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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  great vehicle - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By gah - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I just traded a 2001 300m for a 2003 300m, great vehicle, handles well.

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  what was I thinking????? - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By floridian - January 23 - 2:00 am

  this is the worst piece of workmanship I have ever driven - and Ive driven Edsels!! the front end scrapes on the slightest indentation in the road or driveway, it leaks oil, there is tar leaking from the bottom of the passenger door, the washers are always clogged...... I hate this car!!!!

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  The car - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By kcar - January 23 - 2:00 am

  The car in general is ok - interior, exterior. But when I am at a light the noise inside my car is very loud, like a humming sound. Took it to the dealer they say its nothing wrong with the car. But I have had 2000, which was total and it never sounded like this. Other than that, I love the size of the car, trunk size, room in the back for the tall ones and etc.

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  Solid fun - 1995 Chrysler LHS
  By juvat - January 22 - 2:00 am

  OK, I had to replace the AC Cond, and a spell of running rough, but weve put over 150K on it sincee we bought it. now right @200K. Total repair cost has been around $2K. Still has lots of power and even my 16 yr old son loves to drive it

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  2002 Chrysler 300M - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By JBrewer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  An excellent overall value with respect to cars in its performance/size/features class. Unique in its ability to comfortably seat five while delivering high-performance driving and reasonable levels of luxury. 5000 miles off the showroom floor and no issues -- major or minor. Outstanding handling for a large car, quite powerful engine with spot-on acceleration. I use AutoStick quite frequently and, while not the same feel as a manual transmission, it gives the ability to use the powerful engine as desired, when desired. Excellent suspension, tight ride, great package of comfort and fun driving.

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  More leaks than a colander - 1997 Chrysler Concorde
  By Hit -in-the-wallet - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Car had been dependable but has had numorous problems. Transmission, water pump, door locks, and inner tie-rod bushings have been replaced. Currently all transmission lines are leaking. Both valve covers are leaking. ERG sensor has gone out. Electrical wiring needs replacing. Throtle bodies need cleaning, injector need replacing $1300. Any car that has numorous leaks at 60,000 miles is poorly made. My dad said Chrysler was a piece of #%$@. I guess he was right!!

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  300M - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By antti - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with the way the 300M is handling yet it is very comfortable. For a large sedan it moves very nicely with the powerful engine. It has proven to be enough of car for me and I have not looked to buy anything more expensive ever since I sat in the 300M.

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  I Love it - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By angels64048 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchases mine used. So, far I love it. Its fun to drive. Ive had to have new weather strips put on it. The people at Jack Miller have been great to work with. They have fixed everything that needed to be repaired.

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  Wow - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Obie - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, handles well. It is a real kick after driving large vehicles for a long period of time.

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  Love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Caring - January 20 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is the best handling, most comfortable, a delight to drive vehicle I have ever owned. I especially find the most useful feature to be the moving map. I could not do without this item now that I am used to using it. This vehicle corners better than any vehicle that I have ever riden in. I would like to help design the exterior trim. This is the only item I would want changed on my Pacifica.