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 love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chedibot - April 4 - 10:52 pm

  I love this car, I have two little girls and we fit perfectly! I am not a van person and refused to be a "soccer mom" so this car is awesome for people like myself. I love the seat controls being on the door. I always have to adjust after my husband drives (He is 62 and has plenty of room). I also love the radio/cd controls on the steering, a must for me! My kids are getting old enough for friends, so when we have an extra kid, we just flip up the set and roll! I would recommend this car to any family on the go! We love it! Peace

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  Go get one!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By laure - April 3 - 11:05 pm

  Im a mother of 3, ranging from 3 to 16 and we all love it! Its sharp looking inside and out, esp. Outside. Love the low wide stance. Ours is loaded-I mean loaded-leather, nav, 6 disc changer, power seats, Windows, mirrors, sunroof, heated seats, dvd, dual and rear climate controls, 17 in. Chrome wheels, power up and down liftgate, keyless entry, memory seats, power pedals. So you should get the picture. It drives like a car, its a blast to be in, period! I may just have a lead foot but can relate to the poor gas mileage and poor visibility out the rear. I love this car and Im sure most people will given the chance to drive it.

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  Beautiful looking Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Norman Jorgensen - April 3 - 5:53 pm

  This car is beautiful. We get a lot of people stopping us to take a look at it. It runs nice and smooth. It has all the luxury you can ask for at an afforable price. We are always on the road traveling somewhere and this car is very dependable. We do put on quite a few miles each year. We have all the goodies that you can ask for. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to feel safe and comfortable. It is like a dream to drive. Chrysler has really done a great job in the past 5-6 yrs with there cars, especially the style. Keep up the good work.

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  Answer to My 2nd Midlife Crisis - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jane Suozzi - April 3 - 12:28 pm

  I love this car. I hunted the car down through my local dealer in late Fall, received the car in early winter and had the top down the first night. I love that it is 80% Mercedes. It has been VERY reliable. Every day, someone comments about the car...at the bank...in a parking lot...every where. This car is a hoot! Im 51 years old and have had a MGB convertible, Corvair convertible (as a teenager), and an Eclipse. This car has them all beat! A total escape! Best of all, its royal blue - the best color the car was made in. Im thrilled, as well, that they will not be made anymore. I consider it a collectors item.

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  Chrysler Pacifica 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Q Doe - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive, all the advantages of an SUV, but safer; better handling characteristics; attractive, contain 40% Mercedes parts; very comfortable for all passengers. Good value for the money.

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  Comfort Plus - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Delores C Daundivier - April 2 - 9:24 am

  This car is great for over 65 folks as it is comfortable and spacious. Very nice crossover. Room to travel long distances plenty of room for everything and easy on tired old bones

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  Solid, Stylish Car - With Great Milage! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dan - April 2 - 6:53 am

  My new Sebring has been fantastic. Its great to know that you can get a car with such good mpg in a package that doesnt look or feel like an economy car. Im averaging over 30 mpg (about 80% hwy) without crawling along the freeway. The Chevy Malibu gets a lot of press, as do the Japanese competition. But for the money, I think the Sebring is underrated, and overlooked. The Limited or Touring with Leather is the way to go. Definitely adds a feeling of luxury, without breaking the bank. Dont be afraid to stick with the 4cyl. Youll be hitting the gas pumps less!

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  Cute little retro car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Fran - April 1 - 11:23 pm

  My Mom has had a PT Crusier since 2001. I was looking for a car and decided to look at the 2006 PT. This is a wonderful car with so much character. The upgrades that have been done since 2001 are amazing. The retro look really works well. I cannot wait to save money on gas this will be a huge savings.

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  Love this car - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By donnatella - April 1 - 4:08 pm

  I purchased this car new in 1997, and it now has 197,000 miles. It has reliably been up steep mountain passes, crossed country several times with great comfort. After all these miles it is beginning to show its years as its currently overheating. Im wondering if its time to put the "Do Not Resuscitate" sign on. However, Im having difficulty letting go. I may give it one more check-up. If this car was still available I would buy another.

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  Commuter Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By CommuterGuy - March 31 - 8:47 pm

  Before buying this car I looked at many cars for my 120 mile/day commute. Living in FL has many advantages and one is that i get to commute with the top down most of the time. I looked at many cars including a Prius for this commute, but am very glad i choose the Sebring as this is the most fun to drive car i tried. With the mygig in the car all my play lists are loaded and at the ready as i head over the Sunshine Skyway with the top down. Mileage has been a bit better than listed at about 30 mpg, the highway gear helps, and its nice to have the bigger engine when you need it.