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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  New Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Chrysler Owner - January 31 - 10:00 am

  After looking and buying the new 300 I would say this has to be one of the best Chryslers ever. THe ride reminds me of a expensive import sedan.

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  ca cruiser - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By cali cruiser - January 31 - 5:36 am

  love the look, fun to drive, the seats are not comfortable at all, but i can live with it . you cant beat the price, and the quality.

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  I love my Baby !! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mare - January 30 - 7:30 am

  This car is so much fun to drive!! I always get stopped by people to ask about it. It handles the road very well. I live in the north east and was going to take it off the road for the winter but did not want to give it up. I have been very impressed on the way it handles in the ice and snow

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  Not tired of it yet! - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By kandy457 - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Being somewhat reserved at owning a Chrysler when I travel so much, I did not know what to expect with my LHS. It has been an excellent car. Runs good, looks good and more importantly, has had to be in the shop only a couple of times and those were "trim" issues. Would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Concorde is an excellent vehicle - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By David in Orlando - January 30 - 2:00 am

  The one thing that makes the Concorde undesireable is probably the thing that makes it a great car if youre looking to buy a used car -- It hasnt held its value well at all. I dont understand it because it is very comfortable and probably the best- handling vehicle Ive owned although Ive never owned a sports car. I have the 3.8L V6 and it gets 29 MPG on the highway. Road noise is a bit loud on rough surfaces.

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  This car has super power fast is a understatement - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Clem bluhat - January 29 - 11:21 pm

  My only complaint is window defrost it is poor. With two or more people in car windows fog. Unless the fan is on high. And rear windows down part way. Did everything cabin filter. Reset battery.

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  No Wires Crossed - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Art in CT - January 29 - 4:06 am

  The Crossfire is a wonderful blend of sports car and sports coupe. The performance is very good with ride and handling being in the firm and controlable area. The styling is well... you either like it or you do not. I am constantly getting inquiries and thumbs up from folks on the road and in parking situations. The 6 speed manual is fun to drive and the gearbox is very nice. I have about 11000 mile on the car now and have not had a single issue or problem. So I would rate the build quality as excellent. I have added a clear shield aftermarket bra to the front of the car to stop rock dings. Downside of the car is when you are backing out of a parking place. Vision is limited.

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  wrong tires - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By 300c Cruiser - January 28 - 9:10 pm

  although this sedan has a very good amount of engineering, our chrysler buddies have failed temendously in utilising continental tires for this vehicle. if you are seriously considering the purchase of a new 300c, please, do not drive off the lot with one wearing these tires (continental). 15,000 miles into my new car and chrysler will not help me. they of course blame the tire manufacturer. the tire manufacturer will assis in pro-rating the tires but i know tht in another 15,000 miles i will need another set.

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  PT Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Larry - January 28 - 7:26 pm

  Great car that is fun to drive and very versital. Gas mileage is around 26mpg on the highway, a little over 20 around town. Surprisingly good performance for a 4cyl. I recommend one for anyone looking for a good all a round transportation.

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  Okay with me - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By new-M-owner - January 28 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have with this car is the front wheel drive. When the front wheels are turned and I accelerate it seems to grab the steering wheel somewhat. The transmission seems to slip in and out of gear at certain speeds as well.