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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  THE AMERICAN DREAM - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By BIRCHALL - August 24 - 10:00 am

  WHY BUY A FOREIGN CAR WHEN YOU CAN GET THE 300C. THIS CAR IS AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE. I CAN NOT STOP DRIVING THIS AUTOMOBILE. THE BEST LOOKING CAR IVE EVER SEEN. CHRYSLER IS HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

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  300C Awsome Ride - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Louise Matthews - August 24 - 10:00 am

  We love our 300C with the Hemi. We had a Deville, Cadillac, traded it in and werent sure if we made the right decision. We have no regrets. The power is awsome, turning radius perfect, pretty interior and and exterior -- well what can I say; it sure "turns heads". Its great and Im glad we paid the extra for the Hemi and all the other extras. I dont know how we traveled before without the navagational system, and the back up alarm has come in handy several times. Im still learning new things about this vehicle.

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  This car is a beatuiful beast! - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Maxx - August 21 - 12:08 am

  How do I put this, how about the best car in the world! I love my sebring. Nice leather seats with multi disk all power doors Windows seats and moon roof. This car is classy, sporty, and amazing. Good for all ages and probably one of the only good American made cars out there. Id suggest the LXi and not the LX, and definitely the new bigger engine as the old one doesnt have very high acceleration for me, but its okay for my wife. Great great car, never had any problems that werent unexpected. Has 120,000 miles and still runs like new. Thank you Chrysler

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  Best decision we could have made! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Suellen - August 19 - 7:06 am

  We already own an F250 and an Excursion, both 7.4L diesels. The 300C was the only model car that we both said wed ever be interested in owning. It has style+ unlike all the other generic bubble shaped cars out there. It has a wide body that doent narrow out in the headroom area, leads to a very roomy interior. Rides great and the handling is unbelievably smooth. The Hemi will knock you back into the headrest when you put your foot into it! Great on long roadtrips too! Fuel economy isnt that great. But hey its a big V8. Want fuel economy buy a Hybrid, but wont be near as comfortable or stylish.

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  The Cadillac killer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hemi 5.7 300S - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By Clyde Leonard - August 18 - 1:18 am

  I have been driving this car for about a month. The car is a BEAST! I have the 5.7 300S and it doesnt miss a beat. The Hemi will give you all the happiness you need. Not over done with detracting options, just a muscle car under cover. All I did was put the Hemi decals on it so the next guy would know not to try me!

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  Best Buy Convertible - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By aaronelbaron - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Closing in on one year of ownership I am very pleased with this vehicle. The ride comfort and performance are balanced perfectly. You can enjoy both long trips (or commutes) and at the same time dive into a corner without worrying about losing control. The car drives faster than you feel so it is easy to exceed the speed limit. Even with the automatic, acceleration is great. This is the lowest priced true 4 seat convertible on the market, so if you must go topless, go Sebring.

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  second in a row - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By bcfromsd - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my 2000 Sebring convertible for a new 2004, and so far I am impressed. We had no real problems with the old one- some squeeky brakes while still under warranty- so were hoping for the same this time. I like the larger wheels and overall stance. Interior isnt changed much, but the optional seat heaters are a definite hit- you can leave the top down longer if you just turn on the seat heaters, a ragtop season extender. Just a very fun car.

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  review - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By pimp J - August 14 - 10:24 pm

  This is an absolutely amazing vehicle! I bought this car used and have put 30,000 miles on it since then and have had no problems whatsoever. This car now has 118,000 miles on it and runs absolutely perfect ad looks just the same.The paint wheels and interior are immaculate and looks just like new, and the women love it. If you are looking for an affordable, quick, flashy, and comfortable car I would definitely go with the LHS, you will not be disappointed.

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  What a Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Donald Clark - August 12 - 2:41 pm

  I purchased the car in April in exchange for my 1999 Expedition which was hurting me from a gas cost standpoint. The Pacifica has been very impressive. With the interior able to seat 6 and the exterior sharp look, it is a great car. I recently purchased some Kumbo Road Venture tires to replace the original tires. Well now the ride is excellent. I went on vacation about 670 miles each way and the car handled so well with great acceleration and braking power. If you are looking for the benefits of a big SUV with better gas mileage this is it. OH yeah the trunk can be opened and closed with the key or a switch in the car. This part is very cool especially when you go to the grocery.

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  Stylish experience - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mopar - August 10 - 8:13 pm

  I originally wanted a Stratus R/T but ran across the sebring in the back of a lot so I took it. Iv had it for 2 years now and the only problem I have had with it (150,000 miles) is the sway bar bushings, lower ball joints and a small leak in the flex pipe. But it has 150,000 miles what do you expect? It doesnt have much power for a v-6 but I put a air intake, exhaust system and after market plugs and wires and I noticed a big difference. It sits low, seats are kinda hard, turning radius isnt perfect and there arent 4 cup holders because its a coupe sports car not a full size luxury car! It looks sharp, handles awesome, very reliable. Very happy I got it, love the looks I get from everyone.