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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  cant wait for lease to be up - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By linda - August 20 - 7:13 pm

  I purchased the Pacifica over a year ago. In the beginning it was nice. Gas has been an issue with it, also very little storage space. Not comfortable on a drive over 2 hrs. Warning lights pop up every time it is cold and my cruise control works 1/2 the time. It has been towed away at least 4 times in past year for lights blinking until battery dies, seat belt jams a lot, airbag light is on for no reason found by mechanics at chrysler. I get compliments on the looks of it but when asked how i like it I have to be honest and say dodge caravan is a lot better!

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  The best - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Cindy - August 20 - 1:16 pm

  The convertible PT cruiser is the best car to drive. It is a lot of fun and highly economical as well.

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  Awesome car!!!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By james - August 19 - 11:15 pm

  My wife and i bought our sebring convertible used with 15000 miles on it so far it has been the most exciting car we have ever had . i cant remember a time when i enjoyed a car so much . this is a wonderful automobile, fun to drive, handles great, super economical fun car with style. i have had chrysler products for years three myself and several owned by my family. keep up the good work .

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  Great Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Scott - August 17 - 6:52 pm

  We love our Sebring! I am 64" and fit in it with lots of room and the baby seat for my daughter has plenty of room in the back as well. It handles good and has a great sound system. The 6 has good power and it has a smooth ride.

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  bad wheels - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dougs - August 17 - 4:27 pm

  Other than continuous trouble with wheels, there are no other signficant problems. 3 wheels have needed to be replaced due to cracking, which results in continuous leeking of tires. Also, lines of sight are generally poor.

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  300M - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By charger srt8 - August 15 - 7:09 pm

  Very nice and stylish car. I have bought the 2004 300m special sedan and there were no warranty problems. It was very luxurious with the power sunroof, leather seats etc. It looks nice at the front and the interior but makes a lot of noise. We have almost 20,000 km on it had no trubles to drive it.

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  Great car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Kent - August 15 - 6:31 pm

  I bought my Crossfire this summer and have been very glad I did. The car was used but only had 2500 miles on it. It is one of the most fun cars I have every driven and handles fantastic. My gas mileage has been very good so far averaging around 21.0 which isnt bad at all. The Mercedes SLK engine is very smooth and willing to move and the six speed for the most part is smooth. The car is the sapphire blue color with the two tone leather inside which in my eyes is one of the best colors offered. It does get ALOT of attention no matter where I go. Being taller (6 2) I was concerned about room inside but that is not an issue although I am still trying to get the seat just right. Fantastic!

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  fun car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By jc neal - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I just got my new crossfire last monday. Ive had several mercedes, this one handles identically with my 92 500SL. I had a 92 stealth RT and the crossfire puts it to shame, on comfort quiet and of course the stereo. A fun, great looking car. Thanx to mercedes and chrysler for coming up with one terrific automoble.

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  awsome - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Eloy eam - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car for a 4cyl this baby really moves,as for the ride and handling im speachless.Great car good on gas, awsome on the highway. Need one eye on the road the other on the speedometer to avoid speeding.Great interio, lots of trunk space.

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  The best new middle-class SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By edgood4tune - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This uniquely-designed SUV is perfect for the mom who does not want to be labeled a "soccer-mom". And sporty enough for the wanna-be "macho" dad. However, this vehicle is versatile enough that it can appeal not only to a family but to singles as well as a two- person cohabitates. The Pacifica is sleek, but sporty; fun, but reliable. In fact it feels like a sports car with its quick acceleration. We highly recommend this vehicle for anyone looking for an affordable, sporty, economical, and attractive SUV.