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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  its great car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By patty - November 30 - 12:00 am

  we drove suvs for the last ten years but we were ready for a luxury car and boy did we get it-it is fun to drive- the sound system is superior and it is so beautifully designed-

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  concorde sedan grava chrysler - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
  By nicholas di Marzo - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I had very good luck, rides like when was new. solid car, handles like sports car has touring suspension.like a sturdy handeling car ,one of the best I ever owned.

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  Loved it for years but now disappointed - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By ListenupChrysler - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I used to love my 300M. What a great car at a good price. After 4 years and more than $8,000 in repairs Im done with Chrysler forever. My dealership and Chrysler corporate have been nothing short of terrible. I was set to put down a deposit on the new 300C Hemi, now Chrysler will never get another dime from me. After replacing the window motors, AC evaporator, transmission computer, starter motor, seat motors and numerous other parts Im broke and broken-hearted. I did not abuse this car, in fact I followed every maintenance interval and had the dealer service it every time.

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  Fast and Furious Crossfire - Thats Hott - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Wendy Powers - November 28 - 6:33 pm

  This car has been a pleasure to drive for me. The convertible top goes down with ease and looks stylish in the process. The way you can switch over from automatic to stick shift is also nice for those tight situations. The heated seats work so fast, that is a huge plus! I also received a complimentary Chrysler 3 piece luggage set that fits perfectly in my trunk (it is so cute, the wheels on the luggage are just like my actual car wheels, all chrome and shiny).

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  Troubles after 100,000 miles - 1998 Chrysler Concorde
  By Huskerpedia - November 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. We purchased it new and never had any problems outside of normal wear and tear. At 100,000 miles, the car seemed to fall apart. The water pump failed (it needs a redesign), several sensors have failed, including the oil pressure sensor twice, the cam sensor (even the replacement failed after 1000 miles), and now we have a rod bearing problem. We have 121,000 miles on it now and cant give the car away. It was a fantastic car up to 100K.

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  Lost in Love - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Rick Powell - November 27 - 8:06 am

  From the minute I saw this car I had to have it. The lines are better than the more expensive european built sports cars. After driving BMW and Porshe this is a step up. Drop the top and enjoy life. Wish they had been available 20 years ago! Buy one now, you wont be disappointed.

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  Never Again - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By Justin L - November 26 - 9:51 am

  I bought the most expensive 2016 200c with every option available plus the extended warranty. Car was great for a month or two then stuff started happening. The adaptive cruise control sensors on front of car have plastic covers that go around them. One fell off, took it to dealer and they said there was never one there and it wasnt covered under warranty. Next the leather started to separate on passenger seat, only 5k miles and 4 months old. Took to dealer they submitted it to Chrysler who denied the claim and said it wasnt under warranty. I called customer care who said there was nothing they could do about it. Will never again buy from a Chrysler or from that dealer.

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  BEST CAR ON ROAD - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By BIKERONE - November 25 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, MILEAGE IS GREAT VERY COMFORTABLE, GREAT LOOKING CAR.

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  300c - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Tim Wilt - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Nothing comes near this vehicle for the price

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  A Dream to Drive - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By rrichey - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I was in the eviable position of not needing to buy a car. But after seeing the 300C on the road, I had to have one ... and Im very glad I got it. Fast off the line acceleration, this baby has torque and horses to spare. The stumpy trunk is amazingly huge, and gets even bigger with the 60/40 split fold down rear seats. The GPS system and Boston speakers are awesome. Fantastic car!