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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  FANTASTIC FIND - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sissy - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This car rides so smooth and quiet. Its really hard to believe its a convertible! We had a Mazda Miata, which we loved very much. Our Sebring is so much more roomier and smoother riding. A dream come true!

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  Love the car but can tick me off - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By giggles70 - December 7 - 3:54 am

  I bought car in March 08 and I love it. Once I got in it I was in love. Get compliments all the time and is comfy with plenty of room. I have 181,653 miles on her and havent had too much go wrong with her. Yes window motors die often in this car, battery to replace stinks, washer pump has went out and had overheating issue due to bad thermostat and clog in radiator hose. Yeah the stuff irritates me but I have learned that no car is perfect and my love for my car out weighs the anger. Newer the cars are the quality gets lower. Its not just Chrysler. Ask yourself, do you love your car....if yes...then its worth fixing and keeping.

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  The Best Car on the Market - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Miss Taylor - December 6 - 1:43 pm

  I had driven a Chrysler 300 approximatley 1 year ago. When we decided to purchase antoher car. I was asked what kind of car I wanted. The Chrysler 300C was the only car that came to mind. Once I test drove "THIS CAR", I knew this was the ONE for me. Talking about comfort, luxury, style, all in one. This car is well worth the drive. I would recommend that you test drive one today. I am sure that you would make this you final purchase. I plan on keeping this on for years to come.

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  I love it - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Wayne Kopp - December 5 - 9:07 am

  We bought our car to take to Florida for 2 months. It has great styling, looks sporty and the seats are very confortable. I was extremely pleased with the gas mileage. The best feature is trunk space with a convertable. The back seats are very confortable. This is my first Chrysler in 43 years of driving many cars and models and I am very pleased. Have had it for 1 year and no problems at all.

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  Nice to drive! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve_Cin - December 4 - 11:22 am

  This is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. It has plenty of room and it handles great. I was concerned about gas mileage. The city mileage isnt great when my wife drives it but seems to be better when I drive. Highway is excelent. I have gotten over 29 mpg at 70 miles an hour. 26 to 27 is more typical though.

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  My 300S, a great car - 2017 Chrysler 300
  By John White - December 3 - 7:31 pm

  I went to the dealer ready to lease a 2017 Grand Cherokee. My 300 happened to be on the showroom floor and it was love at first sight. Sounds corny, but it is a beautiful car. I have the non metallic Ceramic Gray Clear Coat paint, AWD, The S premium, group and the S Appearance package. Rides like a dream, gas mileage is acceptable for a big car and in sport mode handles really well. Chrysler has made significant improvement in their electronics, infotainment and interior materials. At least they have in the 300. Ive owned 5 Jeeps, T&C van and a Sebring Convertible. My 300 is the best of them all. It is a big car, but doesnt have that big car feel inside. Beats audio is wonderful and the styling of the "S" trim constantly gets compliments. AWD only available with the V6, which is fine. 300 HP is plenty to move this car. I test drove the Hemi RWD model, but since I live in the snowbelt, AWD was the obvious choice. No regrets. Trust me, you wont be disappointed.

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  Love it! - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By Goussous - December 3 - 6:32 am

  Beautiful car, I bought it at 10,000 miles. The guy that used it before barely used it so it was like buying a brand new car! Fast, slick, hot, beautiful and sexy. Kick down is amazingly fast!

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  Love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By aamig - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful quality and safety features. It is fun to frive, extremely comfortable, and roomy. Love the feel of this vehicle.

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  mommy car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Vegas Driver - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car the last day of July in Vegas. First of all let me tell you how great the air condiditioning works living in the desert. Its GREAT. The Picifica is great for a family of 4. Its not too big or too small. I can carpool and fit 4 kids in the back. I love the captain chairs in the middle . Each child has their own seat, meaning no fighting over space. The third row is easy to get to and my 8 year old loves to sit back there with her friends. Its easy to drive and has all the features I wanted in a family car.

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  Changes that should be made - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By HsKep - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and fun to drive. The styling is very good and the comfort is exceptionally good. Nice and quite and smooth. Appointments in the interior are luxurious and everything is laid out very well.