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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  Family car for older kids - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By David P - August 10 - 7:09 pm

  We have had the car for a week and used it for local and long distance travel. It is quite comfortable and the middle row console separates my kids (a great feature). Car like ride with high seating position trumps SUVs. Vehicle has a lower center of gravity than a minivan. Mercedes like suspension. This car exceeds the R Class for 25G less.

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  Owner - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ben Kermmoade - August 10 - 2:18 pm

  Although this vehicle was a gift, I feel it is a lot of car for the amount it was listed at. The car would have been more pleasing to the sight had the manufacturer added a little "class" to the interior design, such as the trim on the dash. It is a fun car to drive!

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  1 Fun Little Sleeper - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Troy Williams - August 8 - 3:23 pm

  I like this car because most people dont even know what it is. I call it the speeper. Its much faster then it looks! And it looks fast!

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  Good Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By hwy driver - August 8 - 1:51 pm

  I have had this car for 3 years now and put 140 miles a day on it driving back and forth to work. Im up to 110,000 miles now. Gas mileage has been good at 28 mpg. Comfort is great. Sound system rocks. Only issues have been some stupid electrical problems. Relay for blower heater motor went bad once and the Windshield Washer pump seemed weak in the winter time. Other than that its been oil changes, tires, and breaks.

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  Truth about the PT, from a real owner - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Wanabeeditor - August 8 - 12:40 pm

  Great car for the price. No unscheduled service stops or repairs after 27,000 miles. Just tire rotations and oil changes. It hugs the curves well on off ramps and loves to eat up 40-45 MPH curves with the cruise set at 55-60. The handling gives you a lot of confidence in the platform. Steering feel & effort is very good with a nice on center position. It takes very little correction to keep the PT in your lane. The engine is well suited at 150 HP to motivate our 4 speed auto PT just fine, low R.P.M. torque is pretty standard for a 4 cylinder car. Even the engine at idle sounds a bit retro which is nifty, but takes on a smooth feel/sound at speed. Hauls anything, great gauges and supp. seats.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By 1972DAWG - August 8 - 11:39 am

  Very responsive and fun car to drive. Better mpg than expected. Very good example of German engineering.

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  great quality for chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By heath - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We were tired of our ford explorer so we traded it in on a pacifica. The quality of this car is superior to other chrysler vehicles. It feels like a mercedes when you drive it. Fit and finish are very good. Its solid and stabile on the road. We thought about purchasing a volvo, but third row seating did not compare to this car, you can really only carry 4 adults, this car can carry six. Power is adequate for this size ca. Fuel economy is not great, although in line with other automobiles with the same curb weight.

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  great quality for chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Heath - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We were tired of our ford explorer so we traded it in on a pacifica. The quality of this car is superior to other chrysler vehicles. It feels like a mercedes when you drive it. Fit and finish are very good. Its solid and stabile on the road. We thought about purchasing a volvo, but third row seating did not compare to this car, you can really only carry 4 adults, this car can carry six. Power is adequate for this size ca. Fuel economy is not great, although in line with other automobiles with the same curb weight.

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  Great Car--Great Dealership!!! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By kimanddale - August 6 - 12:25 pm

  This is the 5th car that I have purchased (or leased) from this dealership, and it is the best! When I first heard that I might actually be able to afford a Mercedes Benz with an American nameplate, I ordered my state-issued "Crossfire" personal license plate. The performance is great, the fuel economy is wonderful, and I get excellent service after the sale. Mine is a six-speed, and that adds to the fun. The next stop is Biloxi, Ms, for a weekend of gambling...

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  Joes review - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joseph Critchley - August 5 - 8:16 am

  Comfortable to drive, easily adapted from six passengers to utility use. Roomy yet does not feel large when driving or parking.