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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  NA - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Miguel S. - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is roomy, engine is quite and smooth ride on highway.

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  The Best we have ever experienced - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By The Brazzles - March 12 - 2:20 pm

  We have had our Pacifica since Mothers Day 2004 and it has been exceptional in performance and comfort, we will buy another at some point....

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  Fun PT Cruiser Convertible - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Wm Mangano - March 12 - 1:33 pm

  No doubt about it, this car not only performs well it looks good doing it. I have owned many new cars, and by far this is the most fun to drive.

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  All Around Luxury and Performance - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By zippittydodah - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased by the luxury, performance and value of this car. Such a sharp looking car, with all the amenities and great performance, plus six truly comfortable bucket seats! So much more for the same price as European SUVs!! Its really the best kept secret around. Chrysler should advertise it more, because it has so much to offer for the price, including a top notch safety and driving experience. This is an amazing contender!

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  2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Noullet - March 12 - 2:00 am

  The only gripe I have so far is the 4 speed transmission. It should have been a 5 speed. Other than that, Im really happy with the vehicle.

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  Best Chrysler Built to-date - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Plademan - March 12 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Pacifica for the first 1,000 miles, Ive got to say that this is the best vehicle that Chrysler has produced to-date.

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  Best Car of its Class - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By frecksdodan428 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is definately the best car of its class, with amazing comfort and an outstanding engine. I would recommend this car over, lets say, the Lexus RX330. Remember, price isnt the main factor.

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  Great Compromise - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Go Blue 74 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  We had 2 mercedes: the E-320 and the ML-320 (plus a pickup). We wanted to simplify our life by replacing the 2 mercedes with one car. We wanted a car-like luxury SUV. The Pacifica fills the bill very well. Overall quality is better than the ML and less than the E. Our son (with advanced degrees in art and design) says this is the best looking car we have every bought. I agree.

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  Show-stopper/Head-turner - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Anna - March 10 - 7:10 pm

  Although it is not the Hemi, I feel that it still has enough power to get you where you need to go and in good timing. It has been one of the better looking vehicle I have ever purchased. I am a Chrysler fan, being that this is the 6th one since 1980. This car is very roomy and the design is one of the best. Handles the road well.

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  200s 6 cyl loaded. I Love This Car! - 2016 Chrysler 200
  By Mike F - March 8 - 9:47 pm

  This is a great car. I have 23,000 miles on a 2016 model. Plenty of power. Interior with leather looks great. No mechanical problems at all. The only time I notice the CVT transmission are when starting cold and just the first shifts from park. Performance on the road is excellent. You can accelerate out of any situation and it sounds great doing so. I would have gotten the all wheel drive for the added performance and because the car is worth the investment.