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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  2004 Chrysler Pacifica AWD - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Gtruckin - January 2 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely comfortable on long trips, with stretches of 300 miles without a break leaving us surprisingly fresh. The fuel economy on the highway averages around 21 mpg cruising at 75 mph, but the city mileage is poor at just over 12mpg. There is a huge blind spot on the drivers side which is a little unnerving in heavy traffic. The controls are very friendly, with pretty precise temperature controls. The heated seats are particularly appreciated by my wife and I in the cool northern climate. Overall it is surefooted and very comfortable.

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  Bravo! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Arturo Ebay - January 1 - 1:46 am

  I have never owned an American automobile, other than as a hand-me- down during my high school, and early college days. Ive owned a VW bus, an XKE Jaguar, a Lotus Europa twin-cam special, a VW GTI, Schirocco, Corado, an Audi A4 and am now driving an Audi TT. I have driven the 300C and it is the most visually and performance satisfying American automobile in memory! The performance might be enough to get people excited, it is very rewarding to move this large car so handily, but the "snooty baby Bently exterior with the touch of "gangsta pimp" puts the 300C in the crossfire of strong traditional and contemporary elements. The interior is very pleasing in details and plenty of room!An A+ !!

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  Have a spare car on hand... - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By Geoff Boulden - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Replaced the brain $250. Cracked rim - dealer wanted $713 but found one on interent for $360 and considered my self lucky. 3 repairs of a/c cost me $2000. Replaced brakes at 30,000 and 55,000 miles.

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  Dont Pass the Base Model! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KJ - December 25 - 9:43 am

  When it comes to value, dont miss the value offered in the BASE model of the Pacifica. Add the leather package for under $2,000 and you have a wonderful and opulent ride you can own for something under $22,500. with incentives! The car looks like a million and is priced like a VW. As for ride, you wouldnt want anything better for a family vehicle. If you fold down the second row seats you can almost put a washer and dryer inside! The view from the drivers seat is all encompassing and there is NOTHING blocking your forward vision. With the base model you get so much as standard equipment why pay more for the higher priced models?

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  No Regrets - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By Fred R - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my 300M exclusively for almost 5 years. Has been very reliable in all weather. Had to have a sensor on the tranny replaced at about 40k, but otherwise no problems. It still looks new at 70k and is fun to zip through traffic in. Very nimble for a bigger car. It rides much better with Perellis than those Good Years it came with.

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  Enjoy it - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By cousindebbie - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it but do really enjoy driving this car. I do hope it stands up tp my expectations, but think it will. I feel safer in it than I did my Saturn and it is quieter and somewhat more comfortable. Seats can be a bit more comfortable, honestly. But I do really like this vehicle.

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  Sebrina - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By BlondeInaRedcar - December 20 - 2:00 am

  "Sebrina" is a sweet-looking sporty car. Still gets wolf whistles from gear head guys and teen girls adore her. Her V6 doesnt have power in acceleration. Her nose scrapes high curbs and parking bumps catch on it. Change the tranny fluid frequently to avoid slipping. Few tire choices and high prices make new treads expensive, but the aluminum rims are sooo sharp looking! The rear view mirror fluid overheated and leaked out, making it cloudy. Roomy trunk, good gas mileage, great handling. The only back-to-dealer problem were the side panels which came loose 7 times, replaced twice! No mechanical problems in over 4 years.

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  looks fine ! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By thebear - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Drove one today. Detailed inspection. Impression was that this is a nice flagship. Exterior is very distinctive and paint job beautiful. More room than 350z. I was looking for a bit softer vehicle. This is a sport vehicle in ride and handling. I needed touring vehicle.

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  better than expected - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By old bill - December 19 - 10:00 am

  after 2 lexus rx 300s traded for pacifica and couldnt more pleased with the car.

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  LXI Rating - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Guierrmo - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Good Feel on road at multiple speeds. Better handling than T-Bird. Like suspension.