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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  300 C: What a car should be - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Arcroyal - June 5 - 10:16 am

  Its fast, smooth, powerful and light on its feet. Best steering I have ever had in a car. Brakes are tight and consistent. The Hemi makes nice noises when pushed and the cars acceleration will bring a smile to your face every time. The interior is quiet, functional and loaded with fun gadgets (that really work!). Overall, the best car that Ive ever owned. I find myself looking for excuses to drive it.

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  fine car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By danny - June 5 - 5:33 am

  This has been everything i was hoping as i got rid of a Durango which i liked. It has had one problem which was fixed quickly.

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  Watch your expectations - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PA Commuter - June 5 - 4:46 am

  I recently bought an 04 AWD Pac. to replace my 99 Caravan. The Pac. looks great inside and out, but isnt really meeting my expectations. I expected a car that I could drop the kids off at the bus stop and then turn loose for the morning commute. Unfortunately two items are really disappointing so far. 1) Acceleration stinks -- Despite 250 hp, this car feels SLOW. Basically expect minivan speed, no more. 2) Interior comfort -- The seats are very uncomfortable for tall people and even the "upgraded stereo" sounds tinny. It may sound trivial but on a long morning commute it is punishing. Overall the Pac. is a nice car but watch your expectations or youre likely to be disappointed.

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  Very nice, very good, but trans sucks - 2001 Chrysler Concorde
  By CEHE4KA - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 19 months old LXI with 20,000 on odometer to replace my 1993 LXI. The car is great, but the transmission is tuned so the RPMs rarely go below 2000 under 40mph. This makes the fuel economy in city traffic worse. Also the trans does not down shift fast enough. The other problem that I have with the car is damage it sustaines in collisions. I had a low speed front end collision 4 months after buying the car (first accident ever). The damage was massive. I learned that the bumper with this grill is not very durable.

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  A Big Risk - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By O. Profis - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I was not inclined to buy American but the exterior looks/style won me over. This car, just like most Chryslers, is a piece of junk. After 4 months of ownership i have invested over 3k into it (Enigne fans (2x), rotors, Front wheel barings!!!, multiple sensors, break pads) Ive invested so much that im reluctant to sell it. If Chrysler worked out the mechanical problems on this car, it would be a class leader and as far as i know they havent so BEWARE!!!

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  Chrysler 300C gets an "A" - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Tom Bainbridge - June 3 - 12:53 am

  This is my second Chrysler 300 and both have performed flawlessly. I put 150,000 miles on the first one in just under 5 years and already have $27,000 miles on my 2006C and it has always been a pleasure to drive and has run flawlessly. It is extremely comfortable, well-designed interior and you certainly cannot miss the exterior design! I have nothing but great things to say about this vehicle, and Chrysler in general. Thanks!

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ed in NJ - June 2 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the Pacifica because we did not want a van + incentives were good. So far, the car has been great except for a few minor issues - foam "0-ring" inside tailgate handle is coming out (after seeing other Pacificas on the road, it seems to be a common problem), loose wheel wells, scratches show vividly on center consoles and there is a lot of wind noise when over 40mph. Overall I am satisfied with the purchase and that is mostly because of utility, price and a great alternative to a less desired minivan. The 2nd + 3rd row seats are very roomy, and very comfortable for adults.

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  As good as ever - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By conradb212 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Switched from my very reliable and fun 2002 base PT Cruiser to a 2004 turbo. Car is almost identical which means great looking, extremely practical. The Cruiser must be one of the greatest examples of a cool looking car that is also fun, fairly economical, comfortable, handy in traffic and to park because it is so short, and up to whatever task I throw at it. After mediocre experiences with earlier Chryslers, my 2002 was extremely well built (never had a single problem) and the new 2004 GT seems at the same level.

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  They finally did it right - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By smithvillemike - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Until recently I had a 2001 Ltd Pt Cruiser and it was a great car, very reliable, good gas mileage, but a real dog in the power department. Well now I have the 2005 Touring Edition Convertible Turbo and the turbo makes all the difference. It is now fun to drive. It is responsive finally. Dont get the car without the turbo.

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  Chrysler isnt the car for you - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By Unhappy wayne - June 2 - 2:00 am

  My new car has dimples or dents and bondo holes in the roof quarter panels. Theirs also trash in the paint job. It looks like a $300 paint job. The factory rep said it was commercial grade and good enough. They did agree to fix the rust I found on the seams that I found when I pulled up the rubber by the quarter panels. I wish I never heard of Chrysler. Their were other problems also. I picked this car up in the rain thinking they would fix any problems I would fine later. Never again