all the features and quality of a luxury vehicle. is

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  My Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By BJanes - June 17 - 2:00 am

  The Crossfire takes us back to our youth when we were on the prowl for aDodge Charger. It has a very stable ride at any speed and more gas pedal than you can use. You can accelerate quickly from any speed. We have enjoyed driving it around town and on the road.

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  Great value - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Bob Campbell - June 16 - 6:40 am

  VERY VERSATLE...fun to drive. A mix of between a station wagon and a mini van. Priced to sell...a BARGAIN for the quality.

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  My thoughts of the 2002 300M - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By Gorn - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 300M Special for 2 years. I gave me a compromise between having a fun car to drive and being able to haul the family around. Service from the dealership has been great with one exception. They didnt do a thorough review of the car before it was delivered to me. The air didnt work

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  An exceptional auto - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By Bob Strange - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Great reliable auto for the wife.