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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  SRT8 is great! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Rick - January 4 - 6:30 am

  My daughter named my car "Flash" after riding in it one time. The car is fast with supurb handling. I havent owned a car that gives me pleasure to drive since my 71 Mach I. Its a keeper! (Well until I can get my hands on a 08 Challenger)

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  My Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - January 3 - 10:50 pm

  The Chrysler Pacifica is really the only car that I considered buying when I began looking for a new one. It has great style, comfort, room and interior layout. My only complaint is the mileage compared to the EPA ratings. Not even close and Im definately not over accelerating this car. Aside from that, its a great car. I would recommend it to anyone but when asked what I dont like, I always mention the mileage. With gas prices at current levels, its not a cheap car to run.

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  New Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Vincent - January 3 - 10:43 pm

  I really like this car. It is a pleasure to drive. I have a fully loaded version and all the features are great. You really feel safe in this car and in control of the road. I get about 22 MPG highway and about 17 around town. If you drive with the engine cold, it is very thirsty, but this resolves once the engine warms up. The rear DVD system is a lifesaver with my son, get it if you have kids. The rear bucket seats are great and very comfortable. The navigation system is well worth it, but mine did "get lost" twice, and I had to shut off the engine and restart the car to reset the navigation. Acceleration is moderate, but for transporting kids, it is just fine.

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  300C and Love It - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Lady Unikhrn - January 3 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 300 last March and I love it completely. I hate to drive anything else now. The luxuary and comfort of my 300 is incrediable. I recommend only this car. I have had offers to upgrade or trade in my 300 and I just cant bear to be without "MY" 300, the answer is always NO thank you.

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  Good but not great! - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Big Ski - January 2 - 11:16 pm

  Let me first say that I enjoy my car. Not sorry that I leased it. Im 12 months into a 36 month lease but I know that I wont buy once lease is over. I previously owned a Durango so the Aspen was a logical progression in staying with Chrysler. I love the luxury of the Aspen over the Durango (lots of cheap plastic in Durango) but the Aspen is not as nice to drive as the Durango. For some reason my Aspen feels sluggish at times. It also doesnt seen to handle as well as Durango. Aspens looks and standard equipment are great for the money. Ive gotten more for my lease dollar than I would have with Tahoe, Armada, etc. But Ill probably look at different SUVs once lease is over.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dennis - January 2 - 1:55 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 with 30,000 miles on it. I have only done expected repairs (brakes, tires, battery, timing belt, oil changes) and one unexpected repair (starter motor at 60,000 mi.). I think the Mitsubishi V6 engine has a lot to do with the reliability. I get 24 mpg combined with I think is pretty good for a 10 year old car. This has been a trouble free car. It now has 144,000 mi and the engine makes a little bit of lifter noise. People complain of the squeaks, but I dont think it is any noisier than other convertibles I have owned.

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  Nothing but trouble - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By bcarefull - January 2 - 1:25 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble since I bought my Aspen. Lots of electrical problems. Still have equipment thats not working. The dealer I bought it from still cant get it fixed. I have two freinds with Aspens both not happy. I tried to trade it in and the dealer told me I would lose more than 15 thousand than I payed just months ago. Should have bought a import.

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  Best SUV on the market. - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By 5.7 Hemi - January 2 - 7:14 am

  I purchased this 5.7 limited Cool Vanilla Aspen with every option but tow package. I got it used with 35k miles. It has nav, dvd, rear heated seats, flat folding 3rd row seating. 20" rims, The car is beautiful and comfortable. After 35K the car runs and drives perfect. My mpg have been 16 city, and according to the computer 23+ ave. hwy. When I filled it up I got 19+ I think this is excelent for a ture 4x4 high and low and full time 4x4 options. I paid 23800 + 1800 full wrap life time warrenty and 1000 for gap. So I got a great deal. There is not a car with all the options and saftey out there. This truck rocks.

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  Mileage not that great - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By krissymom - January 2 - 5:35 am

  Never get over 18 mpg on highway, lucky those who do. I get the clumping also, and my pedal sticks (my 1996 Saturn did this also) how annoying. I love the style, the drive, the look. I wish that there were no console in the middle of the 2nd seats for ease of getting into the 3rd row-- my kids have footprints all over it.

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  Watch Out - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By 300m - January 1 - 1:16 pm

  The 300 is a very pretty car to look at but, if you want a car that will stand up in performance and, reliabilty I wouldnt advise you to get a 300. Ive had my car almost two years, I get my regular services however my car sounds and performs terrible. The transmission do not change smoothly and, its extremly loud. My tire went flat and, I was told I have a slow leak in the rim that cant be fixed which mean I have to buy a new rim at $400. If you have a choice please do not get a 300.