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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  Joe and Peggys 300c - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Joe & Peggy OConnor - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The 300c was ordered over the Internet advance of manufacturers relase to the dealers so we selected the sea mist green with light taupe interior and all of the extras - navigation system, sirius radio, hands-free phone, 6 disk cd player and the special wheels, etc. We have driven the car over 4000 miles and besides stopping traffic and turning heads due to the excellent design; its quick acceleration for passing, the ease of handling and the comfort all make it a 10. We have had Chrysler prodcuts for years always the top of the line and the 300 c is the best to date.

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  300 c - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jerry Thran - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The car is so smooth and handles great. I love the design it begs to be driven.I love the interior.

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  Hemi sedan - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Russell Warren - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The Hemi gives the car plenty of go! They have really milked the "Hemi" to sell cars, but hey, it goes.

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  Love my new car! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By 300CDriver - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I would highly recommend that anyone considering this car- buy it. It is so much fun to drive.

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  get one now - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mike Grieco - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many exotics and this is fun to drive and is very classy no matter where you go. It has plenty power when needed but choice fo a 8 cyl must be made to get full apreciation of car.

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  Worth Waiting - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By HappyCmpr - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I waited a long time for this car to arrive from the factory. I was becoming frustrated. After I took ownership of the car, I was so overwhelmed with the space, comfort and features that my frustrations disappeared. What an unbelievable machine! Ive been waiting for a great full-sized sedan for years and I finally found one.

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  Exceeds all expectations! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By rkiefhaber - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I was hesitant about buying another Chrysler product but the looks sold me. The car is amazing. Looks, rides, and performs like those luxury imports that are twice the price. If the reliability is as good. I will be a happy camper.

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  Love my PT - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By D - April 9 - 2:30 pm

  I love this car. We have had ours for about 3 years and use it for family and business. Tons of room.

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  Cruisin Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Buffalo Drop Top - April 8 - 4:20 pm

  Our PT Ragtop is our first convertible in almost 30 years. We werent looking for a hotrod but a drop top with seating for four or room for two sets of golf clubs and some nice styling. Our PT is effectively the base model with 16" wheels and a flawless black paint job. Its great for a sunny day cruise, an evening out, or a run to the lake on the weekend. We bought it for fun...thats just what we got! Its a great little rag top at a good price!

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  17 months of fun! - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By scottnjoan - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car over a year and have enjoyed every day. The cars low gears rocket you on the road and the interior room fits three in the back comfortably. Havent had a mechanical problem yet...