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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  Too Slow to GO - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tracy McConnell - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Pacifica but the horsepower. It has none! I live in a very mountainous area with alot of hills and valleys. With going uphill I sometime become a traffic hazard. Even if I downshift manually it still doesnt give the horsepower needed to stay up with the flow of traffic. The style and comfort is wonderful! The horsepower would be the only thing to change in my opinion.

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  My PT - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Mutthaus - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted a PT Cruiser since they appeared in the Chrysler catologue but my husband said they didnt have enough power. When they came out with the Turbo...there was no stopping me. I love to drive it. Everyone who drives it says what power it has. My husband has been coverted. I am amazed at what we are able to fit in this car!

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  Great Car for a Woman - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Barbara J. Fitzsimmo - June 30 - 8:46 pm

  Not only is this car georgous, but it is extremely comfortable, has great pick up (so I can get on those expressways), and reliable. My gas mileage is at 25 mpg around town and 30 on the road. My mechanic tells me that once I hit 10,000 m., it will get even better! I also like the fact that the control of everything is right at my finger tips. I dont have to take my hands off the wheel for hardly anything! Not one day has gone by that someone hasnt asked me about the car. They all fear that it is expensive because it looks so good! I assure them that the price is within the reach of almost everyone. We have owned many cars over the years, but I love this car better than any!

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  02 PT Cruiser Limited - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By infantrydrillsgt - June 30 - 5:43 pm

  I work in the used car business, so I see and drive just about every make and model of car out there. The PT Cruiser I own is as solid as the day I bought it. It has held up better than many of the much vaunted Hondas I see on a daily basis.

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  6 months and lovin it - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By rjm - June 30 - 9:10 am

  Bought this car in Nov and love driving it every time I get into it. Great power when you need it, great ride and quiet Owned Lincoln LS and Continental before and no comparison

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  Sebring - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By K - June 29 - 3:29 pm

  I bought this car from my mother, who bought it new. We both have enjoyed it. My only disappointment is the sound system. The controls on the console do not work properly. Other than that it would be perfect.

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  Most awesome car Ive ever owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By RG - June 28 - 9:50 pm

  Ive never had so much fun driving a car. Ive been driving for 40 years and have owned everything from street rods to luxury cars, but my 300C is by far the best all around car Ive ever owned. You cant beat the combination of head turning styling, comfort, roominess and awesome performance. I feel like a teenager again, always looking for an excuse to take the car out. My favorite thing about the 300C is the smooth raw power and handling on the highway, especially when you want to pass.

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  Best Car Ive Had in 20 Years - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Nancy - June 28 - 12:23 am

  I have had a Jaguar,300Z, Cadillacs...and nothing compares to the comfort and luxury of the Pacifica. It handles like a dream. Whatever Chrysler has done in the last few years, it really shows.

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  nice nice nice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jamie65666 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The steering is awesome. Ride quality is like sleeping on a beach sand.

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  Concorde Great Buy - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By janelle711 - June 25 - 12:12 pm

  No major or minor problems with mechanical or body integrity. Fun to drive, great gas mileage for a car this size without compromising on pick up. Tons of rear leg room and comfy seating for three. I would buy it again if I had the choice. I chose this over Camry, Avalon, and Accord and am happy with my choice after two years.