Chrysler Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.39/5 Average
7,767 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 3361 through 3370 of 7,767.00
  • No Problems - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    I have to say after reading the previous reviews I am struck by the fact people writing the reviews either seem to love or hate this automobile. I find it to be a fantastic car. More comfortable than my wifes E-class Mercedes, better features and far more reliable. I really cant think of a thing to say negative. Some others have complained about the MPG but, I find that a little silly. This is a BIG auto with a 250 BHP engine. What do you expect??? 17+ MPG in town is rather good. Great highway car, like riding a magic carpet.

  • Want Junk--Buy 2005 Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    Bad transmission from factory. As soon as we got home it leaked in the garage. Total miles on car 285.

  • Nice job - 2005 Chrysler 300
    By -

    Styling and handeling of this car are just great. The 18" wheel base adds to the comfort and performance. Hemi 5.7 gives the feel of a real performance automobile which is not afraid to take any challengers.

  • MY CAR - 2005 Chrysler 300
    By -

    THIS IS THE BEST CAR THAT I HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF DRIVING OR RIDING IN. I LOVE MY CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Pacifica 2-Year Owner Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    The 2004 Pacifica AWD is a very nice vehicle overall, from the fantastic exterior design to the very spacious and comfortable interior. This vehicle has been very reliable and a pleasure to drive for the past two years. This vehicle could have been rated an excellent vehicle by me, if Chrysler would have improved the following areas: Increase engine power add vision system to increase rear-view sight during parking improve awful vanity mirror lighting add durable cover to top of rear bumper to protect it from cargo damage Add identical upgraded 19-inch rim option for spare tire add video screen to dash for front passenger improved difficult 2nd row seating access to 3rd row seating.

  • Owner - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
    By -

    This is a great car. It has room for 5 and rides like a cloud. It is the 3rd convertible that I have owned. If you want a convertable buy a sebring, you will be very happy. This car has the feeling of driving a sporty car and the ride of a limo. There is plenty of trunk space, glove box is large, room under the arm rests. You will wonder how they found so much room.

  • pt cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
    By -

    With less than 200 miles this is probably not a real review, but I am quite impressed with the feel of the car when driving and the fun spirit of the appearance. I just gave up a 98 Corolla, which I loved but getting in and out became harder and harder as I age. I fingd this a very worthy replacement, which easily gets rid of the problem of climbing out of a smalll car.

  • Top shelf Chrysler! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
    By -

    This is the best car in the Chrysler line-up. Get the best German engineers have to offer and the bold style lines only Chrysler can offer!

  • Best Value Convertible ? - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
    By -

    Ive had my car for over a year and in addition to providing me with great summer entertainment, it performed formidably throughout a full Canadian winter. The car is beautiful, fairly economical, and the acceleration is smooth and quick. The single largest problem that this car has is body shake. It becomes especially noticeable when the top gets thoroughly wet. If the 2007 Hard Top will address these issues, I might re-think buying the convertible Solara.

  • Defective Rims - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
    By -

    I have had many flat tires since purchasing this car three years ago, mostly due to bent rims. Sebrings manufactured between 1997-2001 had defective rims, and a 33 million dollar settlement was won against Chrysler. Unfortunately the 3 year warranty is long expired and I have been forced to pay out of pocket. Also, one of the side door panels fell off for no reason, and black goo melted out of the door on really hot days.

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