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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  Best Vehicle of Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By norman Inkman - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had over 30 new cars and SUV in the last 20 years, which include Lexus, Mercedes, Infinities etc. This Pacifica is the best value and sound vehicle mfg. It has very good style, great room to hall stuff, and fun to drive , Very under rated and under priced ! Chrysler / Mercedes has put together a great vehicle

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  Love this Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Irish - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Have no compaints about car... Bought it before even driving.... Chrysler makes a good car and this is second I have had.

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  Impartial review - rental - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Phillip - November 25 - 8:59 pm

  Rented for the Thanksgiving week, drove about 1200 miles round trip. Before driving: A very executive, commanding looking SUV. Smart and simply elegant interior design, most everything intuitive. Driver position very nice and adjustable. Lots of nice controls on the wheel. Driving: Be easy on the gas because despite its size, this SUV will put you in the back of your seat and keep you there through the smooth shifts. Tires and shocks smooth away most jars yet you maintain a nice feel for the road. Road is nicely illuminated with the foglight combo. Aspen makes the long haul trip easy, in town driving very manageable but keep your gas card at the ready and plenty of braking room.

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  headache from the start - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By sebringhater - November 25 - 3:07 pm

  horrible whining noise but intermittent so dealer always says they cant duplicate, transmission slams into drive but intermittent, dealer fixed once but still does it, cant duplicate when they have the car so they wont do anything about it. Car shakes terribly but dealer says its a convertible and you can expect cowl shake. Better than a vibrator. Had the car a little over 5 years and Id be ashamed to sell it to anyone other than another Chrysler dealership so they would have the problem. Probably cured me from buying another Chrysler product and Ive always been a Chrysler person.Been trying off and on for 3 years to get the whining fixed with no luck at all. Number one piece of JUNK

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  Better than a minivan - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brad - November 24 - 11:00 pm

  If youre tired of driving a minivan the Pacifica is an excellent choice. Nice to drive. If you only need seating for 6 occasionally this vehicle is for you.

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  A true sports sedan - 1998 Chrysler Concorde
  By RON - November 24 - 6:30 pm

  This car handles like a dream and corners like a true champ its ride is smooth and very soft

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  Exceptional Concept / Sub-Par Execution - 1994 Chrysler LHS
  By Chad - November 24 - 10:43 am

  I recently purchased this luxury vehicle in Sept 06 from a retired couple in Pittsburgh, PA. It was used only for church and supermarket trips (only 10,552 miles). Drove terrific at first until actual usage and commute driving became routine. After only 5K miles, started experiencing transmission shutters and poor engine performance. Interior has misc shakes/rattles and wheels are virtually impossible to keep clean. Interior comforts are fabulous and rich and fuel economy is suitable. I like the trunk space and overall exterior design with smooth ride. However after only 16K miles and many negative reviews, I am fearing major mechanical problems.

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  Pleasure to drive - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By AKC - November 23 - 8:40 pm

  Very stylish and comfortable. I bought my 2006 300 Limited in May of 2005. Loaded pretty well. I get about 19 MPG, for its size, thats not too bad. Mine is black pearl coat which really sparkles in the sun. Get lots of compliments from strangers. Of course the exterior is showy and stylish but so is the interior. Not sure why a couple of the reviews I have read do not agree. This car handles well and rides great. Back seat is roomy and comfortable. A couple of my friends drive Lincolns and they always insist on taking my car when we go places together. They love the style and are planning to purchase their own.

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  Think before you complain - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ray - November 23 - 4:43 am

  People should think a little before they complain about the power or engine size or handling. The handling is harsh b/c of what Chrysler had to use to keep the cargo area spacious. The engine compartment cannot fit a I-6. It costs less than $20,000 base. You cant add AWD b/c of the aforementioned suspension issues. Dont complain that it doesnt have it.

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  Gto Noo 05 Mustang Nooo I chose Hemi!!!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Stan in Ofallon Mo. - November 23 - 12:36 am

  Oh my gosh what a joy to own.. I am in heaven. The power is amazing...The looks are awesome...The Hemi is the only choice.