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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  2004 Sebring Limited - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debby H - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Having had a 2000 Sebring Limited, I felt I knew what I was in for....smooth driving, comfort and reliablity. This puppy has more pick up than the my 2000 had. I am a wee bit disappointed in the passenger window of my 2004 Limited though. I have a leak! The seating is comfortable and the passengers have no complaints. Overall I love the new 2004.

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  PT cruiser fun to drive - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Nick - September 29 - 10:33 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. With the 220 HP turbo it will get and go. If you like sporty cars this is the one for you.

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  crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By DANA - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This vechicle is a head turner for sure, and It is a blast to drive!

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  batmans new ride - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By batmanloggie - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Splendid vehicle with great curves. BMWs have challenged me on the road and lost. Hooah!!!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joe State - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and I love the GPS system and Rear seat video. Looks better than the Cadilac or Porsche and costs less. Autostick is awesome.

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  In Love - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By okfine - September 26 - 10:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive. Large (heavy) people are very comfortable in the second row of seats.

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  Awesome - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By caulia2 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle for those who want the ride and handling of a sedan with the versatility of an SUV and the room of a minivan

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  My new Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pfineberg - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and comfort in a large vehicle. Handles extremely well for something this big. Layout is great, with very comfortable interior. Performance adequeate, could be improved with a 5 speed transmission. Auto stick a nice option, but only used for a little fun. Excellent electronics and controls. Tire pressure sensor and even "low windshield wiper fluid", controls remind you when service is required.

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  Riding the Beast - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By acerone - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive recently purchased a fully loaded 2004 Pacifica which weve termed the "Beast", as we really dont know what class its in. The term is not bec of uncomely looks, but bec it appears so big in our garage. The "Beast" is more quiet than most cars luxury cars Ive driven. It handles like a sports car, rides like an over-sized Caddy and has easy to reach driving equip. The sound system is great and the navigation system, although not On-Star, works exceptionally well. I recommend it for those with family, or need to transport larger items and still want to experience sports car handling but insist on all the comforts. A great car.

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  2004 Pacfica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica Owner2 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car and very solid