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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  Fun little guy - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Alex - December 1 - 10:37 pm

  Since my first time i saw i felt in love with it, shopped around and got it finally, once having it its been fun everytime i get on the wheel, it runs and looks great. I loved the stereo, dropping the top down and running it fast, it has some good handling and acceleration..eh, average. I think you shouldnt own it if youre taller than 59 though, because space is limited. Parts are hard to find and expencive.

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  But it looks so good....:( - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By perfectbalance - December 1 - 8:26 pm

  When it was new man...it was a dream comfortable fast and over 30 mpg..first to go trans sensor, then fuel pump..driver window(glued bracket) I am currently replacing it for the 5th time, passenger side 4 times..both fans for engine..transmission died a few months ago..crank sensor, switch for seat heaters,, front speakers,,bug shield for wipers blew off...trunk supports..have 2x4 great replacement...Too bad Chrysler gets you hooked by beautiful designs and then engineers their cars to bring in maximum revenue for repairs and replacement parts....This was my 4th Chrysler and it will be my last...

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  Nice crossover! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JesseJames - November 28 - 8:37 am

  Take my review with a grain of salt if you will as we have only owned our Pacifica a few short weeks. We bought it used with a hair over 40000 miles and only have a couple thousand more on it, but has not had one problem thus far like a lot of reviewers have mentioned. (Knock on wood, as that is why we purchased this vehicle as our old Lumina was nickle and diming us to death!) I believe we got a good one as it is mint! No scratches, dents....nothing! Even put on new OEM Michelins, which was a nice touch from the dealership. Only got the power- train warranty to 100,000 miles, so hoping we dont run into the tire-rod ends or control arm problem. Drives perfect for my wife and kids!

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  OK vehicle.... - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By PTCMan - November 22 - 11:16 am

  Does all the base-line things youd expect from a vehicle like this. Over and above that, it does seat 4 people comfortably, it has ample trunk space and it looks nice. It is not an economical vehicle. Bet on around 21mpg/overall (terrible for a 4- banger). With the auto, the engine is sluggish. It has been fairly reliable. Most issues were covered under the manufacturers warranty and they were mostly minor (except for the CD- player, which just stopped accepting CDs and the battery going dead at 33K miles). The CD-player was replaced (w/a refurbed one). The battery was replaced (the tech told me, Chrysler refurbs all their batteries and then resells them as new in new cars?????)

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  Love the looks, but needs more power. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lhseltzer - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with the way the Pacifica looks and how comfortable it is, BUT the engine is underpowered. In a situation where you have to accelerate quickly, youre in trouble. I have a hard time believing this engine was in the 300M. After complaints about the PT Cruiser being underpowered, (now corrected with a turbo available), they should have thought ahead and beefed up the engine on the Pacifica in the first place.

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  Pokeys 300c Experience - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Pokey50 - November 18 - 9:40 pm

  At first glance I love the 300c. Brought the car without a test drive. Love all the attention of driving it. In my third month of owning it, the car began to shudder while accelerating. Took it back to the dealer and learn that there is a technical service bulletin on this car because water is getting in the transmission by way of a faulty dip stick tube on the transmission. The dealer first change the filter and fluid, work for a while, then shudder came back. The dealer replace rhe torque converter as well as change the fluid again. Waiting to see if this solves the problem. I love the way this car looks, the power and feel although the ride is a bit bumpy in the inner city. Full warranty.

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  Keeps on Tickin - 1997 Chrysler Cirrus
  By raschild - November 18 - 3:09 pm

  This has been a faithful car for my wife and I. For the first three years of our marriage it was our only vehicle and handles the slopes of PA well. Only problems stem from lack of good maintenance by previous owner. This car uses brakes quickly as well. Otherwise it is running strong at nearly 157,000. Gets great mileage on open road, as high as 35, but normally around 30-31. V6 has just enough power, but is very hard to work on (cramped engine compartment). Good maintenance will keep it running for quite awhile. Great car for its age!

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  2017 Chrysler Pacifica has 3 flaws - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Charles Urban - November 18 - 7:15 am

  The digital speedometer and computer screen are very difficult to see, read during afternoon sunlight. The transmission has lots of play when put in, out of park. The drivers and passenger seat are too far away from the door entry. It takes long legs, a big step from the ground outside to get into the seats.

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  Force Chrysler to make this car a recall - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By talya - November 14 - 9:33 am

  When u read everybodys comment about the pacifica. i totally agree that this car has a whole heck of alot of problems from ABA light on & off, motor mounts, hoses coming apart, breaks.Certain things chrysler need to be held accountable for.

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  Good car...in a straight line - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By adamatx - November 13 - 7:10 pm

  When this model came out in 2005 it was very striking, but the flashy looks are beginning to fade (PT Cruiser, anyone?). The 300 is a great highway cruiser but in any turns at 15+ mph the tires begin to squeal. The car heaves around corners like a boat and visibility makes reverse maneuvering difficult. Gas mileage is also poor at 17 city. The Impala has just as much punch, handles better, and gets 20 city/29 highway. Also, for $32k I would expect the leather to be real and not vinyl made to look like leather. When accelerating there is a brief lag between hitting the gas and the car accelerating. Most US manufacturers have this issue, would be more precise with drive by wire technology.