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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  I got a good one - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bone - July 16 - 2:09 pm

  Bought car in Oct of 04 with 17k, now has 75k and still going. The only problems Ive had, power seats went out about 4 years ago, but warranty took care of it. It does have a loud popping noise coming from front end, but they all seem to do that. Motor mounts are now shot, but the worst is that the dealer doesnt have any, so Ive been waiting since April and they are still on back order. Other then that its been great! Sturdy car, hit a median on the freeway in Cali going 70 mph and nothing happened, didnt even get a flat, just had to change the tie rod ends & rack, but that was my fault and warranty covered it. One more year and its paid for. I hope it continues to hold up.

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  my c - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Rich - July 16 - 11:20 am

  My 300c has plenty of reserve power, and great looks, but the transmission lags as does its ability to corner tight. All in all if your a patient driver, youll love this baby. The ride needs to be smoother over bumps.

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  Luxury for less - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Still rolling in ny - July 16 - 8:40 am

  I too had to replace what seems to be the "defect" items on my 2004 Pacifica. The tie rods and the Fan Relay at roughly 60,000 miles. I bought mine certified in 2006 with 19k miles on it. I now have 69000 miles. For the amount of accomodation this car offers and all the high end ammenties I am glad I bought it. The pros by far outweigh the cons. I am a car dealer and I sell foreign cars for a living. They have yet to make a non luxury brand tourer with a ride quality and creature comforts as the pacifica. Toyota just put out their overpriced offering but I will pass and keep my Pacifica until the end. As for the creaking noise, I have learned to make peace with it as you may also have to.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By monacom - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is exceptionally fun to drive. I had read the reviews that low end torque and performance were an issue. I honestly have no idea what they reviewers are talking about (obviously they have not gotten in one). I test drove the Audi TT Turbo, The 350Z, the Infinity G35 SC and the Mazda RX8. This car is just as fast and handles twice as well as any that I drove. Its interior is sleak and "clean". It is a driving enthusiasts car...no doubt about it. Definitely go with the manual transmission...

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  Sedan with room - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Moose13 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Much better ride than my SUV but then again its not meant to be an off-road vehicle. Smart looking with good lines and clean dashboard. Many stares from passers-by and positive comments regarding its appearance. Couldnt really answer the reliability question...lets wait a year or two. The power and response is enough for me but if you like zip its slightly lacking.

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  Best Ever! - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Snobyrd13 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a PT Cruiser from the day I first saw one! Its unique, its comfortable and has all the options I ever wanted. Great in town and on road trips. My next car will be a PT Cruiser too!

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  An Enthusiasts Vehicle - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Mike - July 15 - 4:43 pm

  Ive never driven a "sports car" in my life. I felt the need and felt Id be too claustrophobic for it. Ive been driving SUVs for the past 15 yrs and felt no reason to switch. As a likely symptom of my midlife crisis (??), I found myself wanting a new car. Not just any car. I wanted a different car -- in a true sense of the word. I didnt want a Lexus or BMW. I was quite smitten with the look of the Infinite FX35. It was different and cool. I drove one. I was completed deflated. It was a boring ride. Then, I saw Crossfire. I felt stimulated and intrigued. I went and drove one. I was hooked. It was gorgeous and different on the outside. Driving made me feel something powerful

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  Wish I would have waited - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Rushed Into It - July 14 - 7:42 pm

  Next month will be a year I have the car. Two weeks after I got it check engine light was on. I found out its the purge valve. Then to top it off everytime it raines I have a flood on the driver side floorboard front to back seat. It will cost me more to have them find out the problem because the dealership doesnt want to honor my warranty. Im trading it in as soon as possible. More trouble than its worth.

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  Fantastic Purchase - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By jag21082 - July 13 - 7:36 pm

  I was concerned when buying this car about the space issue, being 62, but I found that since I drive by myself, it hasnt been a problem. I love the way the car looks and even getting compliments in car crazy LA. The performance is more than adequate for city driving, and the car feels like a tank on the freeways. The seats in the car are superb, and the stereo begs to be turned up even louder. The manual tranny is very slick, despite reading negative reviews from various sources. I havent put too many miles on the car yet, but with a tick over 4,000, the car feels very solid, no rattles or issues. The air conditioning works extremely well, and the heated seats are a nice touch!

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Wayno - July 13 - 6:23 pm

  Great gas mileage on highway and city. Lots of get up and go and holds the road well on curves. The only drawback is the air noise on the highway-the top seals could be tighter! Good sound system and fun to drive. I bought it for my wife, but I liked it so much, that I drive it most of the time commuting to and from work. Only serviced at regular intervals and no performance or service problems. I am looking for a newer one. Its one of the BEST convertibles that I have owned.