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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  New car for spouse - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By MACECOMM - August 11 - 7:53 pm

  Perfect for mid Stream consumer

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  What a improvement - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By NQUP - August 8 - 3:30 pm

  Owned a 2001 and 2003 Chrysler 300. This car outdoes every category from performance to comfort. It is very much noticed the German Auto influence when driving.

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  Nice, but a little pricey. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By J. Fiedoral - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Traded a big Buick Estate Wagon and find this one nimble, fun to drive and steady on the road. I was apprehensive because the Buick was very stable, but I am pleased with this one on the highway at cruising speeds up to 80 or more. Gas mileage is not great, but it burns regular and does not bankrupt you at the pump.

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  My Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PacificaOwner - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica is has wonderful styling both inside and out and has a great ride. My children love the seating options in the last two rows and frequently use different arrangements. Its a luxury family wagon that has some practical room for hauling if you fold the last row down flat (and the second row). Cannot see directly behind the vehicle when backing up and mirrors could help this problem. The wagon is a little difficult to place on the road when changing lanes on the highway.

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  04 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kencro69 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Very well put together vehicle, nice solid feel. Excellent handling and very quite. The nice ride and quite interior are impressive but what really stands out is the first time you take a corner at any speed, WOW! Would be even better with a small V8. The very backseat is a little difficult for children under 7, minivan would be easier for them.

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  PT - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By meeser - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. Holds a lot and is versatile just like it is advertised. Also fun to drive.

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  lovethept - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By lovethept - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I was conserned about the space as I had a Town and Country van. But I couldnt be happier with my PT. I can get all the "STUFF" in it. My PT drives very well, it is quick and reliable in traffic and on the Highway!! We live in the mountains. I was also concerned about the snow and the power. I couldnt be happier. It handles like a sports car and does the snow (ice is another subject) the hills, and curves very well.

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  Double the fun - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dan Labrecque - August 6 - 11:53 pm

  My wife leased a 2004 Pacifica and she loves it. The only problem is that I never get to drive it. I took care of that problem, I just leased a 2005 AWD Limited Pacifica. Now the problem is keeping her away from my Pacifica! I just went to work for a new company and they let me chose any vehicle that I wanted, I didnt even have to think about it.

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  Love the Cirrus! - 1999 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Gutterflower - August 4 - 11:07 am

  I bought the car in January with 112,000 kms (previously only had 1 owner), and now its got 132,000 kms and I still havent brought it to a mechanic. We will bring it in for a check up before our third trip to see if everything is good. Theres some squeakiness from the front end when going on bumps, but thats about it.

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  PT Cruiser Touring - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mjb457 - August 3 - 7:26 pm

  Bought new,,,, drove it 99k miles so far....normal routine maintenence, one of Chryslers all time best sellers( average mpg 20mpg)HONDA,TOYOTA CONTINUE TO BUILD AND INPROVE/// CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME- A CLASSIC.