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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  LOVE IT - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SILVERMOON103 - May 10 - 2:45 pm

  This is the first SUV/Crossover owed and I LOVE IT! I have the Touring edition with the navigation/dvd/6disk changer and wouldnt give up anything! At first learning to back up in it was a challenge as there is a slight blind spot on the drivers side but after some getting used to, hardly noticable anymore. Replacing tires is expensive but if that is all i have to replace then i am very content to pay whatever needs to be paid to get them taken care of. The seats are extra comfortable especially with lumbar support and easy to drive on long trips. The performance is great and handling is easy!

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  Great car / 3.5 liter--5 speed - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Ben - May 9 - 11:24 am

  Bought car in 2007. The only trouble I had was the dealer had to replace the "mixer", which is the knob you use to switch the air flow. The car has been very good. Gas mileage on the highway (which is most of my driving) is 25 mpg to 28.6 mpg, which is fully loaded trunk and back seat @ 75 MPH. From Michigan to Florida and other parts of the country. The quality of gas really has alot to do with the mileage. Ive tried them all. Its supposed to be run on mid grade, but that hasnt been the case either. Last time (feb & mar) just ran it on regular, and the mileage got better and better from the start of the trip to the end. ended with 28.6 mpg. One other thing is I run Synthetic oil. Has 27K

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  Wow! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By woggly - May 7 - 11:16 pm

  Wonderful automobile, Great fuel mileage, low maintence. Very quite and fun to drive. What a value! If you drive one youll buy one. averaging 34.2 mpg with 60/40 hwy to city driving. Recently averaged 34.2 mpg on a 360 mile trip at 70+ mph.

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  Better in the snow than a 4 x 4 truck! - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By KAO - May 5 - 10:29 pm

  Quiet, perfect for a 6 person, 400 + mile trips easy, not fatigue. Gets around better than a 4 x 4 truck in the snow. Would be a tank with Blizzaks! Feels like a luxury car inside.

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  been through hell, still kikkin though. - 1999 Chrysler Cirrus
  By melbatoba - May 5 - 6:46 pm

  my 1999 chrysler cirrus has 175000 mi on it. I love this car. I wish i had another one, with less miles. my sister bought it, traded it to my mom, and then it was given to me. i intend to give her hell until she falls over dead. i love the acceleration and the leather seats are wonderful to.(even though my 135 lb. dog punctured them with his toe nails). When this car goes i want another one just like it.

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  Still loving it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tonk - May 5 - 10:55 am

  Bought used in 06 w/46K - replaced brakes at 90K (1st time - $800) and just replaced relay for radiator fan ($160). Aside from klunky sound from front axel area car has been amazing. I drive a lot and love feeling safe & secure. Was ready to trade to newer model until read they were being discontinued. Will probably keep it till Im embarrassed by rust or until it just wont run...Love it!

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  Best I ever owned, beats Honda, Toyota, easily. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By L Blair - May 4 - 8:31 pm

  My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica LX, with the rebates and discounts (not offered with Honda or Toyota), was thousands less than either Honda or Toyota. I paid 25,500 for the base model which is many thousands less than any other minivan except the Grand Caravan. Its the quietest riding car ever. Gas mileage is better than advertised by about 3 miles per gallon, as I consistently get 32 mpg on the hiway, and 27 combined city and hiway. I had a 2014 Chrysler Town and Country, which was also a great van, but this is better as it gets much better gas mileage, is quieter, turns shorter and easier to handle. The stow and go, not available on Honda, or Toyota, makes it the most versatile van ever. I can use it to haul cargo or up to 7 people, or any combination of both. The Pacifica rides quieter and smoother, gets better mileage, is more versatile, Turns shorter and handles better, and even costs less than Honda or Toyota, as I test drove these before buying the Pacifica. I dont know if it will hold the resale value well yet, but someone thinks so as I leased mine for way less than a Toyota or Honda.

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  Aspen Worth the Money - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By MarkE - May 4 - 10:00 am

  In preparation for the birth of our first child, we researched every make and model possible to best fit our key needs. The Aspen gave the best ride and overall cost-effective features of any large SUV under $40k. A comparably equipped Tahoe or Expedition would have been thousands more. With a little over a year and 12k miles into the purchase, I have no regrets and would buy one again.

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  good - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By eric12 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  good car and good shape. very nice

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  Simply Amazing SUV - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By vamfrank - May 2 - 1:04 am

  I simply love this car. Solid , reliable, and great looks. It is like driving a Mercedez with a chrysler logo. I was a bit reluctant to go with an American car, but no regrets. I am still amazed at my car. Pure luxury