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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  Went for a Jeep - Bought the Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By S.Harris - October 9 - 11:40 pm

  After owning my 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee for 7 years and loving it, then trying the truckish Explorer for several years, I was ready to go back to a Jeep. In the showroom was the Pacifica. After test driving, I was sold. As large and roomy as it is, it drives and handles like a dream. The gas mileage isnt bad either (about 18+ per gallon, better than the Jeep and Explorer, for me anyway). Getting a tow hitch installed proved to be the most frustrating, but its done now. Other than regular maintenance, I only had to take the Pacifica in one time to fix one of the power seats. That was almost a year ago.

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  Have the "base" LX and its great! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joe Frost - October 8 - 6:22 pm

  Im at a point in life moving from performance vehicles to a minivan and....Ive gotta admit, this is a nice vehicle. Super comfortable, easy to drive, good on gas, and...dare I say...even a bit sporty in the curves. Pretty good looking too! Very pleased! Update 3-17, After 5,000 miles and winter I can say....Im getting 30mpg on the highway or a bit more and its decent in the snow too. Still loving it!

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  great car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By mrsgreen - October 7 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car because i previously owned a 99 conv. if it hadnt been so run down i would have kept it. one of the nicest vehicles i have ever bought. i know people who only buy foreign, but with this vehicle you get alot for your money. the gas mileage has improved, the ride is nicer and overall, i would buy another one.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dianaj - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my third PT. I kept upgrading till the convertables came along. Love It!

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  BEST CAR IN 48 YEARS - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By GenrLedger - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I STARTED BUYING CARS WHEN I WAS 17 YEARS OLD. TRUE TO FORM THE EARLY ONES WERE QUITE USED AND LEFT A LOT TO BE DESIRED. I STARTED BUYING NEW IN 1962. NOW AFTER 42 YEARS THIS IS THE BEST AUTOMOBILE I HAVE EVER OWNED. STYLE, COMFORT, ECONOMY (YES-ECONOMY - YOU DONT HAVE TO USE ALL 8 CYLINDERS ALL THE TIME) AND FUN TO DRIVE. I THOUGHT THAT MY 83 MERCEDES OR MY 88 BMW 735IL WAS GREAT...THIS IS EVEN BETTER. WHEN I SEE AGUY IN A NEW BENTLEY CONVERTIBLE (WITH THE TOP DOWN) STARING AT MY CAR, I KNOW I HAVE MADE IT. THATS MY STORY AND VERY HAPPY WITH IT

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  Gas mileage is great! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Sam and Linda - October 6 - 10:03 am

  We get 23-25 mph with air conditioning. We get 30+ on the highway. Plus, if a car cuts in front of you the PT is so easy to maneuver yet it hugs the road. We feel very safe in the car and its look is wonderful. We both love the PT so much out next and next and next car will be a PT Touring. Just wish we could get the Bright Blue color again. Hear its not available any more!

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  Owned for nearly 3 Years Now - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By DK67 - October 5 - 11:13 pm

  I have not had it into the shop for anything except oil changes. Yes, the transmission occasionally (rarely) jerks in low gears 1st or 2nd, but not a big deal. It rides great on highway. I have the 4 cylinder, so its not super quick, but it gets up to speeds fine and doesnt feel bogged down except for maybe when you stop and start a lot in city with AC running. I would have gotten the 3.6L if it was my only car, but it was a second car I bought to use as a daily driver. The 2.4L is fine for me. The looks, features and interior are good for the price. I dont know why people have trouble getting in, Im 62" and I dont struggle at all. The only interior rattle Ive had is from the sunglasses holder, which I fixed with a piece of stick on vinyl to eliminate the plastic on plastic rubbing that was occurring. If you want to compare it to a luxury sedan, yeah, its going to lose. Its also half the price and still performs great for a daily car. I purchased mine with serious rebates, so I paid only about 2/3 of sticker price, so Im very happy with it. I have leather, heated seats, cruise, rear camera, blue tooth, touchscreen, usb, power seats an much more for under $20K. I also own a mint condition 2008 CTS, yet I dont feel like Im slumming when I drive my 200. I think Chrysler is making a mistake discontinuing these. My wife drives a loaded Chrysler Town & Country that has had several issues, but the 200 has been problem free. I have no plans on getting rid of it as it looks and rides like new.

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  Going Home in Style - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RetroMan - October 1 - 6:16 pm

  I was hooked on the style of the PT even before it came out so I guess I was pre-sold. But it took me 6 years to get one since I needed the size my old Mopar van had. Now I have my PT and I love it! Sure, its a base sedan with just an automatic and A/C but it has all the toys I need and corners sharp and my teen-age grandson thinks its "cool". Im a "husky" six-footer who finds the headroom generous and the legroom more than adequate and can reach all the window/stereo/HVAC controls without stretching. Gripes? Well, it could get better mileage but it weighs 3100 lbs (a Z-06 Vette is only 700lbs more!). It reminds me of my old PV544 Volvo: same handy size, same old-time looks, same swagger!

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  The whole truth and nothing but... - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By susieqt - September 30 - 4:56 pm

  Ok so here is the truth about my 2007 convertible pt cruiser base model black. I bought the car brand new in 2007 and just recently traded it for a Nissan Maxima ONLY because my family complained we needed more space. I loved the car and wish I could have kept it too! pros: fun, cute, no mechanical issues ever cons: not much room inside, bad on gas.. i did have a tear in my carpet which is odd it was barely driven... and my visor broke off one morning just simply opening it, guess the plastic was cold. For the price its an fantastic little car! I bought it at 27 years old and was so much fun. Now it was to hold my son and husband... just not enuff space.. but I will miss the "turtle"

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  I love my 300 C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Janet P - September 27 - 12:53 pm

  This is actually my 3rd Chrysler but my first 300 Series. I find it to be an excellent vehicle that really meets my needs. I love the roomy, comfortable interior, the great sound system and the smooth drive. I also love the looks and comments I get from others about what a great looking car I have. I am a very happy customer. Chrysler vehicles have always made me very happy. I went away from Chrysler and have come back because I feel you get great value, great vehicle and great service.