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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  Id buy another one - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By LeadDog - July 27 - 2:00 am

  love it, except that sometimes the interior lights go on by themselves

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  300M Luxury Buy - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By SMM - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car over buying a Audi A6 and BMW 3 Series due to the room and options. It has upheld more than any other cars I have owned. No problems, no little warranty fix issues, etc.

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  excellent - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By moffpbirdd - July 27 - 2:00 am

  a wonderful experience I reccomend this as a first car and also for seasoned drivers... luxury performance and style

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  SCS - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By SCS - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Recently changed over from an SUV (Chrysler Jeep Cherokee Limited). First sedan in 8 years. Easy to drive, great visual fields when driving, extremely comfortable seats, roomy interior and trunk. Receive many compliments from passengers. Only complaints would be better gas mileage for this 6 cylinder.

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  Senior Drivers Review - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By H. Smith - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Traded a Lincoln Town car in on my 300M. At my age (81) I wanted something a little bit smaller yet a little bit more lively to drive. The 300M gives me that capability. It also made it easier for my wife to drive a smaller car. Although we have had it for only a month, we have already put over 2000 miles on the odometer. It performs just the way I thought it would and I know that it will last until I buy my next new car in 2010!

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  Fun Car! - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By ExP&Ger - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Terrific styling, peppy, powerful car. Generous trunk space. Comfortable and attractive interior.

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  Great car - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By History15 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 300M for over 3 years and it has been perfect. Only 24,000 miles but every one a pleasure to drive especially when going to Kentucky to see my daughter, geting 28.6MPG at 65MPH and taking the hills in WV. like a dream. George

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  Would Not Buy Another One! - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By Whitney - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 300M in Feb. 2002. I have replaced 2 window motors and am getting ready to replace one of the ones that I got fixed again. The speed sensor has gone out of the vehicle. The wheel weights had to be replaced because they were not the right ones for my tires and the air kept leaking out. The bearings in the front seem to be going out. The airconditioning went out and I have had it charged repeatedly. The dealership says the next step is to take the dash out to fix the problem. The lowest estimated cost for that is $900.00! What is appealing from the outside is a total nightmare once you get in it!

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  Reliable and Fun - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By BOCC03 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car since my 1964 XKE that I actually LIKE to drive. The car handles well, even though front wheel driven. ABM, AC and 150W stereo all add to the experience. Styling is excellent-dark blue exterior with Tan/Blue accent interior is unbelievable! Convertible top is good double twill weave with an interior roof. Constantly receive complements on the way the car looks.

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  Drive one - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By nyny2ca1 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This a beautifully styled and designed auto. Its fun to drive, handles like a sports car, yet is big enough for 5 adults, in comfort. Plenty of leg room front and rear. And its not just "another pretty face", this car responds well in all gears... I Love it. Rich