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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  What a pleasure to drive! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica lessee - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was a hit from the word "GO". The buying experience from our local dealerhip in Canoga Park was so easy and straight forward, my wife and I couldnt believe it. The vehicle handles like a dream and the creature comforts are almost excessive. From the NAV system to the power rear liftgate my family is wrapped in features. We really enjoy the quiet ride and awesome stereo system! My little ones love watching a DVD on the rear seat video system. With the wireless headphones, it gives my wife and I a chance to listen to the radio or chat, which is great. The Gas mileage was not great, but with my family safe, its a small price to pay.

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  LOTS OF STARES - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By DEBBIE COONS - February 14 - 10:00 am

  WITH 3000 MILES A COMPUTER CHIP FAULTED, AND I HAD NO WIPERS, SIGNALS, HORN, IT TOOK A WHILE TO FIGURE IT OUT THEY HAD TO CALL TECH SUPPORT FROM CHRYSLER. THIS WAS CHRYSLER IN NORTHFIELD NJ ON TILTON ROAD. THEN RIGHT AFTER THAT FOR A AWHILE THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WONT GO UP AUTOMATICALLY, THEN ONE DAY IT DID SO FAR SO GOOD...

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  review of LHS - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By dwight - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 25k, in 2000 and have had excellent service from it. It had a couple of warranty items, but that is all. My only complaint has been it is difficult for me to get into, but so are all the sedans being made today. This one is the least difficult, as I am a very tall and large individual. I would have preferred a vehicle without the moon roof, as it takes away inches in headroom. The newer Chryslers are too low for me.

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  A Special Special - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By abrit - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a 300 when I first saw them. However my wife wanted a Durango so I lost out last time. Then Chrysler announced the new 300. When I saw it it was just another ugly box. It only redeming grace was the Hemi engine option. So out went the Durango and a new 300M Special was found. After almost four years of waiting I was not disappointed.

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  41,000 miles of trouble free motoring - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By Jeff in St. Louis - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Three year after I purchased this car, I still love it. Chrysler has a winner with this vehicle. The styling was agressive and yet clasic. Even today, the exterior lines look sharp and timeless. The added bonus is the reliability. I never had anything wrong with this car. I plan to keep it for a while

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  Great car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Jeff - February 10 - 7:43 pm

  Bought my mother age 78 a Stock 4 door PT Cruiser. The car came Nicely equipped and rides like a bigger car. The 4 cylinder is bigger than most. It has full size 15 inch wheels and lots of head and legroom. The new interior is excellent for the 2006 model year. She got the car for $2200 down and $120 a month for a 27 month lease. Great deal on a 4 door sedan.

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  Great car for the money - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By bellmar - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used ( 1 yr. old ) for $19,000 in 1998. It has been a great car. Lots of room, plenty of pickup. The traction control and anti lock brakes are a plus. Only problem has been warped rotors which may have more to do with the wifes driving than the car. :) As long as you keep up the maintenance you should fare well with this car. Gas mileage is good for such a large car. If they still made this car I would consider buying one again.

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  One for GENX - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mperon93 - February 6 - 12:33 am

  It is the perfect car for the non- minivan yet not another car person. To me all cars today look alike. I wanted something that stands out. This car does. You get the feeling of a sports car via the and yet there is enough room for the kids like in a mini-van. It took me a while to find a car that would satisfy all of my driving needs and this car definetly did it.

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  Dream Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By buggman - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car, awesome styling, fun to drive. Always get looks, where ever you are.

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  Squeaky Brake Problem Solved - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Frisco Pete - February 4 - 3:36 pm

  Wife and I owned car for 7 years. A good driver on city street and very stable on highway with solid handling and ride. Engine has very good passing power on country roads even with four passengers. Front and rear seats are very comfortable for long drives [+200 mile]. Many passengers have commented on roominess and comfort when riding in car. I have performed all maintenance since purchased and found it easy to perform oil/filter; spark plug, battery and brake maintenance [see suggestion below]. We found PT Cruiser safe, reliable and a fun car to drive with a design that still turns a head or two after all these years. I think it will become one of the design classics down the road.