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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  very happy - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By joe - June 11 - 4:23 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars but this one is a blast to drive. I am a very happy with this purchase. The top is fast and easy to use.

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  2nd one and I love it - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John - June 11 - 10:22 am

  We purchased a 2005 new off the lot and it has 80K and looks like its brand new, only had to put tires and oil changes, got 75K on the brakes. love it so much that I just found a 2006 with 21K, like a brand new one. I know Chrysler got a bad wrap, but I have had a concorde, two intrepids and a LHS, all of them have been low maintianance and drove well. If you can find one with lowe miles, they are going cheap and are great hwy cars. Only draw back is that they are a 4 person not 6 for comfort.

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  Crossfire bullseye - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By DennisHix - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Crossfire is a direct hit in the areas of sporty-ness, handling, quality and workmanship. The car drives solid and takes curves like a "slot" car. The curb appeal is outstanding! The ride of this car is only comparable to other sports cars costing $10,000+ or more. Chrysler sends every owner a Crossfire custom set of luggage about 2 weeks after the purchase. The luggage like the car is 1st class.

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  I couldnt ask for anything more! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bayareaboy2003 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I was initially rather skeptical about this vehicle. I thought it might be another one of those gimmicky cars that would not live up to expectations. However, after comparing the Pacifica to several vehicles (new and used) I was convinced that this is the vehicle for my family. Im staying away from all of the trendy terms: SUV, Sport Tourer, Sport wagon... BLAH. Whatever you want to label it, it is just a great automobile, Period! See for yourself...

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  Good by Lexus RX - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DVDRON - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont know what Ron from OR is talking about. The quality of my Pacifica is well above my old problem plagued RX 300. I think I smell a rat with Ron. Sales must be slow at the Japanese dealership he sells cars at. This thing is WONDERFUL!

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  Help the old fat man - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By vrc50 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  LOve driving it. Has lots of leg room up front... more than my Blazer.

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  JB Review - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Captain626@aol.com - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, No Mechanical problems, Could use a bit more power at low end, but once at hiway speed-takes off!

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  Taximom - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By S. Geiman - June 9 - 4:26 pm

  Initially did not want the vehicle since it reminded me of a station wagon. Husband insisted. I use it for work, so I put quite a few miles on it yearly. Other than the blind spots, which you need to use the mirrors more than with other vehicles, this car has been great. It is a smooth ride, it gets better gas mileage than was advertised (almost 19) it is quiet, turn-ratio is great, and the stereo is awesome. It is also depended on when we are travelling with many people. Went to the beach last year and fit six in comfortably. I have 55,000 on it and plan to drive it at least two more years.

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  High Amount of "Street Credit" - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By S.E. Zell - June 8 - 1:26 pm

  I test drove a lot of cars in my price range before choosing the 300. The handling and performance was amoung the very best. When you add in the Bentley like looks and all the goodies that come with the signature series why settle for some car that makes it look like your alway driving a rental?

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  Too Bad - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SharonRanae - June 8 - 12:38 am

  I purchased my Pacifica used in Feb 09 with less than 60K miles. It is a super comfortable and roomy car. I like the way it handles & love the captains seats in the 1st & 2nd row & that there are vents in every row. Less than 20 days later it needs a motor mount broke. Took it back for the repair to find the part is on forever back order. I found one due to my own persistance. It is now June (not even 4 months since I bought the car) and it needs ANOTHER new motor mount, new tie-rods, sway arm bushings, blah blah! I havent had it 6 months and I am trading it in. Its too bad it has so many problems, I would love it! But I cant afford to rent a car every other month for weeks on end.