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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  I am Impressed - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Gailya Thomas - January 8 - 1:14 am

  I have had my Chrysler 300C for over 2 years now and I still love it. I test drove the base, touring, and limited models and I was not impressed and was not considering purchasing the car until I drove the C, even though the cost was much higher. It handles extremely well and the power to move when it has to is fantastic, especially on the freeway. The only problem I have had is a problem with the brakes squeaking, which the dealer took care of.

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  Bushs Review of the 2005 Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica 4 dr tour - January 7 - 5:33 pm

  This vehicle is stable on the road and is gives a very comfortable ride. The interior is very appealing; the dash appears to wrap around the front which is especially nicely designed. The drivers seat is quite comfortable for me, and I am a short person. I especially like the extra lumbar support. The vehicle recently took four children in booster seats and car seats on a short outling; the ride was quite comfortable for the two adults. Cargo space is limited when using four car seats for children, but I do not haul more than two children on most occasions. The children and I like the extra vents that help to circulate heat and air conditioning.

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  Stylish - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jtorlando - January 7 - 1:57 am

  This vehicle while not offering endless amenities or perfect fuel mileage still stands out in the endless congested highways crowded with boring subcompact cars that blend together in a monotonous never ending parade of mediocrity. This car still "pops"..never will there be any mistake of what kind of car is sitting next to you at the red light. The ride quality seems to be decent...very little harshness from wind noise or uneven road surfaces. The interior always evokes positive responses from any passengers that have been in my car...it has this..symmetrical (obviously retro) quality to it. The dash is more style and gloss than most other cars. Its about style not performance in this car.

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  Smooth Ride with top down - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Steve - January 6 - 10:32 pm

  Had the car for one year and I droved 4000 miles since new. It is a keeper, smooth ride with the top down. It is the best convertible two seater Ive ever driven. Had BMW before and again, this is a keeper. Enjoy your ride for those that own a Crossfire.

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  Nice Truck - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By bak - January 6 - 10:17 pm

  I have been a big fan of Edmunds for a long time- but I have to disagree here. I have a 2005 Durango and recently purchased a 08 Aspen (because we enjoy the Durango so much). While I agree that the trucks look very similar there is a huge difference inside the two vehicles. Even though they are similarly equipped, it is obvious that they went to great lengths to differentiate the two vehicles. The gas mileage is worse even with the same engine (hopefully because its new).

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  Great Car- Do the maintenance - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sebring is Great - January 6 - 9:56 pm

  Bought new-78k currently. Regular maintenance is all. Did not replace brakes until 50k-85%city driving. Mileage is 24 with no a/c and about 22 with in the city. Highway is 28 - 30 with cruise at 70 ish. Leather has held up well-clean 2-3 times a yr. No rattles or squeaks, V6 still is a blast to drive - very revvy and punchy. Tranny is smooth and reliable. No electrical problem other than seat heater relay going out. Still on factory alt and water pump. No major leaks of any kind. Handles ok but could use stiffer shocks/struts to really handle well. Overall it is a quiet, economical sedan to own. i just wish resell was higher on Chryslers. That is what would make it a great preowned car.

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  Ford fusion or chevy malibu cant compete - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By john johnkins - January 6 - 4:27 pm

  Its a great car. Good gas mileage. A lot of bang for the buck. Im 6 foot 3 and have no trouble. I love the luxury feel.

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  Very pleased with our Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ek900 - January 5 - 10:10 pm

  We purchased a FWD base Pacifica about a month ago, to be the wagon for my wife and myself. We had considered several $25-30K competitors (Volvo and Volkswagen wagons, Hyundai and JEep SUVs), but the PAcifica won out because: 1. Its got enough room to put just about anything in its range to shame. 2. It was much more of a car than the SUVs we test drove. Its handling, particularly considering its size and weight, is very impressive. 3. Its flat out a lot more luxurious than a Volvo or Volkwagen that costs more. We take a lot of highway trips, and the Volvo V50 in particular seemed a bad highway car. The Pacificas seats are great, and its visibility is excellent for a taller wagon.

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  Most comfortable ride - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mopar424 - January 5 - 7:52 pm

  This is simply a beautiful car, inside and out. Meant for being a boulevard cruiser rather than a racecar. Got the touring with every option except leather, and got the 2.7 V6 for the E85 capability. The engine, while somewhat slow, sounds really nice and refined, and the four speed shifts without making a fuss. This is by far the smoothest car Ive ever driven/riden in (it is my dads primarily), and 90 feels like 40.

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  Great fun, when it runs - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Chuebs - January 5 - 2:52 am

  This car is both the best car Ive ever owned, and the worst. Its sleek, low, NASCAR inspired style is beautiful. It will fly on the freeway, and rumble impressively in town. The 3.5 litre motor has loads of power. The interior design, bells & whistles are first class. However, it is scared of snow. Even changing to snow tires, the car is skittery and quite nerve wracking. It uses up brake pads every 10K miles. As mentioned in other reviews, the low profile causes the front spoiler to hang up on parking blocks, ripping the front facia loose. Its prone to have expensive climate control problems. The failure of an engine cam sensor nearly caused a major freeway accident.