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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  1st PT Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Jeff - October 3 - 5:50 pm

  This is my first PT. I have wanted one since inception and finally got it. I love the uniqueness about this car. Although they really need to address the fuel economy issue and engine size, other than that the car performs very well. I would also like to see the crash test results as I have three children that love to ride in it. The interior has amazing headroom and legroom, although controls for the rear windows need to be placed elsewhere. Storage space is large for grocery runs. I have checked online for add-ons and found literally hundreds of different things that I can "trick" out my PT to make it even more unique. I would definitely purchase another when this one wears out.

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  Great Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Dick Ford - October 3 - 9:00 am

  This car handles very well. Gives more solid feeling than a front wheel drive. Steers very easily and responds immediately.On a 1200 mile trip,immediately after purchase, loaded with two bags of golf clubs,two garment bags and a large suit case plus sundry boxes etc. at maintained speed of 70 mph got 28 m/g on gas. Engine is quick to respond,extremely peppy. Trunk is very large and extended by pulling down backs of rear seat.A great car.Reason for buying. Had a 99 LHS for 5 years over 55000 miles and was never in the shop for any mechanical problem.

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  Crossfire Fun - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Don - October 2 - 7:43 am

  Bought the car as a week-end/fun car and it has exceeded my expectations. When I first drove it the car would get all kinds of "second/triple" looks. Now I have learned to ignore the lookers and pay attention to my driving.

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  If youre tall .... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PA Commuter - October 2 - 4:46 am

  We recently bought an 04 Pacifica. It is very pleasing to look at inside and out but there are some definite issues with the car. First, 250 hp seems like a lot but it is a bit of a dog with the AWD (15.3 mpg avg to boot, yikes!). Basically it is as fast as the minivan you are probably looking to replace, no better. Second, if you are over 62" pay attention to front seat comfort. The seats are a bit too firm for my tastes and dont go back far enough for me so unfortunately commuting isnt the pleasure I expected. Overall, I think the car is a good value as a used vehicle. Its pleasing on the eye inside and out. It just needs more power and a more comfortable driving position.

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  Chrysler 300 Hemi C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Ralph Cavalieri - October 1 - 11:37 pm

  What a great car. Awesome handling. Great power, and good mileage. This shows the benefit of the Chrysler- Mercedes marriage.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Zach - September 30 - 11:16 pm

  This car is a eye turner, and it performs just as good as it looks. The cup holder is a waste, needs a better location

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  Awesome so far, time will tell - 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
  By Peter - September 30 - 9:26 pm

  Uconnect system did freeze, reboot on us 4x so far. Everything else has been perfect. For the weight and class of this vehicle, acceleration from stop and handling is superb! Rear seats are more cramped than the town and country Id been in before, but thats understandable given the stow and go feature with batteries around and below.

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  COOL CAT - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kacz - September 29 - 11:56 am

  Definitely Fun to Drive. Roomy interior and beautiful exterior. Overall, a great buy for the price tag. To summarize its a classy car at an affordable price. You actually get a lot for your money. However, I must say that it took me awhile to get used to the transition from driving an SUV to the convertable. The children love driving in the convertible more than the SUV but its not practical for use on a daily basis. The children sometimes have many items that they carry to and from school, sports & other activities which we use the SUV on those days.

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  2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Len Petkun - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has been problem free. Very quiet ride. Great sound system.

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  best SUV on the road so far - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By nj - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Look at MDX smaller gas tank and less driving range and less room overall. Explorer Ford need I say more. BMW X5 no room Big Price tag.X3 what is it? Discovery, Finally it is no more. Land Rover LR3 great looking has all the goodies "its a wait and see" Giant Price tag!!(Ford, get real) MB MLs If I want to buy a Merc made in USA, Oh wait I got one its called Pacifica!! Mls are all made here and are no better than any other American made car. Don’t pay the extra for the label. Toyota and Lexus, same thing different tag. Great trucks but I think they think German only when they price them. Earth to Japan are you there?