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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  Funtastic - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JoeCos - December 1 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle. Fun to drive headturner! Wasnt sure coming out of a Volvo S-80 and a BMW 5 series prior to that but absolutely content, very thrilled with this exceptional vehicle. Luxury, performance, styling and value, great package!

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  Fabulous - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By somms - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how well this vehicle handles. You dont have the roll of a higher SUV and it corners very well. Smooth is the best way to describe the ride, my family and I are in love with this car.

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  fun from Catonsville - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By greta brooks - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling, excellent comfort from a previous Lincoln owner this is the perfect autombile for a crossover.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By satisfiedpacowner - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Chrysler definitely has a winner. Very comfortable for four people, but in a pinch, can transport up to six. I took five (tall) teenagers to Houston from Dallas without a whole lot of complaining. Theres more than meets the eye when it comes to room behind the third seat. The outward curvature of the lift gate allowed more than expected luggage--but will need to use luggage rack for longer trips. Gas mileage is getting better. We have enjoyed our Pacifica. Its definitely not a mom-mobile.

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  Fun, sporty ride. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scott Brew - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is very intelligently designed. Drives great, sporty handling. Beautiful interior layout, and great usability features (fold-down seats, storage areas). The sound system is better than my home theater, and this car sports the first navigation system ever to be rated "usable" by me.

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  form and function - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By trigger46 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car was the perfect choice for me. The design flows as flawlessly as a well turned ceramic pot. And, like a beautiful bowl, it is functional as well. There is room in this tidy little car to carry all my treasures. The 5- speed was my choice as the automatic lacked enthusiasm. With the rebate and dealer discount, I paid $12,900.(no delivery charge or extra fees). I love this little guy....!

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  Outstanding - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By User540243 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is awsome. I have been able to carry a bigger payload in the PT Cruiser than I was able to carry in our 2000 Voyager. It is a dream for grocery getting and my friends love the interior comfort. I have a 610 friemd who has moe leg room in our passengers seat than his full size sedan. The PT Cruiser has put fun into driving for us.

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  From a Jeep to a Sebring Sedan - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By New Sebring Girl - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Being 23, I always saw Sebrings as a car for people in the their mid-40s. I was very pleasantly surprised when I test drove my Sebring Sedan. Coming from a Jeep Wrangler/6 cyl/5 speed, I thought it would be very difficult going to a 4 cyl. automatic. However, it was a very natural transition. I feel very at home in my new car. The Sedan is surprisingly roomy, very comforable for drivers & passengers, and I must say has a very sleek design. My family has taken great joy to say I have finally "grew up and bought an adult car"., and my new Sebring is my "big girl" car. Well, to them I say: just because it looks adult, does not mean it is not fun!

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  2004 Touring Sedan - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lolo - December 1 - 1:28 am

  Beautiful Car. Quickly realized that I did not feel like I was driving a grandma car, which I thought I might. Very comfortable. Doors need a little slamming to close all the way which I feel uncomfortable with, but overall a nice car to own.

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  Pacifica is great - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OSwanee - November 29 - 11:50 pm

  Love the car. Handles great and fun to drive. More of a luxury car than a SUV. Drove over 4000 miles out west on vacation and had no problems with mountains. Seats are wonderful and back seat has lots of room. Third seat for children only but most of the time leave down. Lots of room to haul things.