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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  Too many issues - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By KnightKF - August 24 - 2:08 pm

  I got this vehicle while I was pregnant thinking it would be a good family car. The paint was chipping from the beginning and the dealership refused to fix it. Had to have the gear shift replaced because it got stuck in park. I have had multiple issues with the power windows, and and power seats. Recently I was in a wreck and the passenger side was hit and the side curtain air bags did not deploy. I will never own another Chrysler vehicle.

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  Second 300 - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By caseykrz - August 23 - 3:27 pm

  Love my 300. I had a 1996 300 that I really enjoyed but I did have some trouble in the winter since my area is very hilly, and I must drive when it snows. So I did not think twice about trading it in as soon as payed off so I could buy the awd model. It has been great! My fuel mileage only went down by a hair over 1 mpg and it is great in the snow.

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  Love my car! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sylvia - August 21 - 2:07 pm

  I purchased the car brand new. It drives extremely well. Had to replace back struts and battery after 8 years of driving. Love the car. My only complaint is the ceiling is a little low for the taller people in my family. Id purchase the same care again, no problem.

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  Worst car ever - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By the worst car ever - August 21 - 7:10 am

  I bought this car in October 2004 thinking wow this car looks so nice. And needles to say, it only looks nice. Ever since I purchased this car my bank account has dropped drastically. Front end changed 2, motor oil magically disappearing, rear cross member completely shot, this creating a nice 5k bill not including the new back tires. Front suspensions changed 4 times, Rack and pinion change both sides over 4 times. Now that I only owe one month to the bank, I will be selling the money pit. Hey I just purchase the 2010 Hyundai Genesis with their 100k millage warranty and 10 years. wow I love this Car, check it out

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  It is a shame they stopped making it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chinatown - August 19 - 5:16 pm

  Bought the car with 25,000. It now has 66,000. Still have the original brakes. My local mechanic says I should be good for about another 10,0000. Yes, I have had the same repeated problems with the suspension. However, I bought an extended warranty ( 6 years/100,000 miles), through my credit union with no deductible. The only thing I have paid for, outside of routine maintenance is the Wisconsin tax on the bill. I replaced the tires at 45,000.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By solo - August 19 - 1:14 pm

  I love this car, purchased in 03 with 30,500 miles on it and have been driving it daily since. It currently has 155k and the engine is still going strong w/ no oil consumption! regular maintenance is a must with any car and with proper care the 3.5 will last for years. Only once has this car had to be towed and that was due to a corroded battery cable, which I didnt realize until it was too late since the battery is not easily accessible. Other things I have had to fix/replace: trunk supports at about 75k, speed sensor at about 125k, ABS module at about 145k, struts at 150k, and water pump at 150k, everything else general maintenance and the list of things I had to fix/replace are short.

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  Just bought one - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By krissy - August 17 - 1:24 am

  I accidentally stumbled upon this car at my 3rd dealership of car shopping. The sales guy said "lets just take it for a test drive. I wasnt planning on liking the car, and was just going to test drive the car for kicks, and then I was gonna leave, and go on to the next lot. And after I drove it, I fell in love with it. Although I had to replace the rotors and one brake pad, and a tire, (hopefully that will be it) I love the feel of the car, and there is so much more room than that of my Toyota Camry. I feel like I walked away with a great car. Hopefully I can say the same thing about it in 2 years. I will write more then! :)

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  Impressive Looks Poor Engine - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By malviv - August 16 - 5:35 pm

  This vehicle has a history of engine oil consumption. I would strongly encourage any prospective buyer to completely research this before making a purchase. A nice car with a bad engine doesnt make for a good investment.

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  Driving a ragtop - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By sirjerryk - August 16 - 3:33 pm

  I had a pony convertible before and did not realize when I sold it I would miss having a small convertible. I found the 96 Chrysler Sebring to be both stylish and fun to drive. The car handle well on the freeway and hills slow it down. I realize that this car has some problems as the Tack and Odometer did not work as well as the gas gauge. I am looking at some $$$ ahead but I still think it worth it.

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  Love it so far - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Love it so far - August 16 - 8:43 am

  I bought my Pacifica new in 2006 and I love it.I hear all these bad reviews on it and it makes me think that if someone has something to complain about it they will post it and if they donÂ’t then they donÂ’t look to make it public. I love my car and so far I am happy with it. My brake light comes on at some point every time I drive it but I could care less. One of my arms on the rear hatch broke but I replaced it myself for $12. It was easy. It does seem like itÂ’s starting to burn a quart of oil every 3k miles or so but thatÂ’s no big deal to me.ItÂ’s not normal but I do what I have to do. I use synthetic oil and I also add Lucas oil just in case. Overall I am happy so far.