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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  Swiss Army Knife - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By wayne - January 7 - 7:03 pm

  After test driving a number of vehicles, I ended up purchasing the GT Turbo. The GT turbo has all the attributes that you find in a more expensive car, but most of all it provides for great flexibility. You can configure the interior to haul five adults and or items. It is extremely roomy in side, allowing entery into the vehicle ,with out whacking your head into the roof line, which is unlike other Chysler products. Contrary to other writers, I have obtained 20 miles to the gallon in the city, which I think is acceptable, for a 215 horsepowered vehicle.

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  My Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - January 3 - 10:50 pm

  The Chrysler Pacifica is really the only car that I considered buying when I began looking for a new one. It has great style, comfort, room and interior layout. My only complaint is the mileage compared to the EPA ratings. Not even close and Im definately not over accelerating this car. Aside from that, its a great car. I would recommend it to anyone but when asked what I dont like, I always mention the mileage. With gas prices at current levels, its not a cheap car to run.

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  Good but not great! - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Big Ski - January 2 - 11:16 pm

  Let me first say that I enjoy my car. Not sorry that I leased it. Im 12 months into a 36 month lease but I know that I wont buy once lease is over. I previously owned a Durango so the Aspen was a logical progression in staying with Chrysler. I love the luxury of the Aspen over the Durango (lots of cheap plastic in Durango) but the Aspen is not as nice to drive as the Durango. For some reason my Aspen feels sluggish at times. It also doesnt seen to handle as well as Durango. Aspens looks and standard equipment are great for the money. Ive gotten more for my lease dollar than I would have with Tahoe, Armada, etc. But Ill probably look at different SUVs once lease is over.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dennis - January 2 - 1:55 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 with 30,000 miles on it. I have only done expected repairs (brakes, tires, battery, timing belt, oil changes) and one unexpected repair (starter motor at 60,000 mi.). I think the Mitsubishi V6 engine has a lot to do with the reliability. I get 24 mpg combined with I think is pretty good for a 10 year old car. This has been a trouble free car. It now has 144,000 mi and the engine makes a little bit of lifter noise. People complain of the squeaks, but I dont think it is any noisier than other convertibles I have owned.

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  Mileage not that great - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By krissymom - January 2 - 5:35 am

  Never get over 18 mpg on highway, lucky those who do. I get the clumping also, and my pedal sticks (my 1996 Saturn did this also) how annoying. I love the style, the drive, the look. I wish that there were no console in the middle of the 2nd seats for ease of getting into the 3rd row-- my kids have footprints all over it.

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  Not too shabby - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By NewGuy - December 30 - 11:59 pm

  This is a fantastic vehicle for families. It has tons of interior room, rides very smooth, has gobs of power with the Hemi engine, and the MyGig system coupled with navigation and DVD is exceptional. The voice commands in this vehicle are the easiest to use of any Ive seen (several).

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  Love or Hate? - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Leon - December 30 - 1:38 am

  My wife and I fell in love with the looks inside and out on our 15th anniversary and drove it off the lot. We have noticed as others have (low fuel economy, bellowing noise with the back windows down, some obstructed view in the rear, but most of all look out at 45000 miles. Rocker arm repair will hit and with a short warranty period you are looking at $1300+ in repair costs. After some complaining about the pre-mature defect Chrylser helped out with the repair bill. Koodos for that. Now that we are going on to 50k we are feeling some trans. shifting issues, but could it be the lack of a warranty jacking with my mind. Over all to this point I like the car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By T Grabill - December 29 - 7:23 pm

  Lots of room. Love extra seats in back or fold for extra storage. Handles very well in curves. Accelerates quickly & smoothly. Adheres to slick roads like the car & road were one. One of best cars Ive owned!

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  I Disagree - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ron Pool - December 27 - 2:56 pm

  I have been reading some of the reviews on this vehicle and I am glad to disagree with a lot of the negative comments. I am sorry to read that some have had disappointing experiences but for me, I couldnt ask or more. Except for having a nis-aligned top, which the dealer quickly corrected, I have been blessed with having a marvelous experience with this little car. Gas mileage is poor but thats because of the turbo engine. Which, by the way, really scoots this little gem down the road. Ive had it leased for four years and now I intend to buy it out. Those who say the warranty is faulty have a bad dealer. Talk to the regional Chrysler rep. I like this car!

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  2005 Chrysler Sebring GTC Sun Fun - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Glenn Merideth - December 19 - 8:41 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Sebring GTC by accident, looking for a Chrysler 300, the cute little Pearl Firemist Red GTC grabbed my eye and my heart, and the rest is history. I live out in the boonies in the shadow of the Montana Rockies, and my car has performed flawlessly in temps from 110 to minus 35, always starts instantly, and has never had a mechanical problem of any kind. I have used Mobile One every 5000 miles since new, and it uses no oil at 50000 miles now. Has averaged 28 MPG with 90 % highway miles, and 22 in town, or with the top down on the highway around 20. Great comfort, looks and build quality. I plan on keeping it for the rest of my life. I would buy it all over again.