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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  A Grown Womans Opinion - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By W. Robb - February 2 - 5:56 pm

  I love my red PT Cruiser. My husband & I own a bar & it suits both my business & personal needs. The ability to reconfigure the rear area from passenger seating, to dog transporter, to cargo areas make it PERFECT for me. I can afford most any auto made, but choose my PT Cruiser because its cute AND practical. Its nice to drive a car that does not look generic.

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  A Good Choice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Eric - February 2 - 7:30 am

  I drove the car because of its unique looks and the all wheel drive. After test driving a Rendezvous, Envoy XL, MDX and (last) Pacifica, I was amazed! The Pacifica hands down was the best looking and most comfortable of the group. Now, after driving it for 2 years, Im still impressed. The drive is almost sporty, I get 20mpg on a mix of city/highway driving and its only been to the shop one time (other than oil changes). The all wheel drive has been outstanding during our Minnesota winters and the heated seats (front AND back) keep everyone warm and cozy while listening to the awesome stereo.

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  Happy in my PT - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By WinDaddy - January 31 - 9:43 pm

  Ive got 106K miles now and havent had any problems with the car. Theres a slight clunking from the rear occasionally under hard cornering just recently started. I understand its worn suspension bushings on the rear, so Ill be replacing those soon. At 40K I installed aftermarket springs and shocks to improve the handling. A bit stiffer ride, but well worth it. I also installed a Borla aftermarket exhaust and AirRaid intake. It has a nice growl, and power is OK with the 5 speed manual. I would not like this car with an automatic. Just replaced timing belt- its more expensive than most- you have to disconnect A/C hoses and raise the engine up few inches.

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  I love my Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jwiesner - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is smooth, roomy, and stands out from the crowd.

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  Goodbye to the SUV - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By kittie5dogs - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun automobile I have ever owned! I have driven an SUV for the past 12 years and they have seen the last of me. At the tender age of 62 I decided that a convertible was for me and was I ever correct! I looked at the BMW as well as this Sebring Limited and theres no comparison and for so much less money! Love it!!

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  Almost 8 years old and a solid testament - 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
  By Father of 7 - January 29 - 12:40 am

  Great van, solid performance for a minivan. Great visability and great intrument layout. Loud road noise. No leaks after 110,000 miles. Getting 18mpg roughly in town. 4 doors makes life easier.

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  great all around vehicle - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kb9pvj - January 28 - 6:40 pm

  The pt cruiser is a great universal vehicle. The PT is quite flexible for storage with the removable seats. With the addition of winter tires, my PT was unstopable in the Chicago winters.

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  I love my car! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By JB3 - January 28 - 12:16 am

  Ive owned my cruier convertible now for a year, and have very little negative to say about it. I have the GT Turbo model, so needless to say, the performance is excellent. The handling is very smooth on the road, and the easiest car I have ever driven. The car is roomy, comfortable, stylish and still turns heads after a year. Four fit comfortably in the car, and there is ample leg room for everyone, front or back. The trunk is also roomier than I thought it would be. This is a well put together and thought out vehicle.

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  Car of the Decade - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Vinny - January 26 - 4:43 pm

  This is the best full size car I have ever owned or driven. It is a pleasure to drive. I look forward to getting in my 300 and driving to work and home. Long trips are a breeze making you wonder how you got there. Lots of luxury. Mines has leather seats. It is so practical I wonder how come all manufacturers do not use it in their cars. Steering is smooth. The vehicle rides very quiet. Visibility is improved if you adjust your power seats a little. smart move on Chrylser for combining with Mercedes. This car is a pure winner. Its a keeper.

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  PT Mania - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By CindyD - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Cruiser for just a little over three months and have a lot of fun with it. It is very good on gas, handles well, and drives better than some cars I have had previously.