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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  XUV: perfect crossover for lifestyle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By XUV_convert - July 8 - 2:00 am

  The overall vehicle is a perfect fit for the lifestyle of having a growing family (+dog) while still looking stylish and not minivan-like or traditional SUV massive/tippy. Design outside is excellent - clean and stylish. Interior is very good, but some cheap materials like the carpet, sun visors, and seat molding that pulled away from its screw doesnt bring it to pure luxury status. O.k. seriously what manufacturer makes a 4,500+ pound vehicle that gets better than 16 mpg city??? The folks who have panned if for MPG cant cheat physics. 250 hp engines will suck gas. That needs to be an normal expectation from any heavy V6 vehicle.

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  My PT GT - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Corvair Kid - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Two weeks ago I broke down and bought my first new car. I got an electric blue (03)PT (GT) Crusier. I was looking at 04s and they had a loaded blue 03 left on the lot. I got a great deal on it. I got 6k off sticker. I have not regretted it. It is hard to believe that such a litle car can have so much room. I am 62" and I have ample space. The turbo really gives the car a kick. If you get the opportunity to drive one, you will probably own one. Great car for the price.

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  Giant step forward - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Larry Evenson - July 7 - 7:17 pm

  Try one, if you dont you will make a mistake.

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  Shames my 442 W30 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Paul - July 7 - 2:26 pm

  Ive owned more than 40 cars of all types but never driven something like this. Unending thrust, great handling, stunning looks. This is a two ton sedan that can run with the most powerful muscle cars ever built and take my three kids to school in comfort. I waited over a year to get the car, had it 9 months, and still do that look over the shoulder thing as I walk away from it in the parking lot.

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  Great Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By nts6000 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Most bang for the buck. Love this car.

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  1 year and still loving it! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Matt M TX - July 6 - 9:10 am

  The styling of these cars is what drew me to them. I always get compliments everywhere I go and you dont see too many of them around so they stand out. The engine is smooth with a nice broad torque band and decent power. The car begs to be driven fast so I do wish there was more on tap but still not bad. The interior is not for everyone. I find it cozy but some may find it cramped. The car sits low so plan on a bit of climbing to get in the door. The fit and finish is great and the materials look good. The convertible top is high quality and surprisingly quiet. My first year has been a joy. This car exudes fun with a nearly perfect balance of performance, comfort, and economy.

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  I cant believe I bought this great car! - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By BIG NL - July 3 - 4:23 pm

  Ive owned this all of 2 days and its been incredible. Everyone goes WOW!!! The surf blue is a real eye catcher. I am a large person and everyone is shocked I bought this convertible!!! At 350 lbs.. most cars are not suitable but this is so roomy! Of course all good things in Detroit get discontinued. Had to really search to find one but so far it was well worth it!

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  My New Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Blueyes - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 9th convertible and I just love it. The automatice hide away top and the glass back window were big selling options to me. I am still getting use to the wide hood since my last car was a BMW Z3. The trunk is good size yet much larger than what I am use to. Handles easily. A person followed me to the local shopping mall so they could get a good look at it and was just in awe. Seems to appeal greatly to my age group 50+.

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  Hemi that car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Condor75 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The best car I have ever driven at any proce and that includes several Mercedes, BMWs, Jags, Porsches and everything in between. The car hits the bullseye in every sense.

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  chrysler 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By darlyn - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Execellent car, fun to drive. It turns heads where ever you go. Everyone in our family fights to get to see who drives it.