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:

• 

  Amazed at this vehicle my 300 S 2017 - 2017 Chrysler 300
  By John - July 6 - 8:46 pm

  I must tell you that this was the best purchase I have ever made in a new vehicle. The dealer was incredible and so supportive in every way. The price was greatly appreciated and made my experience at the dealer all that much better. Now as far as the care it has delivered beyond my expectations. I was a little aprehensive because I went from the 5.7 L Hemi to the 6 cylinder engine. I hasnt disapointed one bit and I do appreciate the increased mileage. The ride is tight and with the 300 S version the car is glued to the road. I love the performance tires and the overall look that is the 300 S version. The interior is every bit as incredible if not better than my old 300 C. This vehicle blows me away! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for an amazing ride and comfort.

• 

  Love the Attention and comments - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Mike In Jacksonville - July 6 - 12:53 am

  Another headturning Design from Chrysler. Sure there are plenty of other sport coupe with more HP. But this is plenty (215), I have no problem what so ever passing, merging, and just pure flying. For a two door sports coupe the hatch actually has alot of space for luggage (which incidently come with the vehicle), its not a suv and doesnt try to be. Please... its me and my sun glasses just trying to find some open road with out all those moving walls (suvs).

• 

  wifes toy - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By greatbald1 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  i have my harleys so my wife wanted a toy. the crossfire is pure joy, fun to drive, responsive and enormous sex appeal. i find the car quiet, finish is superb, performance more than adequate. and for the best, is not a cookie cutter vehicle, public response is amazing, car looks sexey from any angle, have never driven a car that gets this much attention. sticks to the road like glue, is comfortable. do have to watch your speed because the car is noticed by police, i was pulled over because the cop wanted to take a closer look and had no idea that this was a chrysler.

• 

  This car is fun to drive. - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By R. Taylor - July 3 - 7:10 am

  I traded my well loved Neon R/T for this car and have been well pleased. I miss the quickness and agility of the R/T but love the spaciousness and versatility of the cruiser.

• 

  The "Can Do" Car - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ptmem - July 2 - 11:03 pm

  I had to have this car when I bought it, and havent regretted the purchase since. Its the biggest little car Ive ever had (bought my first car in 1961). Its great in town - fits into small parking spots. And it handles well on the parkways and highways. The fact that it doesnt have the power of my previous 8-cylinder cars was a consideration when I bought it, but, for a 4-cylinder it does well, even at high speeds. It also handles snow and ice like a dream. Powers me through all kinds of winter weather.

• 

  The best car decision I ever made. - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Mike M - July 2 - 9:56 pm

  This is my first sports car, and I am really glad I purchased this model. I have never had so many people stop me and talk about the car. Great performance on both winding roads and straight out on the highway. I now look forward to the long trips across Northern Nevada. Catch me if you can.

• 

  Nicest car I have ever owned - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brian - June 29 - 8:43 pm

  This is a greate vehicle. It has a very quiet ride, very smooth, and feels very stable (5in off the ground). I knew it would suck gas, but 21mpg on the highway, I think they can do better. Although it does weigh in over 4700 lbs. Highly recommend, great family mover, tons of cargo space with bench seat down.

• 

  COOL CAR! - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ElectricBlue - June 29 - 2:00 am

  We also dont know the annual gas milage because we just bought the car today! Im very happy with how much room it has in it! The car is roomy and the seats arent so close to the floor like in a car. It drives nicely and Im excited that its a Turbo! The Electric Blue is a great color!

• 

  Broke my heart - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By CHKELL - June 27 - 8:43 pm

  When I purchased my Cruiser, I was totally in love. It handled well, looked great and was the first car I purchased that I actually wanted. Sorry to say, I traded it in last November, 3 years later. At 60K, the head gasket was leaking and replaced. It had problems in the front end at 75K and had the springs, wheel bearing, tie rods replaced. When I traded, the rear end was making much the same noise and I was looking at more, expensive work done. Nice car, but if you drive like I do, it is not the most reliable. And the gas mileage is as listed, very poor.

• 

  Its HOT!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Pam - June 27 - 12:30 pm

  I have had my 300 Limited for about 60 days and almost everyday I get some very positive remarks from people about how nice that car looks. Its a real head turner! Dont let the Hemi fool you. The 6 cylinder Limited with AWD has plenty of power and agility. I suggest getting the NAV and SIRIUS. I never use a map anymore and Im nodding my head to the beat of the music all the way to my destination. Its HOT!