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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  Sporty, fun, and nicely priced - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Barry Gordon - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive received dozens of compliments on the sleek looks of the Platinum Editions combination of Graphite Metallic color and chrome trim. The turbo engine is very peppy and the car handles quite nicely. The leather/suede interior is stylish and comfortable. The kids are always anxious to ride in "Dads cool car".

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  A Lot of a Little Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By silverbulletboss - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had the opportunity to purchase a dealer demo. I was really against buying a 4 cyl for many years, however, this one is not a dissappointment. My first road trip to Kentucky with it was a real nice ride, and economical. I hightly reccommend this one for any kind of traveler with a budget that has to be met. The trunk can fit everything, including the kitchen sink!

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  Power plus beauty - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Richard - March 23 - 12:54 am

  Love it, very happy with the car. I move the passenger seat forward to give myself more visibility, and carefully tune the right hand outside mirror to give maximum view. The ride is "firm", but on the message boards, several have recommended Koni adjustable shocks as the solution.

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  An instant classic - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By jerrymax - March 22 - 10:38 pm

  The first time I saw a Chrysler 300C it took my breath away. This car stands out in the crowd and I still notice every one I see on the road. I dont yet own one but a couple of years ago I rented a 300 Touring edition for a week. I put nearly 400 miles on it and loved every minute of it. Even with the V6 engine it had plenty of power, it handled beautifully for a full sized car weighing nearly two tons, and it had tremendous brakes. Fuel economy was very good and comfort level in its cavernous interior was great. I liked everything about the car very much and will probably buy one eventually but I still own a nice Maxima and a Jeep Grand Cherokee, so my vehicle needs are met already.

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  Excellent SUV Alternative That Tows - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By E & S - March 21 - 6:18 pm

  Excellent Styling. Come on guys it gets very decent gas mileage for a 4400 plus vehicle. Great to show up at a wedding with, or tow your boat to the local ramp. Plenty of power with 250 H.P., however you some what feel the weight of this beautiful beast on a steep incline. I feel the designers of this vehicle did not market this vehicle right from beginning to end, if they did they would consider future production of the Pacifica with improvements. Shame on you marketing team.

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  Very Happy So Far - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bobby G - March 21 - 6:04 pm

  The vehicle is perfect for family getaways. Loads of room for everyone and everything! Gas mileage is great on highway and there is plenty of horses for passing.

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  Excellent - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Daisy - March 20 - 7:28 pm

  This is a great riding car, I have driven 280 miles since I purchased the car five day ago, and I still have 1/2 tank of gas.

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  best mileage in a long time - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By prof - March 19 - 12:02 am

  I have really enjoyed this vehicle. The 4 liter engine and six-speed automatic make it absolute fun to drive. I get about 16.7 mpg around town and 27.8 on the highway with A/C on and running at 70 mph. The only vehicle I have owned that bettered it was a 79 VW Rabbit Diesel. (Except for that Ive always driven large vehicles). My special-ordered vehicle has HID lights which I love and backup camera with nav system which is also very nice. No moon roof which I hate. Mine also has dual exhausts. The brake response is the best Ive had in many years. Likewise the steering. Throttle easily permits light, smooth getaways. Good drivers position. I also like the power liftgate.

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  Luxury in an SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lynne - March 18 - 7:26 pm

  We found out that we were having our first baby and knew that it was time to get a "mom car" for me instead of the sports car (we put that away for when mommy has some alone time!!). I wanted something that was safe, as well as having a sporty side to it. The Pacifica has it all. With all of the safety features and high ratings from the crash tests, I know that I can feel confident that our new baby will be safe when riding in the car. Even with the baby and all of his things, we still have plenty of room for cargo or more passengers. If you are looking for comfort than this is the vehicle for you as well. The handling is smooth and has an enjoyable ride. We highly recommend this car/SUV !!!

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  AMG Punch with the Crossfire Charm - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By pcrs29 - March 17 - 9:47 pm

  Ive owned my Crossfire SRT-6 coupe for a little over a year and this is a great car. Its fast, its elegant, and its a head turner almost everywhere I go with it. My only gripe with the car is that it was only available as a 5-speed automatic with AutoStick. I feel that a manufacturer of a true sports car would give buyers the option of purchasing such a car with a manual transmission primarily, and possibly offering an automatic transmission. Unfortunately because this is an Mercedes-Benz AMG at heart, it is only offered as an automatic. Otherwise, the car is a blast to drive and definitely a conversion starter. I would recommend getting one!