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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  THE BEST EVER - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sweikow - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is so quiet and smooth and fits like a glove, went from a full sized Ford van to this and have had no trouble adjusting.

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  Pacific-a drivers vehical - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By luddysgal - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am a true truck and SUV driver and was not sure if I would enjoy a vehical which takes on many car like qualities. I, however, was greatly shocked by how I have quickly converted my way of thinking after driving the Pacifica. It is a dream to handle and adjust to what I am doing-loading my two large dogs in the back, driving a few friends, or just hauling stuff to work. I love it!

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  chrysler pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By norman b - June 15 - 10:00 am

  i would buy another

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  Love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By sweets - June 15 - 10:00 am

  After driving a van for 14 years this is a refreshing change! The Pacifica has great acceleration, a smooth ride, and feels substantial on the road. The rear seats are easy to put up or down, giving extra cargo room quickly. We opted for a navigation system and it is easy to use and accurate. Since it is located in the middle of the speedometer, and has voice prompts, it doesnt take your eye off the road.

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  Love my Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kgregg - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Pacifica. Ive had it for almost two months now, and I still cant wait to go somewhere so that I can drive it. My husband has a Mercedes E320 which I have always enjoyed driving, but now I enjoy my Pacifica even more! It is comfortable, fun to drive, and versatile for my family.

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  Fun Machine - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Peteylover - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Seems like everyone gives me compliments on my "Woody" Limited Edition PT Cruiser ~ its an eye- catcher! I just wish it came with a 6- cylinder engine ~ I previously had a Turbo-4 Volkswagen Passat and it didnt have any more get-u-and-go than my PT Cruiser so I didnt pay extra for the Turbo engine when I bought my Cruiser. My only disappointment with it is the lack of power, but I can live with it!

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  I adore my sebring convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By mmindas - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I adore my sebring convertible. It drives like its on rails-its luxurious inside, its beautiful on the outside (I love the pearlized jade color), the top is easy to take down and put up-I love the heated seat-the stereo system is wonderful. I cant say enough good things about my car.

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  I love my car - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By chryslerlover05 - June 14 - 9:46 pm

  I love my convertible. It handles the road smoothly.I get great mileage. I have a classic color. I love the wind in my hair!

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  Despite the reviews - I love my Sebring! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bill Warren - June 14 - 1:30 am

  Having owned 3 Accords prior to my Sebring, I was surprisingly pleased at how much I enjoy driving this car! I love the exterior styling and get many compliments on it. Granted ... the 4 cycl engine is a bit rough, but I find it very responsive and able to make a freeway entrance ... okay, noisily & not particularly refined when you floor it... but I have never wished for more power. The front seats are very comfortable, the handling is quite good & a good ride. I am always surprised when reviews come up short ... and I, personally, have had zero problems with the reliability of my car. Im really looking forward to seeing the new 2007 model ... a smaller version of the 300? Well see ...

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  05 sebring touring - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By j romerowicz - June 13 - 10:51 pm

  Great car to drive.Good engine ,steering, braking and it looks good. Had a 01 Chevy Malibu before. Stay away from those beaters.