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:
Showing 431 through 440 of 7,767.00-
1st pick after research - 2015 Chrysler 200
By Bret - October 17 - 4:57 pmThe transmission is very good though I have had to learn how to best use it. In drive mode traction control is present and shifts are geared to give the car its excellent fuel economy. Power is also accessible in D, but the transmission sometimes has to think about it. I have learned to put the transmission selector in Sport mode when I need responsiveness. I love the fuel economy. I love the power, especially in sport mode. Everything else is excellent.
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Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By Rainman52591 - October 16 - 10:00 amBest car I have driven! Pick up is unbelievable for a six. Styling is great.
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My Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By JEH1 - October 16 - 10:00 amI love everything about this vehicle. The Nav System is easy to use and read. Other exciting components are the DVD/CD, six CD holder, seperate radio controls for the rear pass., load leveling system, automatic tire pressure reading and automatic rear gate opener. It also has easy touch seat controls and memorizes the positions. 4 of the 6 seats have two level of heat control, and the rear passengers have seperate heat controls. I sound like a dealer, but Im not (Im a police officer in Maryland). My Pacifica is just fun to drive and it turns heads. I just love driving it and its extremely comfortable.
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What a Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Proud Pacifica Mom - October 16 - 10:00 amThis car is everything. I feel so in control of everything. Being short (52)the adjustable pedal control plus the driver seat settings allow me to easily find my comfort zone. I drive approximately 50-100 miles daily and dont experience any discomfort. My daughter wanted the DVD option and now rides in the back seat and watches a movie where ever we go. We also love the fantastic sound system. I went to purchase a Town & Country and left with the Pacifica. What a great deal.
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Outstanding vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Art Luttrell - October 16 - 10:00 amGranted,we have only had our Pacifica for 37 days, but weve had it long enough to say that it is the finest driving, finest riding vehicle we have ever been in-bar none. It is everything we wanted, and more. One interesting side note-it really seems to cause a lot of staring. If we pull up next to another vehicle at a street corner, more often than not, we notice people checking out the car.
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Top Down - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Charles Troeger - October 16 - 10:00 amMakes me feel young again. Gets lots of compliments
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Outstanding - 2015 Chrysler 300
By Scott G. - October 16 - 9:41 amI think this is an exceptional Sedan. Thick wrapped leather steering wheel, large leather seats and plenty of cargo room in the trunk. I look forward to driving this car everyday with its crisp handling, supple ride and near perfect engine/transmission combo. The base stereo in our Limited has more features and better bass response than any other vehicle we have ever owned. The rotary shifter does take a little getting used to, but is a non-issue and actually makes the center stack feel a little more spacious. This car certainly has its limits in the corners, but is far more nimble then given credit. Yes the transmission is programmed for fuel economy, yet it responds quickly to downshifts and will hold a gear when summoned to. If you do any mixed driving like me expect 27-29 MPG, if you drive strictly around town like my wife you will be in the 22-24 MPG range. If you drive hard, all bets are off and fuel economy should not matter to you. I am extremely impressed with the fuel economy for a car this big and heavy. Chrysler dealers are willing to negotiate on these vehicles, especially the RWD V6 models like ours and that just sweetens the pot even more. I was also impressed with its winter handling here in Michigan, it felt planted and traction was decent on really bad roads with the stock Michelins. I had Discount Tire put 4 Hankook iPike winter tires on my wifes car and we could practically conquer the world in this thing. Test drive one and you will be impressed.
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BEST CAR IVE OWNED - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By tom galvin - October 16 - 12:20 amI bought my PT pre-owned and loved it from the first second I drove it. The only problem I had with it was it dumped water in the back seats because of a/c but was covered by dealer. It holds up well in wrecks my daughter flipped it over going 60!!! That was the end for my favorite car but I had it 7 years and was planning on buying a new car anyways. It was a 5 speed manual, sun roof and loaded. It was great to drive everyday and I miss it.
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love this car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
By d heal - October 13 - 6:18 pmfor the money this car is one of the nicest cars to own and drive. looks as good as the high buck 4 seat convertibles.
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Best SUV - Ever! - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
By niv - October 13 - 11:45 amI usaully trade for a new vehicle annually. I traded from the SRT 8 Jeep to the Aspen. Although it took a several weeks I can now appreciate the third row seating, almost 20 MPG and the engineering improvements over Jeep.I may keep this one a little longer than usual...
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Chrysler 200 187 Reviews
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