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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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tom johnson - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle sold itself. We got in it and just had to have it. I am 64" 270lbs. and I fit in the third row seat. Along those lines the 2nd row seats are just as comfortable as the front. My children love the DVD player and my wife especially loves the wireless headphones. We find ourselves fighting to stay under 65 on the highway due to the exceptionally quiet ride and feel at highway speeds. The power lift gate is a must with children. The only draw back is the small cargo area with the third row seats up.

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  MY PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DUANE DEW - January 15 - 2:00 am

  ANGLE OF A-POST. ATALL PERSON WILL HIT THEIR HEAD. THE STEERING WHEEL ADJUST IS A LITTLE BIG , COULD BE MISTAKEN FOR THE TURN SIGNAL. THE RADIO VOLUME NOB IS A LITTLE CLOSE TO THE SEEK BUTTON GETS KNOCKED OFF THE STATION.THE DVD BLOCKS THE VIEW OUT THE REAR WINDOW. THE CAR IS A EXCELLENT CAR AND IM VERY HAPPY WITH IT A B+ FOR ME.

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  overall fun to drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bugjune - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Had window gear replaced. Clicking noise in tight turns. Was told it was in transmission. Both were fixed and is still working. A air noise in sunroof is still there after two inspections. Service manager says he hears it. But they dont have a fix. So it is declared a "No compromise". I guess tha means they hear it,cant fix it, so live with it. Hard to ignore when its right over your head. I have heard from other chysler owners having the same problems with sunroof on other models. Other than that I really do enjoy driving my Pacfica.

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  Classic design for an SUV - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By RS Kasem - January 14 - 2:06 am

  Chrysler hit the mark with the 2009 Aspen. Drove the competion and always came back to this SUV. Feel good behind the wheel in all situations.

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  Something to consider - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By oliver - January 13 - 7:57 pm

  Do not get me wrong this is a really good car, the only issue I have with it is the brakes. It seems that the braking system is not strong enough for the car, now that might be how they make cars today, but its not smart. I found out that I needed brakes (at around 10,000 miles) when I went to stop and the vehicle did not want to and then you heard a horrible grinding noise, only to find out that there was nothing left to the pads, they had worn down with no notification whatsoever, some saftey light would have been nice. Just something to consider.

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  Riding in comfort - 2004 Chrysler Concorde
  By camz286 - January 12 - 2:20 pm

  I recently picked up a 2004 Concorde limited. It is easily the best car I have ever owned or driven (comfortably). It rides so smooth and has enough power to get you out of any hole. I also recently put HIDs in the stock headlights and its like driving in the day at nighttime. Its huge has a lot of room inside and in the truck, and very user friendly.

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  Love of my life - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Love of my life - January 12 - 7:21 am

  The joy I get from this car is a first for me from a car. I am amazed by its handling, great gas mileage and lack of need for repair. I will never own any other car. I am getting the E85 next.

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  Makes the Drive NOT Boring - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Robyn Hurd - January 10 - 7:36 pm

  This car is exceptionally fun to drive. I like to drive with the top down (Florida) nearly all of the time and the ease of putting it up and down (One button) allows this. You can easily go Up or Down at a Stop sig! Plenty of Power. Amazing interior room. And Cute as it can be!

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  I LOVE MY PACIFICA!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TahraLynn - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had two back surgeries and we purchased our Pacifica because of the lumbar support for the drivers seat. I is awesome! I have driven other cars since our purchase and I cant wait to get back into my car! I love the way it handles. I have had to avoid unsafe drivers and my Pacifica has gotten me out of the way each time! It manuvers wonderfully! I cant say enough about my Pacifica, honestly. I recommend this vehicle to everyone who asks!

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  Great car/Great price - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By viperpic - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine as a leftover 2003 and basically stole it. Dealer went beyond my dreams to sell me this car. Cant complain about anything. Only 600 miles so far. Plan on changing the entire stereo, it does sound terrible. Most fun car Ive had that wasnt a convertible.