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:
Showing 3381 through 3390 of 7,767.00-
Great Looking Car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By KenSwenson - August 13 - 10:00 amThe car is quite riding with solid construction. Nicely finished inside and out. Currently I have 7200 miles with no problems. The city fuel economy is a little less then I had hoped. Currently 20mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway.
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Love our Pacifica - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
By David - August 13 - 9:06 amThe car is super comfortable. My have has difficulties finding a comfortable driver and passenger seat in cars because of her lupus, but the touring l plus has fully adjustable power driver and passenger seats, the limited did too but the ventilated seats were too hard. Ours has the advanced safetytec package, and I highly recommend it.This car seems to help you monitor everything without be obtrusive or annoying. The rear seat entertainment system on the L Plus is great with games you can play, inputs to connect devices and ability to control rear climate settings.
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Carols convertible - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
By Carol Tyler - August 13 - 2:00 amOil is changed every 3000 miles, transmission oil changed as required, tires rotated and all papers saved in a folder (in the glove compartment) and all inf. entered in the book that came with the car. Each time I get new wipers etc. all inf. saved. Thank you for the report I will be receiving. Sincerely Carol
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pretty good - 2004 Chrysler 300M
By clem6 - August 13 - 2:00 amIts a good car but at $30k some of the details and quality are not great. Ive had several minor electrical problems. She runs nicely but sometimes the acceleration is sluggish. The car is also noisy and one of the door speakers rattles when the base is turned up. Its a good looking car that is fun to drive.
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Best Vehichle I Wont Buy Again - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By KJ Jons - August 13 - 2:00 amI bought this convertible purely because of the way it drives. The trunk is the largest of convertible trunks & a very usable shape. For 96,000 miles I have had vertually no problems: door lights quit working, electric seat motor quit, seatbelt covers came loose from seat. The Seabring is the best vehichle I have ever owned (ownership experience 8 autos), note suggested improvements.
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Great car, very fun & reliable ! - 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
By raindance74 - August 11 - 2:34 pmI bought this car back in 2005 with 160,000 miles on it. It now has over 250,000 and still runs strong. Its the base model without all the bells and whistles, and in the 6 years Ive owned it, I only had to replace the fuel pump. Ive never replaced the transmission or engine, and it get good gas mileage. When you remove the rear seats, it has more room than a truck bed. They did have a recall on this model year for the clock spring but I repaired mine myself and Chrysler USA reimbursed me for the costs and sent me a check (you can also take it into any Chrysler dealer for free to be fixed). Highly recommend this auto.
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A Real Cruiser - 1995 Chrysler Concorde
By saxman - August 9 - 2:00 amCar is very reliable, only a water pump died at 90k. Currently at 110k, and is too comfortable to trade in. Depreciation is heavy in the early years, so a good buy and hold after its 4th year.
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Great car/great value - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By Chris Marin - August 8 - 2:00 amI have enjoyed my first Chrysler product (previously GM)very much. Very sporty, luxurious (leather, sunroof, stereo), and very unique. I have never had so many people ask me about a car or complement me regarding my car before. Looks much more expensive than it is. Great road car and excellent mileage (30 mpg at 75 mph). Very smooth on the road and very responsive. Cant believe there arent more on the road. I would recommend it highly. Automatic stick shift is a hit with my teenage sons (and to me).
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Outstanding blending of the best - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By philipb - August 6 - 10:00 amOur Pacifica is a delightful combination of luxury (we got every option and then some) and functionality. Electronics are very functional and easy to use / learn. Temp controls effective for two different tastes. Very dog and child friendly! Great for family fun and weekend getaways, and still very stylish for stepping out!
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7 Years -- Still running great! - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By silas - August 6 - 2:00 amOriginal owner -- no major problems - normal maintenance (tire wear, battery replacement. . .) Will buy another when ready!
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