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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  Chrysler Pacifica 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By coffman - January 9 - 8:54 pm

  The over driving experience of this Pacifica has been excellent! The ride is one of the best that Ive ever had and I drove Town & Countrys and Caravans on the road for over 15 yrs.. The Auto-Shift is wonderful.

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  Thanks car magazines! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By randylcoffey - January 9 - 3:04 pm

  Car magazines hate my car. Thanks to them, the value of my vehicle was greatly lowered. (they drove down the value of the vehicle.) Because of that, I purchased a luxury sports car at the price of a Kia! The car is perfect for me, and I paid less than 1/2 its value when it was 1.5 years old, with only 4000 miles on it. It is better than any other sports car I tried: better than 350Z, Madza, TT, Honda, etc. Only the Porsche Boxster was better, and it would have cost me 2x as much. The car has speed, great handling, great looks (everybody stares when I drive by), and great gas mileage. It also has great trunk space no other sports car can match. Thanks motortrend, car&driver, etc

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  8 years, 85k miles, 0 problems - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Greg - January 9 - 3:01 am

  After eight years and 85k miles, Ive not had a single problem with my Aspen. It has not a squeak or rattle, and the engine still runs without a trace of vibration. The interior still cleans up like new after detailing even after eight years of kid/dog abuse. Our dog goes on the leather seats a lot and her nails havent so much as scratched the leather. My factory brake pads lasted past 60k miles. The 5.7 Hemi doesnt exactly sip fuel, but it sure does tow when needed. Other than seeing the trailer in the rear view mirror, I can hardly tell Im towing at all. Off road handling has been good on mountain dirt roads and beach sands. Other than scheduled maintenance and battery changes, Ive not had to shell out a dimes worth of maintenance for the Aspen. AC is still as strong as ever; no seals, gaskets, belts or hoses have needed replacing; no degradation from wear and tear yet other than cosmetic items. As the original owner with a lifetime power train warranty, I dont see much incentive to replace the Aspen any time soon.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Gary T. - January 8 - 7:52 pm

  Purchased a Limited w/cloth top. Car is beautiful in Black w/cream interior. It handles and performs very well. Everything fits and build quality is top notch. 3.5L gives good performance and mileage at 20 city and 27 highway with only 500 miles since purchase. Have received many compliments. I highly recommend this car.

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  Underrated sports car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Fred Sanders - January 8 - 4:23 am

  My crossfire SRT is a wonderful vehicle, vastly underrated and seemingly unknown. The performance is awesome. The motor is immediately responsive and a thrill to feel the acceleration. The build quality is superb and not at all like an American car. I have compared against the Mercedes SLK and this is a far superior vehicle even though built on the same platform.

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  Bushs Review of the 2005 Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica 4 dr tour - January 7 - 5:33 pm

  This vehicle is stable on the road and is gives a very comfortable ride. The interior is very appealing; the dash appears to wrap around the front which is especially nicely designed. The drivers seat is quite comfortable for me, and I am a short person. I especially like the extra lumbar support. The vehicle recently took four children in booster seats and car seats on a short outling; the ride was quite comfortable for the two adults. Cargo space is limited when using four car seats for children, but I do not haul more than two children on most occasions. The children and I like the extra vents that help to circulate heat and air conditioning.

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  Stylish - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jtorlando - January 7 - 1:57 am

  This vehicle while not offering endless amenities or perfect fuel mileage still stands out in the endless congested highways crowded with boring subcompact cars that blend together in a monotonous never ending parade of mediocrity. This car still "pops"..never will there be any mistake of what kind of car is sitting next to you at the red light. The ride quality seems to be decent...very little harshness from wind noise or uneven road surfaces. The interior always evokes positive responses from any passengers that have been in my car...it has this..symmetrical (obviously retro) quality to it. The dash is more style and gloss than most other cars. Its about style not performance in this car.

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  Smooth Ride with top down - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Steve - January 6 - 10:32 pm

  Had the car for one year and I droved 4000 miles since new. It is a keeper, smooth ride with the top down. It is the best convertible two seater Ive ever driven. Had BMW before and again, this is a keeper. Enjoy your ride for those that own a Crossfire.

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  Great Car- Do the maintenance - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sebring is Great - January 6 - 9:56 pm

  Bought new-78k currently. Regular maintenance is all. Did not replace brakes until 50k-85%city driving. Mileage is 24 with no a/c and about 22 with in the city. Highway is 28 - 30 with cruise at 70 ish. Leather has held up well-clean 2-3 times a yr. No rattles or squeaks, V6 still is a blast to drive - very revvy and punchy. Tranny is smooth and reliable. No electrical problem other than seat heater relay going out. Still on factory alt and water pump. No major leaks of any kind. Handles ok but could use stiffer shocks/struts to really handle well. Overall it is a quiet, economical sedan to own. i just wish resell was higher on Chryslers. That is what would make it a great preowned car.

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  Ford fusion or chevy malibu cant compete - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By john johnkins - January 6 - 4:27 pm

  Its a great car. Good gas mileage. A lot of bang for the buck. Im 6 foot 3 and have no trouble. I love the luxury feel.