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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  fun to drive - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By dady-o - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Everyone in our family love to drive the vechicle! from our 18 yr old son to our 21 yr. old daughter....to me a 46 yr. old!!!Gas mileage is great.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Glenn Geist - October 5 - 6:03 pm

  Ive owned many many cars and my other car is a heavily modified Corvette, yet Im impressed with the mechanical and visual quality of this Inferno Red Woody. It gets so much attention from the ladies that I wish they had made them back in "the day." The gas mileage isnt as good as my 400 hp Vette, and it isnt fast, yet it has yet to show any wear or any problems. The looks would have worn thin though, if this car wasnt the most practical thing Ive ever had. The few complaints I read from other reviewers seem to be related to having bought poorly equipped versions.

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  MY Car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Rhonda Raven - October 5 - 7:16 am

  After putting a lot of money into getting my paid off Buick LeSabre fixed, then having the CHECK ENGINE light come on again, I had had enough. So I went and got me a brand new PT Cruiser with only 22 miles on it! Ive always loved the look of these cars and they are even more fun to drive than I could have imagined. It is so roomy and spacious inside even though it may not look like it. The PT Cruiser is listed on uglycars.com which offended me at first, but I dont care. I absolutely love my plum PT Cruiser!

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  Love my GT PT convert - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ed M - October 5 - 5:23 am

  Bought the GT PT Convert in April 2010, it is a 2006 and the owner was a senior, car had only 7,900 miles on it! So far just needed a new drivers door mirror- it broke and dealership covered it. Gas is definitely an issue, but if you want the extra horse you gotta pay. This car is flawless for five years old. Only use it three or four times a week, plan to keep garaged and immaculate. Hope to preserve as a collector item. Chrysler only made the GT Conv for two years 05 and 06. Have orig build sheet and window sticker- love this car and plan to keep into its antique years.

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  Love my PT Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Blaze - October 4 - 11:03 am

  This Hot Car is so comfortable. I smile each time i walk up to my Cruiser. I still can not believe it is mine. The leather inter. is so classy. Every stitch is perfect. Turning corners is a breeze. Handles like a Rod.

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  da bo0mb - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By orie smith - October 2 - 10:00 am

  it is awsome when it hits 60mph the spoiler pops up.

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  Excellent choice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By happycamper1 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is an EXCELLENT choice. You may wonder why not a "10" in all categories, then? Well, nothing is perfect, including gas mileage and performance. But thats not what I was looking for. I was looking for a very dependable car that was easy on the eyes, had plenty of room, was under not outrageously priced, drove quietly and comfortably, was safe (the Pacifica got perfect 5 star ratings from the NHTSA crash tests), and had lots of useful ammenities. After test driving the Volvo SUV and the Lincoln Aviator, the Pacifica was a no brainer. Im VERY happy and glad to see Chrysler doing something more upscale.

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  AWESUM CAR!!!! i luv myn - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sh0rTySoFyN - October 2 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. It turns on a dime and is very nice on the interior. It is way before its time and is the perfect family car!!!!!!!

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  zzzhuhs cruiser - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By zzzhuh - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a Great car! I Love the design on both the inside and outside. The seat is the right height for someone in a wheelchair to slide into, without feelng like they are either; falling in or climbing up into it. And the seat belt is easy to buckle for people who can only use one hand.

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  Black PT turbo - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dakkri1 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Ordered new,Have had this car for 5 months now. It has made several 800 mile plus trips and NO problems. I had a 2001 PT (also ordered new) and the difference in power is unbelievable! No rattles with either PT. No turbo lag with this car, just push the gas pedal and go. Mileage is good, Power is good, insurance is cheap, corners nicely, whats not to like??