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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  Better than most thought - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Lee - December 6 - 4:42 pm

  To set the record straight, I own a 5.7 HEMI Limited. Ive driven most all the SUVs in its class and this one feels the lightest due to its power. The fit-and-finish comments I am reading just arent true the Chrysler interioir is on par with what you will find on the market. The fold-up second row seats are the easiest to use for my small wife.....use one hand and 2 clicks. My Jeep Commander, in contrast, is much harder. Styling is hit or miss but everyone looks at it and asks us about it because they have never seen one before and they all comment on how pretty it is. Bottomline is that it hauls, hauls all 4 of my daughters, wife loves the bells/whistles.....great buy!

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  Not a powerhouse but smooth ride - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By KC MOM - December 6 - 12:20 pm

  After 12 years of driving a Firebird convertible I finally faced the fact it would not last forever. With 2 junior high aged kids I was looking for a used car with enough backseat legroom for 2 5 foot tall+ kids and a reasonable price, as we will have 2 teen drivers soon so didnt want to spend a fortune on a new car. Looking at Carfax, a lot of the late model Sebrings were former rentals, but was finally able to find a low miles one owner 05 for 10 grand less than new.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Sheila Spear - December 5 - 7:20 pm

  I just finished a 4000 miles trip in a week in my 300. This car has the most comfort of any car Ive ridden in. The handling was awesome. The V-6 engine has as much kick in passing as a typical V-8. Its moves when you need it too. Its a luxury car that I would recommend to anyone in the market to purchase a new car. Well worth every penny it costs.

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  The best car - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By teenager - November 29 - 8:29 pm

  I love this car even though my friends say it is a chick car. I have had no problems with the vehicle except that it is stalling a little at 90,000 miles. I bought the car with 69,000 miles. I would buy this car again. I like this styling better than the newer ones.

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  Pacifica Touring AWD - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By farout - November 28 - 5:35 pm

  The Pacifica is a real quality vehicle. The ride is so smooth! Fit and finish are almost flawless. Attention to every detail is evident inside and out. The Pacifica has value and quality at an affordable price.

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  Fun! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By luxurycarlover - November 27 - 3:50 pm

  Our Chrysler Pacfica is great. It, in my opinion, is great looking. It has decent space, though obviously not as much as a minivan. It is comfortable, although people may complain about the comfort of the third row, it is usually only uses sometimes and by kids not adults. It can hold a decent amount of cargo. The electronics are pretty good, we got all of them. Over all, good car.

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  Great car - the Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lilia Pointon - November 26 - 2:26 pm

  The Pacifica drives great, it drives like a small car, very agile. Its comfortable for long distance driving and its great having a third row of seats when we have out-of-town guests. The rear is very spacious and we can basically load anything in the back. We even loaded 45 packs of wood laminate flooring.

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  Best Ride Ever! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kimberad - November 25 - 6:51 pm

  Rides like a car with the extra room of an SUV. Sits up higher so I can see better in traffic, parks in parking garage at work with ease! Fabulous vehicle - with lifetime powertrain warranty - I will keep this forever!

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  SRT 6 - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By WP4KTF - November 24 - 11:47 pm

  I just got, so am unable to be thorough...but, I am enchanted with this vehicle. Its looks are fantastic, its handling is magnificient and its power...ahhhh, my goodness, it reminds me of my old ragtop 5.0 GT Mustang. However, with 48 year old ankles, I never wanted a stick version of a vehicle, so this "AutoStick only" is just fine with me. The sound system is superb and the 18-19 tires command attention. Needless to say the sleek and paint job have turned some heads already and the whale tail makes me feel like a proud Jonah! The mileage is better than my old Ranger. Blind spots? I dont intend to be driving this vehicle in reverse, so I know I will be just fine. More on it, later

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  Its underated by many - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By bla178 - November 24 - 10:58 pm

  My dad owns this car, and Ive become a big fan of it. A lot of people down the Crossfire because of its 215 hp as opposed to the 350zs 300hp. It also loses in its 0-60 time about around .5 seconds or less. I blame this on the very poor first gear of the car, its week and short. But other than that all of the other gears feel torquey and strong...and with the good suspension and huge tires think twice before you down this car. People also fail to realize it has more torque than it does hourses, unlike most other 6cl cars. It takes some bumps hard but the seats are comfortable and the sound system and toys are also really good. I also very much like the exterior design.