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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  Luxury in an SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lynne - March 18 - 7:26 pm

  We found out that we were having our first baby and knew that it was time to get a "mom car" for me instead of the sports car (we put that away for when mommy has some alone time!!). I wanted something that was safe, as well as having a sporty side to it. The Pacifica has it all. With all of the safety features and high ratings from the crash tests, I know that I can feel confident that our new baby will be safe when riding in the car. Even with the baby and all of his things, we still have plenty of room for cargo or more passengers. If you are looking for comfort than this is the vehicle for you as well. The handling is smooth and has an enjoyable ride. We highly recommend this car/SUV !!!

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  AMG Punch with the Crossfire Charm - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By pcrs29 - March 17 - 9:47 pm

  Ive owned my Crossfire SRT-6 coupe for a little over a year and this is a great car. Its fast, its elegant, and its a head turner almost everywhere I go with it. My only gripe with the car is that it was only available as a 5-speed automatic with AutoStick. I feel that a manufacturer of a true sports car would give buyers the option of purchasing such a car with a manual transmission primarily, and possibly offering an automatic transmission. Unfortunately because this is an Mercedes-Benz AMG at heart, it is only offered as an automatic. Otherwise, the car is a blast to drive and definitely a conversion starter. I would recommend getting one!

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  2006 Pacific Experience - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DCB - March 17 - 7:59 pm

  I very much enjoyed this vehicle. Comfort, Style, Reliability, Performance, Road handling have exceeded my expectations from an American made auto product. However, I have just exceeded 36,000 miles and seem to be burning oil. I know this was/is a problem for the 2004 and 2005 model years. Wondering if any other 2006 PAC owners have same experience with burning oil between changes?

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  Dont get one - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
  By John, NY - March 17 - 12:57 am

  Everything was very poor. I wish I had ordered a different vehicle. I am stuck with it as the residual is so low, that it may still be negative when the loan is paid off

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  Wish I Never... - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By CB - March 16 - 11:27 pm

  I should have have bought a Toyota. This car has 0 power, extremely loud road noise, sounds like the windows are always cracked open. Only reason I got it was wife love the look. Mileage terrible. Hard to say something nice about this car except its pretty on the outside. Consider carefully before purchasing this car.

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  Great daily driver, pleasantly surprised - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 4stichs - March 16 - 8:51 pm

  I leased this car 3 years ago and Im due to turn it in next August. I got a great deal on the lease and Im happy I got it. Its the very base model, no addons and its still plenty loaded. Power everything and keyless entry. The car has been fairly dependable. One of the tie rod ends failed and had a problem with the front passenger side airbag sensor. All fixed under warranty and the problem has not come back. The car is quiet to drive, has pretty good pickup and handles bumps in the ride just fine. Its not going to give race car performance around turns, but its also not a sports car. I would consider another one if the lease price was right. But its being discontinued...

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  concord - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By concord - March 16 - 4:00 pm

  the car is very nice and nice to drive has plenty of room does fair on gas could be much better.

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  Great Car Bad Dealership - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr Steve - March 16 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT PURCHASE any car from ED VOYLES CHRYSLER in Marietta, Georgia. When my new Pacifica was delivered to me I found 2 dents which had to be removed. My battery died while my car was parked in my garage after owning it for only 1 week. The dealer installed a moonroof and DVD screen. They left metal shavings all over the interior and the DVD screen has a large red dot in the picture. The sales staff slammed their door in my wifes face after a stupid understanding.

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  Worth the money - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mark30214 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica handles and rides excellent. Small to medium holes in the road are barely felt when driving. Very quiet inside the car while driving. Sound system is excellent. I like how the second row adjust front to back, and the center console is great for storage and drinks.

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  Kool Ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chiefshorty - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Saw the Pacifica at the 2003 Pittsburgh Auto show. Wanted a change from the Town & Country vans we have been driving. Love everything about the car except two things. Being 67" I need leg room. I would have more if Chrysler would redesign the tilt lever and also move the ignition placement. Twice Ive hit the key with the car running and have shut off the engine. My left knee is a tight fit between the door and Tilt lever. Chrysler please fix. Other than that its a great vehicle. Ordered the INFERNO RED car with light Taupe interior.