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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  Hooked on my Chrysler - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Eliot C. - October 4 - 1:16 am

  I have owned as many as 4 Chrysler vans ( and convertibles) over the years. My present van is a 2003 Linited loaded with 250K ++ miles that does NOT burn oil and gets the rated gas mileage still. It drives like great auto still highway and city. It tools along without vibrations and tracks true. Road sounds have been my biggest complaint not noted in the Pacifa at all. Of course I have maintained my car extremly well with synthetic oils and replacement of mechanical accessories when they fail but NEVER touched the engine save for a rebuilt transmission and a valve and oil pan gasket change. It has been safe and comfortable and hauled tons of people and gear, furniture art and all manner of materials in and out (roof rack). I have gotten my moneys worth and more. Now it comes time to admit that I am ready for the new state of the art van although mine still looks great with minor rust and small dings etc. I test drove the Pacifica a number of times this year and researched the idea of a new car. I want a one year old because I do not want that first years depreciation. It exceeds my needs and demands for a van or auto. I love the visibility, the safety of a heavier vehicle, and the mass of structure to protect me, my children, grandchildren and friends, clients etc..and all the features the Pacifica carries. Not enough color choices. I drive a car a Long time so I have to live with a color I like inside and out. Eliot

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  Great Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Dick Ford - October 3 - 9:00 am

  This car handles very well. Gives more solid feeling than a front wheel drive. Steers very easily and responds immediately.On a 1200 mile trip,immediately after purchase, loaded with two bags of golf clubs,two garment bags and a large suit case plus sundry boxes etc. at maintained speed of 70 mph got 28 m/g on gas. Engine is quick to respond,extremely peppy. Trunk is very large and extended by pulling down backs of rear seat.A great car.Reason for buying. Had a 99 LHS for 5 years over 55000 miles and was never in the shop for any mechanical problem.

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  Crossfire Fun - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Don - October 2 - 7:43 am

  Bought the car as a week-end/fun car and it has exceeded my expectations. When I first drove it the car would get all kinds of "second/triple" looks. Now I have learned to ignore the lookers and pay attention to my driving.

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  Chrysler 300 Hemi C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Ralph Cavalieri - October 1 - 11:37 pm

  What a great car. Awesome handling. Great power, and good mileage. This shows the benefit of the Chrysler- Mercedes marriage.

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  Awesome so far, time will tell - 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
  By Peter - September 30 - 9:26 pm

  Uconnect system did freeze, reboot on us 4x so far. Everything else has been perfect. For the weight and class of this vehicle, acceleration from stop and handling is superb! Rear seats are more cramped than the town and country Id been in before, but thats understandable given the stow and go feature with batteries around and below.

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  COOL CAT - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kacz - September 29 - 11:56 am

  Definitely Fun to Drive. Roomy interior and beautiful exterior. Overall, a great buy for the price tag. To summarize its a classy car at an affordable price. You actually get a lot for your money. However, I must say that it took me awhile to get used to the transition from driving an SUV to the convertable. The children love driving in the convertible more than the SUV but its not practical for use on a daily basis. The children sometimes have many items that they carry to and from school, sports & other activities which we use the SUV on those days.

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  2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Len Petkun - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has been problem free. Very quiet ride. Great sound system.

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  No Problems - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dr. B - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I have to say after reading the previous reviews I am struck by the fact people writing the reviews either seem to love or hate this automobile. I find it to be a fantastic car. More comfortable than my wifes E-class Mercedes, better features and far more reliable. I really cant think of a thing to say negative. Some others have complained about the MPG but, I find that a little silly. This is a BIG auto with a 250 BHP engine. What do you expect??? 17+ MPG in town is rather good. Great highway car, like riding a magic carpet.

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  Nice job - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Kevin R. Sweeney - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Styling and handeling of this car are just great. The 18" wheel base adds to the comfort and performance. Hemi 5.7 gives the feel of a real performance automobile which is not afraid to take any challengers.

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  MY CAR - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By BERNARD BERRY - September 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR THAT I HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF DRIVING OR RIDING IN. I LOVE MY CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!