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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  pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By janrnowicki - December 23 - 1:00 am

  I am 67 years old and have had many vehicles. The Chrysler Pacifica is the most beautiful comfortable vehicle that I ever owned. My wife had a back operation 7 years and comfort is very important. The Pacifica fullfills all the comforts that my wifes back requires.It even rides smoother than our 3 previous Buicks. The exterior and interior looks far surprass al other vehicles.

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  Love it! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jeanne G. Bleiler - December 22 - 10:56 pm

  I have only had the 300 3.5 V6 a little over a month, but must say I am impressed. I have driven it 2000 miles on all types of roads and love the handling. I am impressed with my mileage because much of my driving is 12 mi. short trips,but ave. over 23mpg. It continues to catch my eye as I see it in my drive way. This car knew my name and I drove by it on the lot for 4 weeks before buying it. Also I am happy with the V6, but then I am not a dynamic driver.

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  Pretty Good - 1990 Chrysler Imperial
  By Bill-B - December 20 - 4:57 pm

  Bought car with 69,000 miles for $2000. It now has 71,000 miles and has needed a waterpump, new hoses, rear brakes (rotors and pads), muffler, battery, and that is about it. It has pretty good pickup and will run with a 1994 Crown Vic till about 90 MPH. Very comfortable car on the staights but you have to take it really easy on the turns due to "comfort tuned" suspension.

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  With Correct Marketing, Its a winner! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ramzey28 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought about a month ago, this is a great concept. A good vehicle for someone getting out of a minivan. Loaded to the 9s. Smooth, handles well, quiet, responsive. Would like to see a 5 speed automatic, and rear sensors. They need to market this better and show the true performance of this vehicle. This out shines most of the competition.

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  PT Turbo Ragtop - Exactly what I Wanted - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Paul - December 19 - 11:30 pm

  When I first drove a PT Cruiser I wasnt sure what to expect. It looked smaller than I expected but drove larger than anticipated. The only disappointment was with the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder; it seemed to be underdesigned and my mind was changed...I decided that I would not buy an anemic retro- style vehicle. Then I saw the articles in the press about the (then) upcoming Turbocharged convertible and thought that it was worth another try. I preselected the most challenging road in Akron, Ohio near the dealership and took two test drives; one in a 2.4 cylinder and the other in the 2.4T. Finally I had found the car I thought I wanted from the start. Thanks Daimler-Chrylser, you made it!

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  Excellent - 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By E.C. - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new special edition with the two tone black/silver paint and red leather seats. Great car and the pricing was incredible. I looked at other comparable cars, but there was no way to get them under $13k, not even close. To me this car is a classic. The looks, performance, cargo space, build quality, and handling are great. Im also getting 25 mpg average, so no complaints there.

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  Overated and no resale value - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dwighthp - December 16 - 10:16 am

  I bought this GT June 2004 the sticker was well over $26K absurd for this car! While paying far less it was still way overpriced for a econobox. Resale value is abysmal! I decided to sell the car after 3 months of liking it and the next 6 realizing it was a poor choice. Those who claim not to have engine noise must have the stereo turned up. On the highway Chryslers poor insulation with elevated DB levels and wind noise. Shut the doors tin can sound. Besides the Leather seats interior trim materials are cheap. Engine warning light turned out be a wire upgrade with plugs no factory notice. My suggestion get a Subaru WRX if you want performance and quality in a small car.

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  Turbo? no way! - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Viviana - December 14 - 9:43 pm

  My first pt a brand new 2002, loved my car, had it for 7 years only two problems with it and we solved it fast,Now I have a new 2008 turbo and it has been at the dealership about 12 times, they cant find nothing wrong with it, they said its all normal, but it feels that you are riding on a tractor at the farm.gas milage is so poor,tire ligh on, the ratleling noise it makes, the squeaks andthe power seat handle broke off. Iam so upset that this pt is so sad!give me my 2002 back. Whats wrong with the people at the dealership?

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  Smiling in my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By David K - December 14 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica is a great looking car and a wonderfully comfotable car to drive and ride in. Seats 6 adults with great comfort. This car sits a bit higher then most cars but not as high as an SUV making it easy to get in and out of but still offering a terrific view of the road. The car handles really well and drives with a solid ride. Very classy looks both inside and out. The gas mileage is reasonable for this car (I am averaging 18mpg in city driving) but it could use a little more power.

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  My Thoughs - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Crystal Hannak - December 13 - 2:19 pm

  I love the Sebring Conv. its a great car and drives very nice. i will only drive this car for the rest of my life i love it. the only problem is its a lot of money but totally worth it.