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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  Great Family Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jim - March 13 - 5:50 pm

  The interior is beautiful and comfortable. The ride is smooth and quiet. You can have a conversation with the front seat passengers from the back seat-try that in a Honda Odyssey. The style is nice and the car accelerates and handles well.

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  Never Another Chrysler - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By MadinDetroit - March 12 - 11:10 pm

  Before I bought this car I was warned that Chryslers have a hard time in cold weather. Now at 100,000 I can attest to the fact that those cold morning startups are getting progressively worse by the season. I believe the blower motor is also dying, it squeals very loudly on the first startup of the day. Sounds like the belts are going bad, and the brakes and struts have failed on all 4 corners. The seats are very uncomfortable. The design is also a bit awkward as it is very difficult to see traffic lights from the front seats when at rest. Fuel mileage should be better for it to be such a "regular" car. And the trans failed at 99,000 miles.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By charger - March 12 - 9:33 pm

  Great ride. Getting 18 mpg local in winter. Engine and trans work great get 22 mpg on hwy. My wifes Liberty got 21 mpg at 85 to 90 this one might do better at higher speeds than 55 to 65

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  Admirable ride for the money. - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Erkel - March 12 - 8:06 pm

  It rides like a dream, handles very well, and has all the power, with a K&N air charger- power all the more! Bottom line, its comfy, stylish, responsive, quick and only costs around 32K, as we all know, you cant get an Acura for that, as if Id want one after this gem! If you pass this up, go back to Uranus or whatever other planet that is in the deep cold of overcharging for the same vehicle that is everywhere, just slightly "Emblemed". I love it!

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  Wondering about reliability - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Craig - March 12 - 12:40 am

  We got the full featured model with DVD changer, etc. Its an excellent balance between SUV solidity and the handling of a car. Weve had some mechanical problems though. The brake rotors were warped, and when the rear windows are open an obnoxious ear-deafening vibrating sound can be heard. Visibility is really bad with the small rear view window. Our driver side mirror makes clicking noise and has limited mobility; this was reported to dealer mechanic, but they didnt do anything. The tire sensors continuously go off--its very hard to keep the air balanced accordingly. Avoid dealer mechanics at all costs-- boy do they rip you off! I only get 19 MPG--which is much lower than sticker

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  Second LH and love this one. - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By goonior - March 11 - 10:59 pm

  Bought the car w/104k mi. Now has 116k, no major problems. Does need new trans mount, broke 3 weeks after purchase. Gas mileage is good for a car this size, about 24mpg driving 90mi roundtrip to work each day. This is the second LH car I have owned. First was 94 New Yorker that started to fall apart after 100k. Build quality is much better this time. Cassette broke recently will replace w/factory CD or CD/cassette soon. Will need new rod bearings soon, seems to be a problem w/these after about 100k, only knocks on morning startup until oil pressure builds. Every power accessory still works. Overall I love this car.

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  Best Performance Buy - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Brett Schaffter - March 11 - 6:30 pm

  I traded in my MB CLS 500. I love this 425 HP engine. I have owned over 20 cars, at all prices ranges, and the 300 SRT8 is one of my favorites.

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  Try a PT - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Happy Hoosier - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have been interested in the PTs since they first came out but felt that the visibility would not be good. When we finally were in need of a new car, we decided to give them a look since they were in our price range. We are very happy with our new purchase and thoroughly enjoy it, whether it be just around town or out on the road. There is plenty of room and the versatility is unbelievable!!

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  2004 Chrysler Sebring Touring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By sauceco - March 11 - 10:00 am

  With the exception of brake rotor replacement early on (4,000 mi.)The car has been great so far. A nice mid-sized car that has very good road manors, in all weather conditions. Chrysler service has been quick and curteous, A great buy from a great company

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  My Wifes Ride - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Annes Car - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Had a problem with a leaking oil filter after my first oil change. This was resolved after four visits. No other problems.Convertible top and