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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  Ready to trade - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SereneMoments4U - January 22 - 12:38 pm

  I fell in love with the stylish look of the vehicle and the roomy interior. After a brief test drive, I purchased the Pacifica. Now, after several months of driving my Pacifica, Im ready to trade. There is a terrible blind spot on the drivers side, and backing up, unless you have the backing assistance, is a nightmare. You simply cannot see out the back due to the design of the car. There is more interior noise than I anticipated. The Pacifica is pretty to look at, but Im anxious to trade this one off.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By nadine - January 22 - 11:46 am

  What a super deal. Convertible and the wind blowing back your hair. I love the single button top off/down as well as all windows down, too! Gas mileage a bit low but this car is solid. People always comment the cruiser convertible is "sweet",esp. the cream w/black top. One tiny suggestion: hazard button too close to radio controls (you get the idea).

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  No longevity - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By KC - January 21 - 11:26 pm

  For the first 70,000 miles the vehicle ran perfect with no problems. Just as the warrenty ended, the transmission went out $3,500. Then shortly after that the ac went out $1,200 and has been troublesome since. The interior quality is great and tasteful. I am currently at 100,000 miles and have not replaced the brakes yet. Overall a solid vehicle still tight after 100,000 miles of semi aggressive driving. Great handeling for a little wagon and acceleration is adequate without the turbo. I was told by a dealership that the transmission problems are normal for Chrysler. I am afraid to hit 140,000 to replace the trans again. Poor trade-in value. Pay it up quickly and trade before 70,000 miles

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  Love my Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By berdan - January 21 - 3:36 pm

  I have four children who are older, I came from many minivans. We couldnt give up the space because sometimes the kids are with me for traveling. Also I like having space for when I buy furniture. I like a car that I feel safe in. This car offers all that. It drives like a dream. The seats are not so comfortable! A road trip to Florida proved that they are not meant for comfort.

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  Crossing Over - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Larry McCarthy - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We started our search for a new vehicle envisioning ourselves driving off in a new Santa Fe. We deceided to test drive the Jeep liberty to have something to compare to the Santa Fe. When we walked into the dealership we saw for the first time the Pacifica. It had everything we wanted and then some. If you "Dare to be different", then this is a vehicle to consider. Comfortable, roomy, quiet, unique, stylish, all apply to the pACIFICA. Sure I wish it pumped out just a few more horses, but the 3.5L, 250hp standard engine is smooth, and quiet. So far, so good.

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  Tbear review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tbear - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The gas mileage is very much less than the stated amount on the sticker. Various features dont always work, maybe 50% of the time, (auto lights off and on. garage door opener feature etc) the brakes squeek.

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  True Love! - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jascott - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I havent loved a car this much since I got my first one at age 16 (Im 40 now.) GT is the way to go if you want a PT. It is fast and fun! Ive had mine more than a year now and I still love it. Build quality has been terrific. Loved Chryslers PT "Block Party" in Pomona this year too! Daimler has done good things for this legendary US automaker!

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  My White Woody - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Natasha - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I was compelled to buy a new car because we were involved in an accident which totalled our car. For the interim we needed to rent- a little purple PT Cruiser brought a smile to my face.We drove it for two weeks I was so pleased I decided to buy one. Warnock Chryslers Sherlene Mullins bent over backwards to find a white Woody and we are thrilled with it and the dealership. The car brings smiles to everyone on the road and is a pleasure to drive and own. The purchasing process was hassle-free. Storage capacity amazing, multi-positional shelf good for bad backs.Car height for people with disabilities is exceptional.

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  Very nice for now! - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chrysler Sebring LXI - January 20 - 10:51 pm

  Ive received this car only a month ago. I can say that I am a car fanatic, very fast. Even though I have had this car for only a month I have heads turning and women telling me that it is a very nice car. No problems but a frozen battery in Chicago, of course. And it leaks when it rains, which will be fixed by adding window deflectors. I cant complain. The car was free and I am enjoying its luxury but sporty style. If something goes wrong, it would be a pleasure to fix it and keep it another 13 years. Good job Chrysler!

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  A street legal jet! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jonathan - January 19 - 7:53 pm

  I just bought my 2004 Crossfire in August, and simply love it! Due to our snowy Canadian winters, I had to park it for about 5 months, but cannot wait to uncover her and hit the freeways again. It turns heads wherever I go, and people just stare and ask what it is constantly. I am only 58", so getting in and out are a breeze. It handles like it is on rails, and makes every trip fun! I know its not as fast as the 350Z or TT, but I feel it is a much sharper looking car, and lives up to the Mercedes name in every way. I have driven Jags and high end Acuras, and this car feels and looks more expensive. If you have the chance, buy one and hold on! This is a future collectors car for sure!