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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  MYCROSSFIRE - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By SUSIE - August 4 - 5:34 pm

  I love to drive my Crossfire with the top down .I get many compliments on what a "cool" ride it is.I notice a lot people looking at it and admiring it. I recently moved to Florida from Michigan (brrrrr)so I will be getting a lot of Quality "top down" time all year long.Ilove my shiny Black Ragtop!!!!

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  I was scared, but I bought it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Shelia Faulkner - August 4 - 4:09 pm

  I was not too happy with long list of recall items on the website for the 2004 models, so I searched other types of vehicles and noted they too had a long list. I had the car fully check before I made a final commitment. And after purchasing the Pacifica, I really love it. Its fun to drive, and doesnt feel like a mini van. There is lots of run for the kids, Im tall and both my sons are tall. Its good on gas, and look really nice. Im totally happy.

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  My daily driver for 2.5 yrs so far - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dr. Bob - August 4 - 9:30 am

  I have truly enjoyed having this car for the last 2.5 years. It is roomy enough to have 3 friends in, and it definitely has enough power when I need it. Im going to be keeping it until my 40th birthday (in 2010) and then may actually get another one as my 40th B-day present to myself. Im looking forward to the hardtop option coming out.

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  Midlife Crisis Solved - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Steve Sheets - August 3 - 12:19 pm

  Handles very well. Power on demand. All options except sat radio, and AWD. Nav system works great. Continental tires caused it to lead hard right. Tread depth half gone after 7000 miles on all 4 tires. Chrysler and Continental refuse to correct problem. Chrysler has issued 2 service bulletins about leading off. Had to buy new tires myself. Since replacing tires, no complaints. After changing all lubricants (engine, tran, diff)to Amsoil synthetics, hiway mileage at 60 jumped to 31.5, combo city/country 15 mile work commute mileage =24.8. MDS engine system works flawlessly so far. Parksense, rainsensing wipers, sound system, works great. Body styling turns heads. Makes you smile while driving

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  This vehicle has set a new standard - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Shawn Evans - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Every where we go in southern California, we get more looks than when I am in my Porsche. My wife and I laugh at all the attention the Pacifica gets. The vehicle is the most impressive vehicle I have owned, ever! The ride is awesome and quiet, the amenities are great. We make excuses to go places just so we can drive in the car! Honestly, I believe the Pacifica has set a new standard for SUVs and Mini Vans in appearance and luxury.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mhogston - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a new 2004 AWD for my wife and two kids. After looking at the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Quest, Toyota Highlander and 4-runner, Montero, we test drove the new Pacifia. After driving it, we bought it a few days later. Its fun to drive and very well designed. We are very pleased with it. It looks good and its very practial for kids. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a mini-van or SUV. It better looking than a mini-van and gets better gas mileage than a SUV. What a winning combination!

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  Nice Car - Needs some tweeks - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ARG - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall my wife and I love the car. Get lots of comments on the exterior design. Easy to get kids in and out of. However, have been slightly disappointed in the initial build quality. Have had to replace front ball bearings and lift gate mechanism with less than 3,000 miles. Expected more with this being the first true joint vehicle since the merger with Mercedes.

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  LOVE MY PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JORDAN - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE LEASED TWO JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES IN THE LAST SIX YEARS. THE PACIFICA THAT I NOW DRIVE RIDES AND HANDLES LIKE A SEDAN. THE OVERALL STORAGE IS GREAT. I REALLY ENJOY THE COMFORT.

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  Great little care - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By jscoach - August 3 - 8:26 am

  Ill probably trade it in for a hybrid, but I really love this little car.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kim - August 2 - 8:47 pm

  I have had my Pacifica for 3 years now and plan on getting another one in a year. I have had no issues except expensive High performance tires. Roomy interior, will get the extras next time like the dvd, and heated leather seats. even though I love the cloth ones they are great! I tell everyone I love my pacifica!! worth the money