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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  Classy Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By My Baby - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of new vehicles in my life and this is the best by far. The luxury of the leather interior along with the 6 cd sound system is like a little peace of heaven. The sleek sytle and design makes it one of the most unique cars out there. Comfortable, drives beautiful. It should cost a lot more.

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  Still In Love - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By tweekes - November 21 - 9:20 am

  When I first saw the concept, I had to have this car. I can still find it in the parking lot. Everything else looks like a Lexus. It is a heavy, powerfull, stable, fast as sin, great looking vehicle. I now have over 60,000 miles. Only minor problems. Had to replace a mirror, a visor clip broke, have a wear problem on drivers leather seat, AC condenser failed (mfg does not evacuate long enough when new, leave water in them) had an alignment problem when new. Hard on tires though. Get Goodyear 60K tread guarantee and keep prorate at 30K. I still love this car. Got nav, satellite, cant live without them now.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By BJ - November 20 - 5:16 am

  Driven this car 2000 miles. No problems whatsoever. Its fun to drive and gets looks and questions. A solid feeling and a smooth ride. I am happy it has cruise control because you would have trouble keeping at the speed limit without it.

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  Outstanding luxury sleeper! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ken Thurman - November 18 - 4:45 pm

  One of the finest cars Ive owned. A real head-turner & BMW- surpriser! I got the loaded performance 5-speed with 24-value Mitsu V6. Gorgeous indigo exterior with gray leather, "wood" trimmed, 4-CD blowout sounds interior. At first changes added K&N filter, Z- Max & 245x45 Toyos. Been absolutely rock-solid reliable & thats even after hot laps around Sears Point & Laguna Seca! What a rush. Only complaints are a bit too much wind noise, limited rear quarter vision, & power mirrors lost power. Oil, belts, brakes, & tires are only money Ive had to put in. At 75,000 miles. No major maintenance until I reach 90,000 miles + 100,000 warranty to boot! Great!

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  Mengel - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By emengel - November 16 - 4:56 am

  I have put 8000 miles on the car on one trip. It preform excellent. It handles well. The gas milage ws 27+. We have had the car almost a year and would not trade it.

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  Two in a row - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By John J. Goran - November 15 - 9:34 pm

  I leased an 05 330C with a Hemi in it. I loved this car and was prepared to purchase it. The car was loaded and gave me zero mechanical problems. When I passed by my dealer to look around at the 08s, I discussed with them the fact that leasing was not something Chrysler was pushing. However, I was directed to an 08 300C Hemi with the SRT design package. It has the standard Hemi, but its own 20 inch rims, handling package, steering, exhaust and other features from the SRT8. The fuel savings not available on the SRT8 are available on the car I purchased. I love it. Great aggressive styling with multivalve- displacement giving better mileage. Have yet to see one like it on the road.

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  PT Cruiser in Texas - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By smithvillemike - November 14 - 2:00 am

  What can I say about this car... it does everything. It is sporty and appeals to my ego... It is pratical and can carry a lot of things, including 4 akitas. I cant wait for the turbo convertible

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  Very Happy with Purchase - Find - Price - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - November 10 - 4:21 am

  I have always liked the Pacifica style since it came out. I wasnt really in the purchase mode, but drove by the dealership and saw 3 new/used Pacificas on the lot. The gas prices were close to $4.00 a gal. & the price of full size autos were going down. Driving it easy, with the 6 speed transmission, I was getting 19.8 in town, and 29.9 on the highway. It rides so smooth, and the performance is unbelievable! It is totally state of art. Load leveling, traction control, ABS, anti-out of control feature? Over 250 HP. 3500 towing tounge wt. I love my Pacifica. I plan on keeping it for a long time. Again, due to gas price, I got a very good deal. monthly payment is $350. I have the FWD, not AWD.

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  Cruising in my Cruiser - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By River Cruiser - November 8 - 4:03 am

  The first thing I noticed was my absence from the gas station. Fun to drive with lots of room. Like the power drivers seat and the power sun roof. The rear seats being able to remove completely is really a good idea. Stereo has great sound. Lots of power for me.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1998 Chrysler Concorde
  By Jay Keesling - November 5 - 3:14 pm

  3.2L engine, great power. Leather interior attractive. Infinity sound system-superior, mileage on road 30.7mpg. Only major repairs were replacing the ignition switch which had a short in it and air conditioning evaporator which developed a leak. Battery difficult to get to with access at front passenger wheel well. Huge trunk, overhead console with trip meter, compass, mpg calculations, distance till empty features.