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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  Pacifica Chrysler German engineered SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By annneil - November 10 - 10:00 am

  A very solid,quiet, and safe midsize body, handles, steers & brakes well. Responsive and fun to drive compared to my Lincoln Navigator. Quiet ride on chair-height comfortable seats. Top safety ratings. Exciting yet practical for Minnesota country estate living. Big, high, wide wheels and tires for snowcovered country roads. More people should know about the outstanding German engineering qualities of Pacifica not found in other cars.

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  Impressively Stylish - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bernice Caldwell - November 9 - 10:00 pm

  After driving around town a couple of months buldging out eyeballs of onlookers, I decided to take it out on the open road to see what it could do. I drove to Las Vegas from Orange County in 3 hours on a Saturday after work. I was impressed with the fuel economy on the open road. The comfort was undeniable and the sound system was delightfully entertaining and rich. The dash and all the information it had to offer was quite wonderful to tinker with while driving. At 120 mph my car felt as though it was gliding at 70 mph. Responsive and nicely equipped, my 300 Limited is one smooth ride. The beautiful jade pearl color and impressive style will last years to come. Sturdy as she goes. Hot car.

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  Class Act - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Pat - November 6 - 9:06 pm

  I bought the first AWD version to be found in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and have now owned it for 6 months. Handling is very smooth. Acceleration is a bit slow at low speed but quick and without hesitation after that-- similar to that of the Mercedes line. I show toy dogs and have found the trunk space to be ample for a crate dolly, tack box, folding chairs, and luggage for hotel trips. Dog travel in crates comfortably in the back seat and the rear air is nice for them.Trip odometer tends to stick and refuse to display the mileage at times.

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  Perfect Choice - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Crossfire Fan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Newly purchased, and I love it! Great fun to drive.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Alex Alkhazshvilly - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have bee very happy with the overall performance of this vehicle. Although I am a large individual i ahve had no trouble being comfortble in this car.

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  GreaaaaTTTTTT - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Daren - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is really Great. I am a short driver and find the seats very comfortable. Gas mileage is not the greatest but is good. The wind noise could be reduced when at high speeds. They really should upgrade the sliding drawer under the passenger seat.This car has great pickup and does very well on the highway. I have had no trouble with the mechanics at all and have spoken to many repeat buyers who say the same. I would recommend this car if you are looking for something fun and sporty to drive, But definitely get the TURBO

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  New Chrysler Owner - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By videomic - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Went looking for a family sized car, but wanted to stay away from the "Mini- Van" appearence and we found the PT cruiser. A very spacious interior with distinctive styling at an affordable price. Moderate gas mileage (ours is averaging 25 MPG) and is comfortable to drive.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By JETT52R - November 4 - 2:00 am

  GREAT FUN CAR. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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  Too Fun! - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By John Kibler - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Lots of upgrades available Lots of performance!

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  Driving Fun - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Roger Marshall - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is all I asked for in fun driving. Quick and agile with great suspension. Could be faster with turbo but who wants the tickets?