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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  make it your own - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By johnny - December 23 - 4:36 pm

  i like the overall design but there are things i would change. i want to chop the top, lower it, bag it and suicide the rear doors to start. i also want to make it so you can open the rear hatch without the key. i plan to put a supercharger on it too. a custom paint job is in the works also. i plan to make it a show car.

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  Very Happy Pac Owner - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Happy Pac Driver - December 19 - 5:06 pm

  I recently purchased an 05 Red FWD 3.8L 5 passenger Pac and have been very pleased so far. Those that knock the performance must be expecting too much. I transitioned from a Turbo Volvo S40 and I have been pleased with the performance. The car is assembled very well and exhibits surprising handling, comfort and has a quiet cabin. All in all a very satisfactory experience. I purchased mine by way of the dealers internet offer page. My price before tax,tag and title, 19,995! That included the beautiful red metallic paint and the alloy wheels. I think that at that price, my pacifica is a whole lot of car & value for the money.

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  wifes PT - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By big baby - December 18 - 6:13 pm

  Wifes old Jag died and we wanted to replace it with a SUV/CUV. Found this PT on line with only 16K miles at $10.6K. Also its the Touring model which includes a nicer interior and more standard content including nice alloys. I think its a bit slow and I wish the gas mileage was better, but shes happy with it and so far its been reliable. If the wifes happy everyone is happy.

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  Chrysler Canada Why Spoil It.... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By X FIRE N - December 17 - 1:46 pm

  I have been in ownership of my Crossfire for several months now and still enjoy driving it as much now as when new. This car feels and rides very solid. By far the most pleasing to own car I have ever had... except dealings I have had with Chrysler Canada. Since the day I purchased my car I have been without a owners manual and after several phone calls to their customer care center I still to date dont have one. I have even asked to pay for courier charges for rush shipments. This is the second time I have had to deal with their care center with poor responses. This is my first Chrysler and last for this very reason. When will the north american car makers learn. Still Love The Car.

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  Great Value for the Price - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ladybob - December 17 - 10:00 am

  A very unique and stylish car. I have been complimented at stoplights and notice others noticing me driving in the Cruiser.

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  Reese impressions - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By ROBERT E. REESE - December 16 - 5:50 am

  gentlemen& ladies: i have the 300 limited edition and i am very pleased with it.

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  A sporty yet luxurious car - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By crazycanuck - December 15 - 10:32 am

  Purchased car after 3 year company lease. Dealership cant figure out why wiper delay doesnt work properly when below freezing. Replaced radio 3 times. Weatherstipping shrinks and falls off. But, if you can put up with these little things and slap on a few exterior accessories and tint the windows, this car will make heads turn! It looks really sharp and rich. Handles tight and is peppy with the 3.2 engine. Transmission no problems. Lots of room and very comfortable. I would recommend it. Just dont get the 2.7 motor or youll regret it.

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  Irritating hissing noise "characteristic - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mmeyers - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Comfort and options are very nice but apparently has a common problem that DC refuses to address ..... a hissing/spitting sound that telegraphs across the front of the vehicle when the AC compressor is engaged. Without masking noise (radio,etc.), it is like a "mosquito flying around your ear". Never had this with any other Chrysler product (98 Intrepid ES, 2001 Town & Country). Even the most inexpensive Dodge Neon doesnt do this.

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  Not a powerhouse but smooth ride - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By KC MOM - December 6 - 12:20 pm

  After 12 years of driving a Firebird convertible I finally faced the fact it would not last forever. With 2 junior high aged kids I was looking for a used car with enough backseat legroom for 2 5 foot tall+ kids and a reasonable price, as we will have 2 teen drivers soon so didnt want to spend a fortune on a new car. Looking at Carfax, a lot of the late model Sebrings were former rentals, but was finally able to find a low miles one owner 05 for 10 grand less than new.

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  inspired design - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By blueliner - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Simply beautiful automobile, bold design statement...muscular stance yet leans towards a more touring engineering...Crisp handeling and taut, firm ride with intuitive interior controls...I take this instead of our Lexus anytime my wife lets me.