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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  Great buy, Enthusiastic after 7 months - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Phil - February 10 - 10:57 pm

  Wanted to replace a 10 year old stationwagon with another one. After looking for two months at all makes and models of wagons, decided the Pacifica fit all my needs. After 7 months and 13,000 miles I wasnt wrong. Its more than what I expected. Great sport sedan handling. I sit up there with other SUVs and P/Us. Its one of the best kept secrets in the car world. The only thing missing is the pointed 3 star in a circle, but my bank account is not out an extra $20,000. Its the first time Ive owned an AWD and even though I lose a couple of miles a gallon, at 65 years old Ive got peace of mind while driving on ice and snow. A safe car for hauling my grandkids around.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Wallace - February 10 - 6:55 pm

  It has not given a moments trouble. It has all the gadgets. Good mileage. Good acceleration. Comfortable. For its price I would put it up against any car. This is my first Chrysler and it is quality. I just could not keep quiet about my car any longer. When others have problems I wonder if they get a lemon or dont take care of it.

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  What a deal - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By rampage - February 10 - 10:53 am

  I bought this on a whim when I was looking for a Mazda 3 wagon a year ago. The $19k price tag was a deal maker. Driving it is a treat and Im still impressed with its handling, braking and looks. The 6 speed manual taps the power in the engine efficiently and it feels great to be pressed back into the seat upon acceleration. The only drawback is that is does not go up icy hills well so its garaged when it snows. My 63" tall husband cannot strech his legs out straight, but he is very willing to make the sacrafice. Cargo area is plentiful for everyday and weekend jaunts. I swore I would never own a Chrysler product but this is the best car Ive ever had.

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  300C - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Big Jim - February 10 - 12:10 am

  Vehicle has been a pleasure to drive, unlike any Chrysler before. Performance is excellent, only bad item is gas mileage around town.

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  I love my new car! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Linda - February 9 - 8:06 pm

  Im very pleased. As a parent, I love that this car is so safe and holds the road so well. It feels very solid. Ive only put about 5,000 miles on so far, including one longish trip, but every mile has been a delight! Its the perfect blend of sportiness, convenience, comfort, style. I had an Olds Bravada and a Subaru Outback before this (refuse to get a minivan!) and this is my favorite of the three.

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  zoom ,zoom - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By schramm - February 8 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive,its amazing ability to hug the road.Its an attention getter especially being the only one in town. You want to put the top down and let the wind go thru your hair.Im proud to own one.Car is well engineered,you really feel protected on the road.

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  Awesome - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jorge Aguirre - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I loved the car from the moment I saw it. I took it for a test drive and it was everything I thought. I bought it on the spot. Im constantly stopped and ask about it, people love it.

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  Rating my new Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve Revell - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I drive over 50,000 miles per year and this is one of the most comfortable and road worthy vehicles I have ever driven. Extremely comfortable when I am driving and very sure footed in adverse weather. Only dissapointment is that I get just under 21 mpg. and that really is not that bad for this quality of a vehicle.

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  I love My Aspen - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Mrs.Thais - February 7 - 9:10 pm

  I traded in my 06 Pathfinder for my Aspen and I have to say that I love my car. When I drive it just glides along the road and parking has always been a challange for me and now with my back up camera its a cinch! The Aspen is roomy and luxury to max for the money . As for the gas mileage its great. If youre going to complain about gas then a SUV isnt for you. Not only is it a fun car with the ability to just plug in your I- pod or download some personal pictures but its a classy car and I agree that this is one of Chryslers best kept secret.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Senior Citizen - February 6 - 1:14 pm

  Ive had this blaze red baby for 8 months now, and I cant wait for the warm weather to come back so that I can drop the top again! This car is the most fun to drive vehicle Ive ever owned! It turns heads everywhere I go. Great craftsmanship and handling. I hate to see Chrysler stop building them.