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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  Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KellieH - May 28 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. for a family of 5 it is great! rides nice handles great.Love the fold down seats. Kids love the DVD. Has tons of options and a great car for the price

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  300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Maryann McLemore - May 28 - 10:00 am

  In the short time that I have had this car, I feel that it isnt as smooth of a ride as I had hoped. Also, I have a problem with air whistling from the left side of the car. Other than that, I love the car. Maryann McLemore

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  STR-8 - day 1 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By baki - May 28 - 7:36 am

  Day 1: Still getting use the the car. Awesome power, great looks, handles great for a heavy car. Great fun to drive. Most impressive for me has been the power this car has and how quick it is for a car of this size and weight.

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  2016 Chrysler 300s - 2016 Chrysler 300
  By Craig Zimmerman - May 24 - 6:36 pm

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  My Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By john morrison - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I think it uses too much gas but is very comfortable to drive and sitting. Very stury and heavy car. Needs more power though.

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  Looks nice, runs great, but - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By aggie - May 23 - 2:06 am

  The car runs great, handles well, nice and roomy. There is a squeaking noise going over bumps that sounds like it hasnt been lubed. I like it very much. Its versatle and fun to drive. Makes you want to get in it and go cruising except I cant because the headlights randomly flicker. This ranges from mild to severe with severe being when the dash lights flicker too and then they both blip out and then back on again. Ive had it to two different dealers who cant find a thing wrong wth it so I guess it must be posessed. I wouldnt buy another one of these. I hope someone can finally fix it so I can enjoy it without worry.

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  Bad buying experience - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Joyce - May 20 - 1:56 pm

  This is the second 300 I have owned the first one I had for about 2 weeks. I was lied to by the dealer and refused complete Carfax. When I went on line and purchased my own carfax I returned to the dealership and we worked out a deal on a different 300. Now to tell you the problem that I still have and other owners also have. There is a clunking noise in the rear of the car. It sounds like something in the trunk rolling around when you take off from a stopped position. The dealership has no idea what it is and suggested that I keep asking when I bring it in for the oil changes if there has been a notice posted for it.I would like to know if anyone has had this problem fixed yet on their car

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  The engine cuts off! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By angela - May 19 - 9:46 am

  I fell in love with this car for its safety and features. Well, its been in the shop 3 times for problems with the upgraded sound system I bought. Now, its going in because the ABS light is on and get this... the car just turns off when you go to slow down and turn sometimes!!! Also, I was on my way to work this a.m. and slowed down to turn, and the car sped up with my foot on the brake!!!!!!! I am infuriated. I wont drive myself or my 5 yr old in this car ever again. I read online reviews and these engine problems seem to be VERY common. They neglected to inform me of this when I bought the car.

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  3 Trans before 100k - 1994 Chrysler LHS
  By larieaux - May 15 - 1:28 pm

  Actually this car was my mothers, she bought it in 96 with 30k already on it. Had to replace water pump a few times and 3 transmissions before 100k miles. But good thing all thid was covered in a warranty. But even better the cars engine locked up at 105k so it was no longer a headache. However dangerous since the engine locked up on her while on the freeway...

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  02 PTs are still available new *cheap* - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Triple Jack - May 14 - 10:00 am

  2002 Dream Cruiser Series bought 3-22- 03.Series I Dream Cruisers were loaded in 2002:Sunroof,AM/FM/CD/Cass,Trac.Control, ABS,leather seats-heated in front,chrome 16" wheels,numbered plaque,Inca Gold paint.Inca Gold is a Love/Hate color.You either love it,or are nausiated by it.MSRP was $25k.I got it for $17k before any trades,money,etc.I was weary about the non-turbo 2.4/auto,but it holds its own.Very quick off the line.30- 50,acceleration is flat,but at speed,the car is very responsive.This should translate into better fuel economy but I am disappointed in what it gets.The EPA estimate is 19/25.So far,I am seeing 22.Happy with the design,fit & finish.