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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  Pacifica Review 2003-2006 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chris gianetti - November 18 - 5:50 pm

  I have had my red Pacifica for over 3 years now and I consider it a very comfortable and well made vehicle. Its cornering capabilities are unsurpassed for a vehicle of this size and weight. Its AWD system works very well in steep snowy hills and heavy rain. The ride is firm, controlled and comfortable.

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  nice car for the money - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By M - November 18 - 12:22 pm

  I got it 1 year ago. First of all, when I hear about road noise I will say check you tires, I got new set form tire rack, avon tires, those are grat both in noise, handling and price, half of what you have to pay for Michelins. Overall I will say that the car is fun to drive, I like it. Exchanging brake pads from standard metal to ceramic (cost the same) would get rid off the brake dust, great.

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  Touring in 300 Touring - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Sergio - November 17 - 11:36 pm

  The 300 is a smooth ride and a very nice looking car. It seems to turn heads everywhere with its sleek design and spark up conversations with total stranges at the gas pump. All this at an affordable price tag.

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  Style and Performance - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Larry Perkins - November 17 - 3:20 pm

  A pleasure to drive. Comfortable and head turning style. The car came equipped with Continental tires that were awful. Hydroplaning and poor mileage (switched after 20,000 miles) I switched to the Goodyear top of the line and what a difference.

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  Disgusted in Janesville - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By Lucy Eysnogle - November 17 - 11:46 am

  Loved my 2000 Concorde - was a good car until the 2.7 engine blew up!!! Had taken very good care of car with oil changes religiously every 3000 miles and transmission changed every 40,000. Thoroughly disgusted to find that Chrysler knew about the problems with the 2.7 engine and did nothing about it!!! The Concorde was the 5th Dodge/Chrysler we bought. Never again - if Chrysler doesnt care about its customers and its products, I dont need to help keep them in business!! Just bought a 2007 Ford!!!

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  What a great car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Pat - November 15 - 4:13 pm

  This is a great car for a small to medium family. It has five seats, the rear seats fold down, and come out completely. Its aa SUV, WAGON, and MINI VAN all in one. Handles great. Perfect for new drivers. Looks great. Drives great. Comfortable for people of all sizes. The back seat can seat 3 meduim sized people comfortalbly. The four cylinder engine is faster than i expected. Good on gas. Wonderful car to drive. Its a great looking car, inside and out.

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  What a great vehicle!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MARY L. - November 15 - 11:53 am

  I have loved driving this automobile since i took my test drive - knew i had to have it. Rides like a dream. I own the 2005 4wd touring edition, loaded but without the navigation system. Had some minor glitches (sunroof rattle, squeaky engine belt) that needed fixing, but this car still makes me enjoy driving everyday i get in it.

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  Mixed Emotions Still! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 1st & Last Chrysler - November 15 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Pacifica for 12 months/12500 miles. The car itself is pretty cool,DVD, Nav. system, moonroof, Intermezzo radio, etc...but the reliability is so shaky. Weve had the engine half out to fix the tranny and transfer case(2 wks. to fix!), lost count of the electical problems with computer syst./Nav. syst./dash cluster/fuel guage/radio/airbags..the list goes on. the mileage is a flat out, complete lie..I live in FLAT south NJ and we get 13.2 average! so I dont know who these people are that AVERAGE 20MPG w/AWD

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  Awesome Vehcile - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Heyteacher - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle. Ive owned mid-sized cars in the past but this vehicle has so much room I feel like royalty. It has so much power and pickup yet you never feel like youre out of control. Its so much fun to drive and yet it has some wonderful safety features. Everybody stares at us as we drive down the road and it makes us feel special. Weve also had many people comment on the beauty of my car and their wish to have one in their driveway too. I just cant say enough good about this beautiful and fun to drive car. P.S. I have the metalic blue - Sweeeeeet

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  Thee Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Ray Kasedey - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Its one of a kind Car. Best Style I did owned a Cade, Jag & A towne Car... man the 300C is the best of all!