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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  Sweet!!! - 2017 Chrysler 300
  By Tonya - October 2 - 2:34 am

  Did not think I would ever buy a car again. Have always driven SUV or pick-up. The more I drive it the more I like it and the gas mileage is wonderful after driving a pick-up for the last 10 years. This car is sleek and stylish handles beautifully and is such a quiet ride. So pleased with my purchase.

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  My Green Baby - 1994 Chrysler Concorde
  By mitchell1205 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My mother has a car just like it so I went out and bought one too. Dont regret it one bit. They are very comfortable cars and they have power if thats what you want. Mine has all the options so I really enjoy driving my car, even on long drives. The only down side is the large engine is not very good on economy.

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  A Real Beauty. - 2004 Chrysler Concorde
  By stanley - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my car. Very comfortable and smooth.

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  Awesome - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BabyRex - October 1 - 10:50 pm

  I wasnt certain at purchase how Id adjust to this vehicle. It seemed to be more than I needed. In my first 2 weeks, I have come to love this car and its qualities. Stunned by the tight turning radius, the comfort, lack of road noise and the smooth handling. Theres plenty of pep in the V-6. This car has the feel of safety and old style craftsmanship, heavier steel, thicker glass, and design that is literally "solid" in its touch and feel. So far, an excellent ride.

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  Very Classy - great way to buy American - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ciboney - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Great cornering, wide stance and hold you in your place seats. The interior comfort for the front 2 rows is awesome, our best friends have as much room in the second row as most people have in the front of their cars. The DVD is perfect - but dont let your kids watch too much tv (rot your brain and all). The third row is for KIDS not adults, but atleast its bigger then any other 3rd row vehicle in its class. (MDX & XC90). Im getting more "Looks" from other drivers then in any other car Ive driven. And a lot of "Whats that car?" Im very proud to buy American as well.

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  No Quality Checks on this car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Ed - September 30 - 3:33 am

  I have been back to the dealer many times over the last 6 months for these problems: 1) Even on minor grades, car will roll backwards in drive when I take my foot off the brake. 2) Car shifts hard from reverse to drive. 3) At low RPM acceleration, car up-shifts hard from 2nd to 3rd 4) Generally poor quality control on the painting. The first time I bought gas I noticed the paint primer clearly visible on inside of gas cap door. First time sun shinned on the side of car I noticed the interior metal of the rear wheel wells was bare. 5) I have been listening to the same radio station for 22 years on my 52 mile trip to work. This 300 is first car which looses station. 6)Vibration in dash

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  Wanna have fun? Buy one!!!!!1 - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Big Gregg - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This thing is a blast!!! Handles well, quick, roomy for me (64" 240#). Tremendous bang for the $$$$ With the Performance Package (read DELETE Electronic speed limiter)it will do 145+...big time fun!!!!!

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  Car with pep - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By 1Daddeo - September 29 - 11:06 am

  We test drove a regular PT and found it to be sluggish. We just about gave up on the PT, when I found out that the GT version has 230 HP (I chirped tire in 2nd gear on the automatic) as opposed to the standard 150 HP. The car is not only stylish, but has tons of energy. The suspension and steering are tight and responsive. The new interior fits well the exterior. I only wished they did a few things extra like a glove box light, a light near the door handle and a little more chrome on a retro looking auto would help, but they make tons of aftermarket parts so you can customize to your taste.

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  LHS Review - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By Jim IN MD - September 29 - 2:00 am

  For the most part a good car with some reliability problems. Smooth ride with a cavernous interior and trunk. Decent handling at speed and in the parking lot. Small rear window can make backing up a challenge. Reliability problems started at 60K miles. Have had to replace water pump, air conditioner, steering rack, undercarriage bushings, cruise control and tie rods. Performance and mileage seem to be keeping up. Still getting 22-24 MPG around town, and 27-30 on the road.

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  Never Again - 2000 Chrysler Voyager
  By trivetthelton - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have replaced numerous wheel cylinders, had the transmission pulled to replace the seal, and replaced the condensing unit for the A/C. None of which were covered by warranty, and the A/C compressor is going out, so it will also need to be replaced! I will never, I repeat never, purchase a Chrysler product again!!!