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! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By j Fisher - October 20 - 9:13 am

  I really enjoy the car.It has all the power necessary, makes great noises,and has very comfortable seats. I am amazed by the gas mileage. I get 26mph in a mix of city and highway on 87 octane. I think a little more money spent on shocks would be well spent.They are a little more harsh than they need to be. The steering is also not up to normal German standards but all in all a great car for not a lot of money.

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  Love my Electric Blue PT - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Marcie - October 20 - 3:33 am

  Ive had my PT for 3.5 years and just love it! The novelty hasnt worn off one bit. They have great family pricing specials on them so am looking at upgrading. I wont get any other car. Its a dream to drive and so much fun. I cant say anything bad about it at all. Ive never had it in for one repair, just regular maintenance checks. It almost breaks my heart to trade in my Petey but with the great deals ($7000 off), I cant turn down getting a 2007.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By JAREL8466 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  IVE HAD 1 OF THESE CARS SINCE THE 96 MODELS & I CANT POSSIBLY THINK OF A BETTER DESIGN 4 A CAR.

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  A GREAT vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SweetWin7 - October 18 - 8:13 pm

  The AWD Pacifica is the best vehicle. I notice that it is missing from many reviews, and frankly I think that the reviewers are missing the mark on this one. This car is comfortable, is solid and responsive on the road and with the side curtain airbags in all three rows has the competition beat hands down for safety. When it comes to 5 star ratings, all ratings are basically in comparison to other vehicles in the same weight class. The physics of momentum and energy exchange, tell us that the heavier your vehicle is, the better it will fare on impact. Side & head air bags for all passengers is a necessary option for any vehicle. There is NO govt rollover warning on the visors of this car!

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  Hot Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Hotat40 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Getting this car as a suprise 40th Birthday present was the BEST. I got the graphite color, and it stops traffic and turns heads. I never knew I would be loving all the attention this hot little sportscar gets. It handles like a dream and has plenty of get up and go for city driving. Little worried about winter driving living in WI, but I will use the winter driving switch, and cross my fingers for the best. I love this car and shopping is not a problem, just get more creative stacking your grocery bags in the hatchback opening! This is the perfect car for anyone under 58". The seat hugs you and lets you feel in total control of a perfect ride.

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  Cool Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By J.D. - October 15 - 9:06 pm

  Ive owned my Cruiser a little over a month, and have had no problems with it. The High Output Turbo has plenty of power, and the GT has all the accessories I was looking for. No need for factory/dealer add-ons. I dont know why I waited so long to buy a PT Cruiser. This is the first Chrysler product I have owned, and am pleasantly surprised by the quality. Of all the vehicles Ive owned in the past, this car is the most fun to drive, and gets the most head turns from others. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a family sedan. Lots of room and comfort.

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  Imperial more than a name - 1990 Chrysler Imperial
  By turbodan - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed excellent service from my Imperial. I wanted a good looking, quiet, dependable, economical, and unique automobile. The Imperial has not disappointed me any at all. I receive compliments on its good looks and uniqueness. Most people that inquire are surprised this car is 15 years old now. The unique front end, tailights, and formal roofline set this car off from others around it. The sumptuous interior includes supple Mark Cross leather seats and a premium sound system. It rides like a dream but not wallowy like a boat. You drive surrounded by genuine luxury, security, in an atmosphere of peace and quiet. The car does work the small engine, but the fuel economy is excellent

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  coolest car Ive owned - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By painted - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I wanted this car from the 1st time I saw it but I waited several years. Now have 34000 miles on it and not a problem to be found. It rides well, long road trips great, have to watch the speed, easy to go 80!. Good for 3 people with luggage, 4 not good. Also needs better room for golf clubs! Seriously, used to have Tracker 4WD convertible, this is cooler and more confortable.

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  One month and counting - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By viffr - October 13 - 10:00 am

  The first month of ownership has alievated my initial fears of buying a first-year product. My Pacifica has excellent build quality (comparable to my next newest car, a Honda), the interior is attractive, comfortable and its control placement is well executed. I especially appreciate how quiet the driving experience is. The automatic climate control keeps the inside at a constant temperature without a lot of fan noise, which allows the excellent stereo/CD to entertain those along for the ride. This is a quality vehicle for those families needing more room than the typical sedan, but not the massive bulk of the traditional mini-van or SUV.

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  Best Chrysler I ever owned - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
  By DMAD - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Best Chrysler I ever owned. Excellent performance and fuel economy. No mechanical issues and easy to maintain. I wish they still built this style!