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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  very satisfied - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By george - September 20 - 9:12 am

  I purchased the car new with a decent discount. The power steering rack had to be replaced the first week which had me very skeptical. I now can say Ive put 95,000 trouble free miles on her and still in love. Im impressed with the gas mileage and even in this day and age cant see getting into another car payment for what, 4 to 5 more miles per gallon. The styling is still impressive when all spit and polished and the chrome wheels are buffed up. I think Ill just hang on to this ole girl.

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  Loving my Dream Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Peter - September 20 - 2:06 am

  I driven my cruiser from Rhode Island to North Carolina and then to Florida within a week and I had no problems, either mechanically or comfort wise. Drove for a few hours between fill-ups, between 300 and 400 miles depending on the A/C usage. Couldnt ask for a better looking or driving car for me.

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  Chrysler 300-Elegant Ride - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Henry - September 17 - 11:56 pm

  Love the elegant styling, smooth, quiet ride. The 3.5 H.O. V6 has the feel of a big V8. The telescopic/tilt steering is a, real nice feature,when you add in the adjustable brake/gas pedles.

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  Great car - 1997 Chrysler Concorde
  By NW Wisconsin girl - September 17 - 5:21 pm

  I have had this car for about 2 years now. I was wrinkled my nose when I first saw it, then I drove it. Im not a fan of larger cars as a rule, but Id buy another one of these in a heartbeat. AT 187k shes still running strong. Everything works on this car, I feel safe driving it out here in Deerville. If I hit something Im not worried about dying. It handles beautifully, runs quietly and has a ride Ive only dreamed of. I hope it lasts me another 3 years at least. I know of another one of these around my home that currently has 264k miles on it. She too, loves her Concorde.

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  Better Than a HHR - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By BETTER THAN HHR - September 17 - 7:33 am

  Started looking in August at the new Chevy HHR. Test drove one. Too much car for that little 4Cyl. Test drove a PT Limited Cruiser and really liked the way it handled. As far as wanting Turbo, no 4Cyl. engine can handle turbo day in and out. Great Car Chrysler!!!

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  looking good - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By aol - September 15 - 9:57 pm

  So nice to drive and not pass your car a trillion times on the road. What an expensive looking car. Never go anywhere without receiving a compliment. Very roomy but not too big. A great package deal of optional features. Chrysler dont advertise it very much. But it will become popular by sight when it arrives in person any place. Many people stated they heard about it but never saw it before.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Jay - September 13 - 7:43 am

  Terrific car. Saved $8000 with demo, rebate. would take over Lex. 350 and Cadillac cts. why pay extra 10 k. getting 28 mpg on highway. love gps, satellite radio. Luxury. Chrysler got this right. Dealer was terrific. leather seats support well. cant say enough good things about this car. 3.5 L is more than enough power. check this vehicle out.

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  Keep building them. improve MARKETING - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LUIS YGLESIAS - September 12 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car after testing it in Canada for two weeks under severe weather conditions. It is the best overall car that I have owned so far. My friends and myself dont understand why Chryslers new owners want to stop production. I think they dont know how to market the good product they make and they havent listen to us their customers.

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  Youve gotta love it! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Dick - September 11 - 7:33 am

  This is one terrific vehicle in every feature. Has more than enough "get up and go" and cruise control has saved the day (since 90mph feels like 40mph) in smaller cars). I love this car!

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By C. Posey - September 10 - 7:23 pm

  I am in my late fifties and have owned many luxury cars. This is by far the best and most fun auto I have owned including ones far more expensive. Handling is exceptional and the Hemi is like no other. There is no comparison on the road today.