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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  WE LOVE OUR PACFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ROGERB - June 18 - 10:00 am

  After we test drove the pacfica we liked it very much. After we bought it we loved it! The ride is super and the handeling is outstanding. The fit & finish is very good and the paint is flawless. I am comparing this to a 2001 Chrysler T&C limited that we are very happy with and still have. It may be slightly underpowered but not enough to worry about. We think this "whatever" is a winner and offers good value for all you get. I dont think there is a better "whatever" out there.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Karl Nelson - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Rides & handles great, and very quiet.

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  fun to drive - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By warrenza - June 18 - 2:40 am

  This car is fun to drive...especially when the weather is nice and the top is down. Youll also get plenty of compliments. Fuel economy is quite good (I avg. 27.1 mpg), the seating is ample for four adults and the ride is quite good but could be smoother on the bumpier roads. Only complaint here is that in the one year I have owned the car, I have had to return to the dealer on three occasions to repair 6 minor items. The quality control needs improvement.

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  I love my Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Linda Roman - June 17 - 11:10 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive as well as looking great. We travel often and this is the most comfortable vehicle I have owned in years. It handles like a sports car while having lots of room for people and cargo. When it comes time to get and new car, I will definitely get anothe one.

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  One of the Best Vehicles I Have Owned - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Hutchmonkey - June 15 - 2:00 pm

  The PT is one of the best vehicles for the money that I have owned. Road noise is minimal, with no vibrations, rattles, etc. The interior comfort is adequate, with lots of headroom and leg room. I am 6ft/260 lbs. and am very comfortable in the drivers seat. The only problem I have had was a "skip" in the engine - the dealer replaced the plugs and plug wires (free) and that took care of the problem. Gas mileage averages 28-30 highway and 19-20 city. The best feature is the versatility of the cargo space. I do clowning/magic shows, and the storage space allows me to carry all of my props with easy access. Distinctive body style also appealed to me. This has been a wonderful car!

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  Driving my Its the Only One In Town Baby - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By rocket83402 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute joy to drive. Cornering, and handeling are excellent. Long trips are comfortable. Rides is smooth for a Sports Car. Real eye looker. Not alot of cargo room, but heck i didnt buy it for that. I love it.

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  A Drivers Car thats worth every penny - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Campfire - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a drivers car, it will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. It rides and handles like a Mercedes-Benz, thats because it is except for the body and price. If your looking for the fastest car on the road then this car is not for you, but if you are looking for a car with plenty of horse power that can do 155 MPH and arive you there in style and comfort, then take a good look at the crossfire.

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  More Power - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Actuary962 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  It is not as fast as my old Audi but it does ok. Needs more power for getting on the highway. It does handle well, but you can feel the weight in a hard turn. It gives you a very safe feeling. My wife loves it because she sits high but it is easy to get in and out.

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  Stylish and Functional - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By HenryS - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica is comfortable with practical features like a van but has a sense of safety with a wide stance, a low center of gravity and a solid ride like a sedan.

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  Attention Getter - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bags2003 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  We recently purchased the Pacifica after experiencing a roll-over accident in a GMC Envoy. We targeted this vehicle because of a lower center of gravity, thus less likely to rollover. Just returned from a 2100 mile roadtrip and was very pleased with the ride and performance. MPG was higher than expected. Many looks from curious people seeing it for the first time. Very impressed so far.