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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  Diamond in the rough - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob Baxter - October 28 - 6:00 am

  I researched all of the similar vehicles on the market, regardless of price, and decided that the Pacifica was the best value for us. With all the amenities that it has, it feels like a luxury vehicle. I drive a Corvette in the summer, my wife drives an MR2 Spyder - we both love the way the Pacifica handles. Now, if it can just pull our boat this summer, we will call it a winner all year long.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By tjoy - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I loved the looks, but Ive grown to love it for many other reasons. Ive had it almost 3 years without even one minor defect or repair, which is important because I keep cars for at least 10 years. Cant say that about the Benz & Accrura Ive owned. The interior design and utility is top notch. Very roomy back seat and rear cargo compartment. Excellent handling and parking around the city. Ample power. Overall I can honestly say its the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Better than I imagined! - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By madscientist - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has been fantastic! We needed a vehicle to haul our new baby around and this was the perfect grocery getter with a punch! The turbo is a perfect addition and really completes the package. The 17 in wheels are great and the handling is taught yet forgiving. Granted its not the car you want for autocrossing but for spirited day-to-day driving (w/o baby). This is a great car. Cant wait for the first long road trip!

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kbern - October 27 - 1:50 am

  Exceptionally comfortable ride. Good cargo space. A lot of car for the money. Good engine pick-up. Very pleased with the quality of the vehicle. For being a small six cylinder it has very good pick up.

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  Superb all around - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tyler - October 27 - 1:42 am

  Got rid of my 2000 Honda Accord LX, 3 transmissions in 64,000 miles nothing but stress. I was very interested in buying Chrysler because of the power train warranty. I have not needed it because the Pacifica has been perfect. Driven it to Bend, Portland, New Mexico, Texas, Santa Barbara, San Diego and many other trips between. 38,000 miles already in 2 years and I have no worries. It is a great looking car in addition. Everywhere I go someone mentions how they like the design. Cadillac and Toyota liked it so much they copied it. I added a roof rack and a trailer hitch for the gear and bicycles for the longer jaunts where the Pacifica shines due to its comfort. Keeping this car forever.

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  Loving it - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By jblankenship9 - October 26 - 4:17 pm

  I just picked up the car the other day for 13,999. Couldnt have asked for a better deal with only 19,000 miles on it. Before I bought this I was test driving a 09 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, the crossfire could do circles around the Lancer with its great acceleration and handling. Love the six speed manual transmission paired with the 3.2 V6. Braking for the car is exceptional whether on dry or wet pavement.

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  I own two of them - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By 300 double owner - October 24 - 8:16 pm

  This is the only car in my life that I bought a second one of. Both are 1999 models and I bought them both used from original owners about 5 years apart. The most comfortable driving car I have ever owned by far. The same problems in both such as speed sensors going bad at the front of the transmission. Between the two cars I have replaced 4 of them. Over all I would call them very reliable. As of 10-09 one has 199,000 miles on it (and still going strong) and the other has 88,000 miles on it. A very stylish car. When I take cross country trips or any trips where I drive more than an hour I ALWAYS turn on the heated front seats. You would be amazed at how much better your back feels.

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  Fine example of German & American Tech - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marco Espinosa - October 23 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car definatly worth the buy, however were I live (Mexico City) the Pacifica (Fully equiped) cost me 45,000 USD. It was worth it, my Durango 2000 had nowhere near the gas milage and the pacifica is bigger, more comfy and very luxurios.

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  Happy Owner - first Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dag - October 21 - 1:40 am

  I bought this car for my wife as safety and cargo were two of the biggest concerns when we were shopping. I cant believe how quiet this car is when driving on the road. Our baby loves it and falls to sleep the second we drive off. The grip to the road feels tight and acceleration is smooth. The car does not feel large and also sits higher than a regular car (not as high as larger SUV). Gas mileage is adequeate at best and fortunately only requires regular. We now have 1,350 miles and are averaging 14.9/gallon. I hope it gets better as the car breaks in more. We know two other couples who have since bought the car.

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  2nd Aspen - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By rob94551 - October 18 - 3:48 pm

  This is our second Aspen. First has the Hemi. The new engine combo is slower off the line and the Hemi doesnt really kick in until high into freeway speeds, but the transition across the power band is smooth, and is fast enough. The smoothness of the ride hides the rate of speed increasing. The add on specials make the car a great value and a lot of small things are thought of (rear view camera), etc. Great sound system. Only thing I can think to complain about, if I had to, is the gage that shows if the engine is in electric, combo or power zone. The car is stable and corners well on mountain road downhills. The AWD helps with handling, and much improved over non-AWD Aspen