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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  Reliable - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By Marie - February 19 - 7:49 pm

  Bought the car brand new. It now has 92,000 miles on it. Had to get the first set of tires replaced because of uneven wear. Have always had problems with the car bottoming out unless I keep 40 lbs of pressure in the tires. The car engine is a bit loud, but I have never had any engine problems. It has been a reliable car. Gets 20 miles per gal.

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  little turbo - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By edith - February 16 - 10:00 am

  one of the most fun little coupes ive had the pleasure to drive around in ,has get up and go in just the right places,color is great...gas mileage even better.looking to test drive convertible next.

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  2005 Chrysler 300 Touring - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By vwimb - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car!!! comfort, style and class. Holds the road like no other.. Surpisingly good on gas. I spend 25 dollars a week and with gas prices the way they are that pretty good. If you and a classy car this it!!! You will enjoy it.

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  My new 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By dansden - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This car gets more looks and comments than any car Ive ever owned. Classy, rugged, beautiful design. Plenty of power with the 3.5 and lots of nice features.

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  300C stands the test of time - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Marlonm - February 14 - 5:51 pm

  Just wanted to write-in after 88,000 miles I still love my 300C as much as the day I bought it. I have had a few, mostly minor problems (headlight, EGR valve, cam sensor, differential seal leak, nav button). All of these have been covered by 100K warranty. Still have yet to replace the brakes! Gas mileage is excellent (22 combined MPG) as long as I dont mash the pedal too often. I would buy this car all over again if Chrysler is still around in a few years.

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  I love this car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By ed mccain - February 14 - 12:33 pm

  If you want the best of both American (Chrysler) and European (Mercades) engineering, buy this car. The look is bold yet elegant. The interior space is more than roomy. Features such as satelite radio and navigation enhance the overall experience. This car makes a statment, are you prepared for the attention you will get while behind the wheel?

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  Drives amazing! - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By waleed khalilieh - February 14 - 6:04 am

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  This car keeps on going - 1991 Chrysler Imperial
  By Richard - February 13 - 11:09 pm

  Purchased said Chrysler Imperial in 1990 and have owned it ever since. I now have 137,500 miles on vehicle and have had no problems maintenance wise except for usual expected replacement parts, oil changes, tires,etc. I plan on keeping this car for at least another 20 years or so. You can take that to the bank!

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  Very Satisfied - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By Guildo Godbout - February 12 - 7:25 pm

  Very good handling, quiet to drive, very nice interior finish. Comfortable to drive on long distance.

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  Chryslers Big hit - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Tino - February 11 - 9:57 am

  this car is amazing. very smooth ride. turns heads everywhere i go. very nice high output 3.5L. when i was purchasing this car i was a little iffy about it because it was a Chrysler and i did not know what to expect. but this car prove me wrong and it has ben grate to me all i replaced was the tires and a a/c blower resister. overall this is a great car.