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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  Not happy Chrysler owner, last 1 4 ME - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Last Chrysler for me - August 5 - 8:59 pm

  Bought this car used in Jan 08, not too happy. Had to replace rocker arms last week, big money, no warranty even though only 50K miles. Some ABS or maybe rotor problem, dont even want to know the price for these repairs. Problems with cruise control, has mind of own, shifts up or down, wont resume speed if hit brakes. There is a loud clicking noise when turning slowly, the transmission shifts for no reason at times. This is the noisiest car Ive ever owned, there so many squeaks, clicks and rattles inside the passenger compartment that it is difficult to have a peaceful ride. Sunroof clicks if open or racked, the springs on the passenger seat, trim rattles on doors/dashboard, last 1 for me

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  Fun, not economical - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ResearchPaysOff - August 5 - 5:23 pm

  I love this car for what I bought it for, a fun, affordable, four seat convertible with a power top.

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  Great Vehicle to Drive - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Darren - August 5 - 12:18 pm

  I have had the 2005 Pacifica for 1 month now and I am delighted to get into it each time. It looks great and has so many amenities. The gas mileage leaves something to be desired and it could use a bit more power but I still love it. The blind spots that others speak of have not been an issue with me. Grab one if you so desire.

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  Pacificas Rock - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Good Vehicle - August 5 - 3:40 am

  While this is not the best car it is a good car. For a big vehicle it transmits a fair amount of the road. There is a tendency to oversteer in sharp turns but it does not lean. The ABS feels funny when doing a normal stop. There is an awful harmonic when the rear windows are lowered partially with speed over 40 mph. It is roomy for carrying but lacks rear leg room and the 3d row is just for kids.

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  Great! Not a problem - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By EBM - August 4 - 10:45 pm

  Best car. Had it almost three years and not one problem (how often does that happen). Drives great, fun to drive, mileage good for the weight and size (17 city, 23+ highway), plenty of room, quiet, fun to drive (did I already say that?). Took it on three long trips and was a breeze. Felt very secure, true to the road, couldnt ask for a better car. Lease is up and I dont want to give it up. Might have to buy another one.

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  VERY Impressed - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By bagman - August 4 - 1:28 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned! Drives smoothly, and is so comfortable. I have been getting 22 to 23 mpg in town and 27 to 28 mpg on the highway. I have absolutely no complaints with this car. Ive owned other car makers vehicles, but this Chrysler is far and away the best of any Ive ever owned. It is a vehicle that turns heads everywhere I go. It has a classy feel and has amazing power!

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  Faulty Transmission - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ecartner - August 3 - 10:53 am

  After 70k miles, car begins to have a hard time cranking. At 90k miles, transmission goes completely out from "metal shavings". This was a well maintained car & should be on the road for longer with no problems. Ive found others online that have had the same problem. I will never buy another Chrysler in my life!

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  I like my Chrysler - 2001 Chrysler Voyager
  By BuyCanadian - August 2 - 3:08 pm

  Good not great car. Had 1 recall handled and 1 that should have been but wasnt (THE NHSTA had made them fix about 7 other years for the same item). My model year they skipped, but since it was the a faulty airbag watch spring, I paid out of pocket to make sure the bag didnt deploy on me during my daily commute. Chrysler-Daimler customer service was horrid. My friends who have Mercedes say the same thing. Anyway this car is great on the highway and for long trips. It doesnt carry as much cargo as you would expect. It does carry people though. 3 rows of seats. Good safe car for those with little ones. Will trade soon just because of the lousy city gas mileage.

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  Good Car Not Fun Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Good Car - August 1 - 9:55 pm

  I bought this car 7/25/08 fixed it up a bit but not totally. A 7 speed Manual Transmission will be added. The car has averaged 35.3 MPG. during break in period which is not bad.I did not buy this car for fun. For fun I drive my 1972 Triumph TR-6, Test drove through rental outfits a day each, Honda and Toyota small and same sized cars, this beats them hands down. I drive with windows partly open and never listen to a radio since 1995.I listen to the car I am driving. This car holds the road.It is a gas saver. I think I will keep it quite sometime, too bad Chrysler hasnt promoted this one more, they really should.

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  25,000 miles and still happy - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Scott MacMillan - August 1 - 2:57 pm

  My Crossfire has all of the build quality and reliability you would expect-- but rarely get from a German made car. After 25k miles there are no rattles or squeaks, mechanically it hasnt missed a beat, and the factory original tires (Continentals) have only just given up the ghost. The car is a sports car, not a grand touring car, and as such has some sports car short comings, chief of which is a slightly cramped interior package. Anyone over 6ft will find that this isnt the best long distance car on the road. But for short jaunts and weekend escapes it is pretty much unbeatable. Excellent (but not superb) handling combined with "one of a kind" styling makes the Crossfire a joy to own.