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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  what i think - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By _chip_ - August 17 - 10:00 am

  So far so good had 1 small problem car had a leak from the sun roof dealer fixed picked up dealer items on e-bay (cargo net). I dont like the feel of the breaks.

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  The Silver Ship - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Ladyrose - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the most beautiful car I have ever owned.People give me the "thumbs up" or remark "what a beauty of a car- enjoy it". I am proud to drive such a well designed car, with clean lines, the look of luxury, the feel of deserving every moment, the enjoyment of the attention!! The Limited is built for ladies- get yourself one as soon as you can!!

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  300 Touring - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Monte Bennett - August 17 - 10:00 am

  The best luxury sedan for the money. Great ride and performace. More rear leg room than any vehicle in its class. Vehicle gets a lot of stares and questions. Free Sirius radio for one year.

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  chrysler pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By li yang - August 16 - 4:08 pm

  This car is a really fun and comfort.The reason we bought is that it can use for long distance travel to somewhere. The reason we choose pacifica is that its fuel effiency.

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  My Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By homer - August 16 - 12:07 pm

  Look me Over but please dont touch is how i feel about my Chrysler. And thats what I get. A lot of lookers and nice car. What is it ? I drove the 300 in the sixties and now in the 21 century. What a car. Nice to drive and I feel very safe with all air bags the electronic steering system and the AWD.I drove big brother the Mercs and yes a little softer ride but thew 300 is great. If I have one comeback it is the navagation system, for $1400 it could be a lot more and the car arrived with a data disc three years old in development. The tires are not wearing as they should I am getting 1/2 tread todate and only 15000 miles no help from the dealer or the tire manufactor "Contintal.

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  Fantastic - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Hemi - August 16 - 10:55 am

  Who would have thought this former Cadillac driver would have bought the car of the year! I just love it. It sits high and the front windshield blocks the sun. People stop me and ask about the car. Of course I rave. I love the ad that said, "Let engine cool before kissing!"

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  2nd 300M - 2003 Chrysler 300M
  By Jean Pierre - August 15 - 11:35 pm

  Traded my 1999, 300M for a 2003,300M. The reliabilty of this car makes Consumer Report lies, it is still excellent after almost 2 years and 40K. Considering the size and power of this car the gas mileage is good. Great fit and finish. Good handling and fun to drive. Inexpensive parts and servicing.

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  Dont Buy American - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Rhodes - August 15 - 4:20 pm

  I so want to support American-made cars....but when the builders dont support the buyers...there is a problem. HOW TO CLEAN THE SEATS: Use Woolite Oxyclean Spray...it removes all stains and makes the seats look new again. Ive had this car at the dealership too many times (thank God I have a warranty). Would not recommend this car to consumers. Overpriced new...and taking a BIG chance buying it used. Lastly, its a gas guzzler.

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  Lexus good looks, without the cost! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scott S - August 14 - 10:38 pm

  After my wife and I were deciding between a Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, or another Ford Explorer, we found the Pacifica at the Chicago Autoshow. It doesnt have the best gas millage of the bunch, but its way better than my 2000 Ford Explorer AWD. (13 mpg) I drive aggressively, but manage to get 19 mpg around town, and 23 mpg highway. I told my wife I would only get it if we bought the Limited. I didnt like the flat black plastic lower panels, plain interior. The Limited really adds some class to the car, and after comparing it to my friends Lexus RX330, I think its as good of styling and I paid a lot less! The Pacifica Limited FWD is a great looking car that is a pleasure to drive!

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  Been Very Happy - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Been Very Happy - August 14 - 11:02 am

  I bought my 2000 Sebring JXI new. The vehicle is now 6 years old and has 84,000 miles on it. I am very particular, changed the oil and filters religously. The car looks and runs like it just came off the showroom floor. I have changed the brakes and rotors, battery, serviced the trans and cooling system, basic maintenance you expect to keep a car purring. The only problem I had was the sensor on the trans failed which was under warranty. The wires connecting the rear defroster failed several times, so I gave up on that. The sun visor clips broke several times, no big deal inexpensive items to replace and change out easily. The sound system is excellent for stock. Love my car. I recommend.