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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  Real Wheel Drive - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By JoLu Timblin - February 25 - 12:40 am

  The only hesitation I had and basically still have is the fact that it is real wheel drive. I had much more confidence in front wheel drive in the winter. I have not put this vehicle thru the paces trying to navigate really snowy roads yet but I am hoping it will not fail me.

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  hot number - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By T. Gordon - February 23 - 11:43 pm

  This car is truly a good performance car...good acceleration, excellent handling and a favorite of the CHP I am certain...

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  TEXASPTREVIEW - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By rogertexan - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Only one small problem with car. Gas cap didnt seal on 3rd year safety inspection. Car rides well..the standard shift is fun, especially in the mountains. I am glad I didnt by the automatic. Seats are firm and the car is very responsive.

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  Go for it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Frank Diliberti - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I was excited right from the start,the great new shape took me by surprise.It was Kool! Then opening the door I found an even better surprise-the interior was outrageous, Sleek,futuristic,and well thought out, I loved it.From one side door to the other, The dash is beautifull. I thought i was in a 70,000 dollor car.

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  LOVE My Barney - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Shalley - February 18 - 10:00 am

  COOL-factor is over-the-top. Auto is little sluggish on green (hence the name "Cruiser"), but when going, really has pep. Int is totally retro & cool, & stereo sounds incredible. 20 Mpg nothing to scream about, but just a total blast to cruise around in. Cranberry color hard to keep clean, but put some effort, it is gorgeous. Nasty smell out of air cond sometimes, so watch out. Seems to be a "norm". Has SO much room in the back, cant fill it. Nose gets "dinged-up" easy, but touch-up paint ($12.95) takes care of that (or a bra at $150). So cute & totally trendy & awesome! Cant believe some people dont like the PT Cruiser.

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  Well worth the money - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Penny Dockter - February 18 - 10:00 am

  In the short period of time that I have owned the vehicle, I have taken it on several long road trips and handles beautifully. Extremely pleased with purchase. Recently got in fender bender with a camry, caved in camry on right corner panel, but did nothing to my car.Best 4 cylinder car that I have owned.

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  P T owner - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By hagarone - February 18 - 10:00 am

  We love our pt cruiser

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  Great car, if only frony end was better - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bobay - February 17 - 4:40 am

  After having the car for only a week, I noticed that it was pulling to the right after two visits to the dealer for repairs, all they really did was over inflate the front tires. Now I guess my tire warrenty will be voited for improper ware.

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  Love the car - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By fcryd - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my PT for its unique and functional styling and genuine fun to drive! The design concept of retro car and mini-mini van versatility is perfect for my needs. The upright seating position is a plus for stiff knees. Fit and finish are excellent and with the dual exhaust, running boards and detailing Ive added...its the coolest PT in these parts. Going for the Turbo!

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  Outstanding! - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By mlitning - February 16 - 3:39 am

  Outsatanding!!!!