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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  Great Car - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By RB - December 29 - 8:19 pm

  This is a great car - distinctive styling (not like those Tupperware- looking foreign jobs) and high performance and great reliability. Plus, its fun to drive and can take the sharpest curve at high speeds. Go Chrysler....GO U S A !

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  lhs - 1996 Chrysler LHS
  By Wm. Ferrioli - December 28 - 11:23 am

  nice car, runs great, interior nice, has plenty of power, lots of room and looks good

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  Excellent vehicle! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scott - December 27 - 3:12 pm

  I would start by suggesting that readers cast a critical eye toward some of these "reviews"--their validity is questionable. A few things Id debunk. First, Im 63" and have no trouble getting in and out or finding a comfortable driving position. My Pacifica Limited is my work vehicle and I bought it party due to its long haul comfort. I find no lack of interior storage. From the center console and door pockets to the glovebox and the empty Stow N Go compartments--theres considerable storage. Someone suggested that there is no discernible difference between the new Pacifica and the former Town and Country. Absolute rubbish--after spending considerable time in a previous gen van I can tell you that the differences are considerable. Youll notice the same sentiment from professional automotive reviews as well. Ive accumulated just over 4000 miles in 2 months and performance, fuel economy and ride/handling are excellent. I had questioned getting the 20" wheel and tire package but am pleased with the appearance. They also have no adverse effect on the ride/handling balance. The seats are comfortable in any position and stow quickly when I need to haul materials over people. Controls are fairly intuitive and my gas mileage has been respectable given my driving characteristics. My dealership experience was solid, there have been no problems so far and Id recommend anyone in the market consider driving a Pacifica.

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  Bravo Chrysler for a Value Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Shawn - December 27 - 1:31 am

  We bought this car new over my wifes continuous objections she wanted a BMW or SUV. Since we are not truck drivers and with two small kids, I decided on this car due to value, space, design and reputation. The car has served us very well. I would rather spend my money on something more meaningful than a stupid car especially since my kids have turned the back seat in to a drive- in restaurant. I love the gas mileage and handling even though I am a speed enthusiast at heart. The only repair on the car has been the break pads and we had a problem with the A/C that was fixed for $125. The foregoing is after almost four years and 29,000 local driving miles. You can not go wrong for the money.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By JDH - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is an absolute joy to drive. The head-turning quotient is just incredible, and its still the coolest way to get around on an 80 degree day. Heated seats are a nice touch in the winter, and the V-6 pulls just enough to get up and go.

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By shirleym - December 26 - 10:00 am

  A classic stylish look and strong appearance on the road, this vehicle is an attention-getter. The interior says you are special with leather enveloped steering wheel, controls that put you into the 21st century. A navigation system (optional), 6 CD-DVD (optional), and FWD or 4WD. With the click of a button you can be driving a standard or an automatic, very clever. The bonus is knowing that Mercedes had a hand in building this dream ride. Test drive one and you will be sold.

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  I hate SUVs, but... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sssdfg - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I would never even test an SUV - thought they were too high and way too ugly - but saw the Pacifica in a showroom, took it for a spin, and got hooked. Fast. This is the best set of wheels Ive ever had!

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  a great and fun to drive and own - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Charles Wilson - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Not only did I want this car before it was out, first time I saw it in a magazine, I wanted to own it for the rest of my life. This car will be here for a long time because the design and stlyling appeals to both young and old. Not to mention very affordable.

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  Regular Folks Mercedes - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Mistie Rich - December 25 - 5:03 am

  Drives like a Vette, hugs the road, plenty of pep. Really is a stand out car, truly exciting. The car has the Mercedes drive line and is quality all the way.

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  So far so good - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By darthvader - December 25 - 3:40 am

  This car is answer to your mid life crisis dream or your first (and be last) roadster. This is a keeper, I have had several sports cars over the years and this is my so far favorite. For a drop top the ride is smooth and stable. For a roadster the comfot level is tops. Storage is tight as with all 2 seaters. Love this car, the reaction on looks is mind blowing from all age groups.