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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  Fantastic ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JMA - May 31 - 8:10 pm

  We bought our AWD Pacifica last March in order to get to our new house in the Catskills. Its a fantastic ride. Styling and quality are the best Ive seen in an American made car. Last weekend we had our first AWD test with heavy snow at night and a deer jumped out in front of us - the AWD worked beautifully and slowed us down without skidding. The navigation, heated seats and power lift gate are all phenomenal. A little more engine power and better side and rear visibility would make this a continued best seller for Chrysler.

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  cool ride - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By brenda - May 31 - 11:04 am

  Best Vehicle I have ever owned. Great gas mileage, confortable ride and plenty of room. I would recommend this car to anyone who needs a sedan type vehicle. The only one small complaint I have is the sun visor clip has broken 4 times now...there should be a recall on this piece.

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  Too soon to tell - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Allan b - May 30 - 9:53 pm

  8/2017 update. Oil change was straightforward. Oil filter is on top of engine instead of underneath. Tows my 14 foot fishing boat smoothly. Added weathertech floor mats to match interior. Only issue is radio (sound and presets are acting wonky). Dealer is waiting for new radio to come in (backordered). Spreading a wide net for a good deal. Dealer added nav, wheel group, inflatable spare, tow group, locking lugs. First minivan. First Chrysler. No problems. Ten days in. washed it already. Seen 33mph on freeway.

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  Great little car. - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By w.r.vesely - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is just right for a working man with tools.

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  A Mercedes with a Chrysler Badge - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By William - May 28 - 10:00 am

  "Refreshing" would be a good choice of words. Purchased our Pacifica in Oct. 2003 and went thru a normal winter in the northeast. The vehicle drove under winter conditions as if it was mounted on rails.The vehicle is rock solid and has the handling & feel of a Mercedes M class SUV.Our fuel economy has been acceptable for a 4000lb.+ vehicle. We are consistantly experiencing 17 mpg local and 22+ in highway with 10,280 miles The V6 delivers ample power.A bit more touque would be helpful. The plush interior, premium sound system, advanced nav.system, high intensity headlights,& power equip.are well engineered. A "Mercedes" with a Chrysler badge & price.

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  Pride of Ownership - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Anemone - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We just purchsed a AWD Pacifica, and we get wondeful comments from everyone we see. Some have never seen it, most have admired it, something that never happened with our Previous car a Honda Accord. Sitting in this car makes you feel like a million bucks, without spending it.

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  Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KellieH - May 28 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. for a family of 5 it is great! rides nice handles great.Love the fold down seats. Kids love the DVD. Has tons of options and a great car for the price

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  Fun To Drive...But - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By cpcllc - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I have found wrong with the GT model is the front end gets out of alignment real easily. Ive asked the dealer and the alignment people what is wrong and they just say that "you must be hitting some railroad tracks or holes in the road" which, obviously, exist on almost ALL roads. I purchased a lifetime front end alignment package for $125.00 which should take care of the cost from now on. I still would recommend the GT model.

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  Fun Car to drive - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RB Guru - May 28 - 10:00 am

  It is so much fun to drive, I only purchase the basic but I have added a few chrome to it at it looks so much better. I am thinking about buying a second one for my wife.

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  pt cruiser woody 2004 - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By topper - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is beautiful add the woodgrain and its awesome!! i have the almond color(best combination with woodgrain pkg)its a blast to drive everyone waves at me gives me the thumbs up !!its loaded with all the toys!chrysler has come along way since the junks they produced in the 80s i was afraid to buy one again but consumer reports gave the pt and excellent review chrysler had to get their act together way too much competition out there!i give the car a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10