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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  I love my 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Phil - April 24 - 4:26 pm

  The looks of the new 300C got me to take a look at. Im impressed and love driving my 300C. I got lucky in that 5 weeks to order and receive it. I had it so far for 4 months. Not one problem. The power of the Hemi, the options for the price, the look and the ride are what made me look and purchase it. Chrysler did it right in my book.

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  Toy - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By AstoriaLarry - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Great 2-seater. This car gathers a crowd whenever I park it.

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  Best Car. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Paul Lowry - April 22 - 8:06 am

  This is simply the best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned a broad spectrum of autos over 50 years of driving. Mine has been trouble free. Ive just replaced the transmission oil cooler and had a brake job done at 49,000 miles, but that would be expected after years of trouble-free driving. I am still running on the original Michelins, but intend to get a set of new tires this year. My wife and I enjoy taking day trips in our Pacifica because we feel so safe and it is both quiet and comfortable with excellent road manners in all situations from gravel roads to freeways. The only issues are the 15 mpg around town and poor visibility due to the thick pillars. 25 MPG highway, though.

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  I love this car!!! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By aterry - April 22 - 1:20 am

  I had a dream that I bought a PT Cruiser two weeks ago, I knew I had to go and test drive one. At first I wasnt sure of this car the look anyway, and then I drove the 2006 PT Cruiser, and fell in love with it. I have to keep going into the garage to look at it, the interior is so cool. I love the look, and it drives so smooth. You have to go and test drive this car. Im a single mom and have a 1 yr old we are so happy, we found the perfect car for us!! Thank you Chrysler for building this vehicle.

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  Just passed 3K miles. - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Bukyman.com - April 21 - 11:43 pm

  This vehicle started the retro-craze. It is beautifully ugly! I have enjoyed every second in this still head-turning panel van. Chevy has tried to copy it recently and Ford knows better. I picked the cheapest on the lot because I needed a low cost commuter. Air is my only option, but the Cruiser comes with tilt wheel, power windows, power locks, and a stock stereo and speakers that rival my old 91 Dodge Shadow ES Turbo that I equipped with an aftermarket Sony Explode sound system. The bass on the stock 6 speaker system is incredible! The base 2.4 L 4 cylinder is more than enough to power this vehicle. By 4 cylinder standards it is fairly large and would take most 6 cylinders. I love mine!

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  One Great Vehicle - 2009 Chrysler Aspen
  By hannonlaw - April 19 - 1:56 am

  Editors wrong on this. One great vehicle. Vehicle smaller than a tahoe parks easier. Has a fully usable third row seat which an adult can ride in. Have myself ridden 100s of miles in the third row and find it adequate. With seat configuration I can haul six young men and all their baseball equipment. Have an Enclave too, and this rear set entry easier. My best buddy says the ride is better than his wifes BMW. Have the Hybrid, and it is a treat to get 18 - 20 mpg in city driving, 4+ mpg greater than my durango which i also loved. Quiet, ergonomics great (better than Tahoe), great electronics and sound. Admit finish could be a little better, but fit, usability and style tremendous.

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  Great Small Wagon - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Larry E Nave - April 18 - 3:23 pm

  I just purchased my PT Cruiser, I traded in a 2003 Durango for it. I liked my Durango, but wanted something easier on gas. The Cruiser fits the bill, fun to drive, for a 4 cyclinder it has great get up an go. My Son has a 2004 Touring and my nephew justed traded his 2002 for a new Touring also, they love them. I have always be a Chrysler person, have had Dodge, Plymouth and Chryslers.

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  love this car - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By lp09 - April 17 - 9:12 am

  i love this car.....rides smooth as can be, handles well, gets up and gos when needed. good gas milage. love my sunroof. trany dropped out..but replaced and runs wonderful.. has 187000 and runs beautiful, rides like new, no rust,

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  Wonderful - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Happy Customer - April 17 - 1:36 am

  I received the Pacifica for my fist car last year and I absolutely love it! Even being a teenager I dont regret picking this over another car. The handling and performance are great. Interior quality and appearance are superb. One of the best buys you can get for the space, luxury, and overall satisfaction. A definite must for anyone looking in this class of SUV

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  Lotta car, little price - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By bestpilot - April 11 - 9:56 am

  Three years and no problems. My gas mileage is better than EPA rating and Im a lead foot; I get 22 city, 29 Hwy with automatic. Quality is on par with Accord or Camry (Ive owned Hondas and Toyotas) and the car cost me ten grand less, about 15K new. The mini-limo back seat gets rave reviews from family and friends; we always use this car for road trips. I would buy again without hesitation.