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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  PT is best ever - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By dcentimark - June 1 - 2:00 am

  No problems, excellent seats, very happy

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  Wifes Selection - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dessping - June 1 - 2:00 am

  My Wife choose the Pacifica, a Great fit for her. Steering is very tight, with great response, seating is comfortable. The only negative is with 6 passengers, the luggage area in the back is very slim. GPS in dash is very easy to read and use.

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  P & Js Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pete-solo - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I am 50 yrs old and 63" tall and found this vehicle very comfortable to drive. I have the AWD with most of the bells & whistles (MSRP $38,500).I also get a lot of looks while driving, Im hoping because of the good looks of the car.When fueling the car I also get comments on how nice it is. When driving you can feel how heavy the car is, its a GOOD feeling of security but it lacks a bit in power.If it had a V8 it would be that much better. Overall, we (my wife & I)really like the car.

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  Just Test Drive It ! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bob schulte - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive drove all the brands, Toyota, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, et al. This vehicle has it all. The interior is exquisite and the desing perfectly refined. The first time I reached over to the passenger side door I could believe how wide this vehicle is. This is truly a leap forward for Chrysler. Quality, styling and road handling are superior to its competitors. The purchase value is awesome.

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  Fun to drive! - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By shanin - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I do not have one bad thing to say about this vehicle.

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  Surprisingly satisfying vehicle - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By flyboyleo - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had many company and personal vehicles. Chrysler products are usually well engineered but lacking in esthetics and somewhat cheap in the interiors. This car is very comfortable,well made,well fitted,nicely finished, spirited, and a lot of fun to drive all the time. I am quite impressed and recommend it highly.

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  W o n d e r f u l ........ - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By lfcaustin - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I waited for the 2004 to get the TURBO (it has a great pick up)and the leather and suede interior w/ the chrome package and I love it and always have people stopping me to tell me how great my car looks!!!!

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  Great Car - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Larryran - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Sebring Convertible is an exceptional car. I purchased mine in Sept 1997, and still own it. Tire life of the original Michelin tires was 75000 miles, and it has never needed an alignment. The replacement Michelins now have 50000 miles on them, and appear good for at least another 20000. The 2.5L V6 SOHC 24V FI engine gas milage ranges from 21 (city) to 31 mpg. Average road mpg is 28. Total maintenance cost has been from normal maintenance (oil, filter, 60000 mile transmission service, 100000 mile tuneup, and 3 sets of brake pads).

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  What we expected - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - May 26 - 5:23 pm

  The Pacifica, except learning to deal with some blind spots has performed at or beyond our expectations. Too new to have any problems, lets hope it stays that way, the car looks great, fits our family comfortablby and the extras, dvd player, etc. are welcome additions. We drove firends Pacificas and our has made us very happy with our choice.

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  My first love affair but on wheels! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Pedro - May 26 - 9:08 am

  Since I purchased my vehicle, it has worked in an excellent manner. I love how much space this car offers in its trunk! If you ever need more space, you can always fold the rear seat and get even more room! The stereo speakers sound nice and my stereo came with the AUX input so I can connect my phone to stream my Spotify playlists. The interior is gray so it can get dirty at times although I dont struggle with keeping it tidy. The only things I would have liked to see on this car would be better fuel mileage (I average around 24 in city and 26 in highway) and it can have loud cabin noise whenever I have to drive on train tracks. As for repairs, Ive only had to replace all my brakes since it made a screeching sound but if you keep it on constant watch, itll take care of you! Id recommend this retro ride to anyone and it even beats a Trax in terms of practicality in my opinion. Ill even want to buy a second PT Cruiser because it has been a reliable ride and I enjoy its practicality that the interior provides.