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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  Cruisin Happily - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By PTn - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Only 1200 miles on the clock but a real pleasure to drive. Performance is more than adequate, fit and finish outstanding for a car in this class. With incentives and rebates, this is one of the best values on the road today.

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  Great Convertible - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By tom - September 24 - 11:46 pm

  Weve been on several 4K trips with this car, and it has been wonderful--- very comfortable and stable on long rides----top down is a blast!

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  happy and proud 300c owner - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By schesman - September 24 - 8:46 pm

  Love the styling and the solid feel of the chassis. Cant count how many people have come up to me to ask questions. Everybody is very excited about this car. Engine is smooth as silk and very strong. Tranny does its job well too. Seats, gauges, nav system and stereo are great. Small windows look great and I have no problem with the outward visibility. Negatives: Bins on front doors are made of really cheap plastic. I have a few interior rattles that are bugging me, but no more than any other car I have owned, including so-called quality benchmarks like Lexus and Acura. I have owned them all and this car - whether it is American, Canadian or German - competes strongly on all fronts.

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  very satisfied - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By db - September 23 - 9:13 am

  My wife and I really enjoy our Chrysler Pacifica. We traded in our Dodge Stratus to get our Pacifica and although they are different types of transportation we enjoyed our Stratus but the view that we get from our Pacifica is much better. We had great success with the Stratus and so far the Pacifica has by far exceeded our expectation. We have gotten between 25 and 28 miles per gallon depending on travel conditions. I would recommend this vehicle to any one. I would have liked to have goten the 3.8 that was offered in the 2005 but it wasnt offered in the 2006. I know the 3.5 offers more power but I dont tow anything and the 3.8 got better milage. I give the Pacifica 5 stars.

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  Super Car For Families With Teenagers - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By S. Fine - September 21 - 12:56 am

  Were so excited about owning this car! This Limited AWD Pacifica has it all. Beautiful exterior lines, with all the comforts of your family room inside. It handles so nicely around town and is especially fun to drive on extended trips down the coast of California. The DVD system and the integrated Sirius Satellite Radio are perfect for Mom, Dad and our two teenage daughters. You can plug your ipod right into the front of the stereo system via the A/V jacks too! Its a hefty, sturdy vehicle so the mileage isnt that great but it sure wasnt a deal-breaker. Any family of 6 or less should definitely look at the Pacifca!

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  PT Cruiser - Fun & Functional - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ES - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Good vehicle overall, but a couple of downers - low gas mileage (20mph avg); engine not super speedy (weak acceleration), has a blind spot on both sides of vehicle from about 3/4 back - easy for other vehicles to "hide" there and suddenly "pop" into view. Still, fun to drive & very practical while still looking sharp & fresh.

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  Love that cruiser - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By johnwstefan - September 20 - 3:10 am

  Had it for a year now. Still an absolute blast to drive. Build quality is exceptional for price paid. Nothing rattles or sqeeks. Seats are comfortable and interior is roomy. Really like how flexabile this car is and, obviously, how cool it looks. We still get stares!

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  Too Much Fun! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By dahlink - September 19 - 12:26 pm

  After stumbling across this car online, I did some research and discovered its pedigree, so I needed to test it out -) ...and was able to test drive a coupe, locally (private owner, no new cars available from dealers in WNY) and I was sold. I scored a gorgeous black roadster with 2-toned retro inspired seats on ebay, and the dealer delivered it within 10 days right to my door. It is so much fun it feels illegal. The navigation system was a little tricky, at first, but once you get going on it, itll take you door to door flawlessly. Fast, tight, solid and awesomely designed. 215 HP performs like 280. Its a BLAST!! Better than my brothers Porshe, better than my friends vette. I LOVE IT!

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  Totally won over - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Casey - September 19 - 9:58 am

  I have owned 2 Zs and thought ok Ill try something different. All I can say is that I wish I had purchased a convertible. I truly love my Crossfire and yes heads do turn.

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  you did it right - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By james - September 18 - 2:47 pm

  Has the look of a Pacifica with the room of a suv. Design similarities like the ribbed hood have crossed over from the crossfire. Handles well not sluggish and does not wallow like some big suvs. Will tow my boat as well as haul my kids their friends and the dogs. Am very happy with it.