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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  First and last - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Shawn - December 18 - 1:26 am

  My ABS light kept coming on and I found out that my tire sensors were malfunctioning. That was $600 worth of heartache. The breaking system has always been loud and annoying and there are clicks and clacks in the axles. By the way, never drive over 40mph and lower the back windows. I havent studied enough physics to figure that one out yet. Neither has Chryslers engineers. There is also a bad blind spot in the drivers rearview. Also, my passenger side low beam light has blown 3 times in the last 6 months. They only cost $20 a pop. Oh well.

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  Buy one--you wont regret it! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dallas Dave - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever owed. Plenty fast--for those complaining wait until you drive it.

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  A wonderful car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Prissy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car, everywhere we go we will be stopped and ask several questions concerning the Crossfire. We have had people turn in their cars and look as we drive past.

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  amazing - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By foxsea - December 15 - 10:00 am

  great car drives very nice i have to fight my wife for the keys i love the car

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  The Hot Sleeper - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Constance Walsh - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Jaws drop, even when youre standing still. Stunning lines are matched with a detailed interior that isnt "overdone" with gimmicks. A snug fitting interior that envelops you, while under the "hood" whips you away quicker and smoother than a laddens carpet. A steal of a deal, leaving you with change in your pocket and nothing but joy in your heart

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  fired up in saphire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By MICHAELinSF - December 15 - 10:00 am

  outside the A/C not working upon delivery (minor problem which the dealership bent over backwards to correct), the vehicle is a dream to have and drive. This vehicle WANTS to be driven fast! The response from curious onlookers stating "WoW" is overwhelming. Who cares that she is short a few horse power, she still has the speed and hugs the road as good if not better than some of her competition!

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  wonderful choice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Robin Lindberg - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great choice I made. Very afraid to purchse another "SUV" after a bumpy ride experience with my last luxury SUV. This car has surpassed all expectations. Sold our Mercedes E-320 after driving our new Pacifica for a few days. Actually rides better than the Mercedes and has so many more creature comforts and room. Love it. Wish I had more places to drive it!

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  Pacificuh-huh! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jonnycayso - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Love it, it has great overall looks interior and exterior and the braking is perfect, stops on a dime.

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  Hobby - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Patriot Blue GT - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Not only is the PT Cruiser GT a teriffic car it can also be your hobby. Numerous sippliers, including Chrysler, allows you to personalize your vehicle and inprove performance with add on parts. I can cruise....carry cement or an airconditioner or what ever and still be in style. This is the first car I can keep. First as a primary vehicle then as it ages as a secondary vehicle. Love the 70,000 mile power train warranty but dislike 90 day oil changes for the turbo. Oh well

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  anita pt - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By anita - December 15 - 10:00 am

  My pt cruiser is fantastic... I love all the standard features that come with the car... Its fun to drive and looks classy and stylish....