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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  Better Buy Than Caddy or Lincoln - 1990 Chrysler Imperial
  By arkysall - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a distinctive ride. It looks and acts different than competitive autos. Ive driven Lincolns and Caddys. The Imperial has a different feel altogether. It starts with distinctive looks but goes beyond that. A great old car and probably the best buy for the dollar in its field.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Liza - July 12 - 4:46 pm

  I love my crossfire!! It is so beautiful, I enjoy looking at it everytime I get in to drive it. The steering is ultra precise, the interior surfaces are cutting-edge, and the controls are thoughtfully placed! Not to mention the excellent brakes which have reacted well when I needed them to! Good Job Chrysler!

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  low gas mileage - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jacksmom1 - July 12 - 7:56 am

  We recently purchased a 2001 pt cruiser. We were looking for a car with better gas mileage. The window sticker said 20/25 and we could live with that but the actual gas mileage has been very irratic. We get between 16 and 22. we are comfortable in it but the gas is going to be expensive.

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  First time Chrysler owner - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By David - July 12 - 3:26 am

  Great small vehicle. I tested several different makes & models before trying a PT and discovered I had been wasting my time. I wanted something that would not scare you when trying to get onto the freeway or passing someone. This GT will get you there quick and safe. I do like the front of the 2006 model better. Ive never had a problem with my car and I drive 80 miles a day round trip to work. My wife loves it so much that were thinking about selling her Gran Prix GT and getting her a GT-PT also.

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  2003 Sebring - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mr. C - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, gets excellent gas mileage, and rides very comfortably. It has plenty of power, and handles well. The interior is very roomy and seats four comfortably. Trunk space is a bit limited, but fold down rear seats reduce that problem.

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  Adrenalin - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Tommy - July 10 - 8:20 am

  The SRT8 Chrysler is the epitome of style, quality, performance, safety, value, design and excitement. We took it to Statesboro,Ga last week from Delray, Beach, Florida to the annual family reunion. It was a huge hit, With EVERYBODY! The ride up and back (500 miles one way) was effortless. I took my wife, my two sons, 20 and 22 with us. It stops on a dime very safely. My other cars are Mercedes 300 TD, BMW M series Roadster and Miata. It was like all four put togther, but better. It is truly an amazing vehicle. A definite winner.

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  Love it - 2003 Chrysler Concorde
  By Holly - July 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a replacement for our 2000 Explorer. I love the gas mileage that I now get. I thought by getting a sedan as opposed to an SUV that I would be losing space. In actuality, my child has much more leg room in the back seat and the trunk space is massive. I hope to keep this vehicle for a very long time.

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  I will never buy another Chrysler - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By candicer81 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  There is always something wrong with this car, from stalling to squeaky brakes, it has been the biggest pain in the butt. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone.

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  A great car so far! - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By Danne - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this one with about 14K on it and have 38K total miles to date - It has been superb! The radio had to be replaced, but thats the only problem weve had. It has the performance handling group and is an excellent high speed and long distance cruiser. Great styling, lots of room, and it can carry a load of cargo.

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  mint car!! - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By dodgeman76 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  i havnt had this carfor very long but i already am in love with it. it has amazing acceleration and handling. love the wood look on the dash.