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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  Happy Birthday To Me--My New Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MsBhaven1 - March 11 - 7:20 pm

  I love this car. I have had it for 1 week and have done both city driving and highway driving and it handles beautifully and rides so smoothly I feel like Im on a magic carpet ride. The features on this car are well laid out. At first I was put off by the location of the remote stereo/audio controls (they are located behind the steering wheel--but after using them I realized that it makes most sense to put them there since your fingers are natually wrapped around the wheel. The bass with the Infinity Intermezzo surround sound is kicking. And the 19" wheels hug the road like a sports car. I feel like a 16 year old again--I go out and just sit in this car to get away from it all.

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  Owned only a month - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joseph Boyle - March 7 - 3:11 pm

  Very little storage space. Youll need a box to hold emergency items like jumper cables, flares, ice scraper, etc.

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  OK for what I paid for it. - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Rwiggler - March 5 - 2:46 pm

  Bought this one used with low mileage. It has been ok transportation but has had several costly repairs including AC fan at 40,000, fuel injectors at 40,000. We all know about the lack luster gas mileage and performance. It is roomy though and what do you want for $11,000.

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  Would be great if it had a real engine. - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jwilson - March 5 - 10:00 am

  The PT Cruiser is just too heavy for 150hp and 146ft/lbs of torque. Chrysler also needs to address the drivability issues caused by turning the AC on. A car in this day and age that labors over its AC compressor is just not acceptable. Otherwise, a cool, well-built car.

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  Nice car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bernadette B - March 2 - 7:13 am

  I didnt want a mini. This is the next best thing. Can still carry 6 if I need to. I enjoy driving it and like the way it looks, sort of like the Mercedes they just came out with, but there are a few issues that should have been addressed with the 2005 model.

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  Great Car!!! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By cTOF9 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car for its looks and utility and have not been disappointed in any way. Sure, it could pack more mustard under the hood, but for the money you cant find a sweeter ride. I have had no mechanical problems and have recommended buying them to friends and family. In fact, after my sister drove mine, she traded in her Jetta for a brand new Cruiser!

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  Love our PTs!!! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By LV - February 12 - 11:16 am

  We bought 2 PTs in March 08-a Limited Edition for Mom and a Pacific Coast Highway Edition for our teenager. We both love our new cars! Best feature is the utility of the vehicle--love all the options in the back-absolutely perfect for beach trips, groceries and softball equipment. We have actually gained on the Mpg as we "broke-in" the cars (both were brand new at purchase). We love the retro styling, pick-up is just fine; SO FUN TO DRIVE! So much better than those sedans!! Enjoy your ride and long live the PT!!

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  Stylish and Modern some details need improvement - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ann M. - February 8 - 3:54 pm

  Sleek Ride! I feel like I am in my own private modern spaceship with beautiful dashboard - all cushy leather and modern controls. It feels luxurious, spa-like. I am just engulfed in massage! Great 360 degree camera - beeps on the side that you are about to bump into! Rear camera is great because it also shows you your view from above. The most fun is the SELF PARKING! I love putting my hands high up in the air while the car PARKS ITSELF! Then strangers come over to me and ooh and aah! This is great for NYC parking!!! Here are the caveats: 1) NO SPARE TIRE -Chrysler swapped the interior space for spare tire for the vacuum system. I bumped into a curb on a Sunday night - the inflator was not appropriate because tire had a large hole. Needed a flatbed truck to tow it. Now I have to wait THREE DAYS because dealer cant get tire . 2) the vacuum system is a great idea but they need to improve details. Hose was not screwed down properly - so would not stay in place. Dealer is having trouble screwing it down (in the trunk compartment) because of awkward positioning Stowing the vacuum in the second seat side panel is not easy - this needs improvement. 3) seat stowage - the old town and country was much better at this - not so easy and does not stow exactly flat or hidden 4) the feature to kick and the door opens IS NOT AVAILABLE - false advertising

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  get one! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By i02030 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  fun car , almoust sedan

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  Just got it! Love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sitedrifter - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2004 AWD Inferno Red Pacifica last Saturday. This truck? This Car? This crossover? This whatever it is, looks great, rides great and has all the cool toys like NAV and DVD video. Got a great deal on it and I hope in 3 years it rides and looks just as it does today.