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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  Great Automobile - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Brian Ward - December 27 - 3:23 am

  Fantastic automobile... Handling and acceleration are beautiful. I would recommend this car to anyone. I can not wait for the SRT6. I will be purchasing the car in 2006. Thanks a bunch Chrysler and Mercedes.

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  My Review - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Diana Timberlake - December 26 - 4:30 pm

  I purchased a 2001 PT Cruiser in the year of 2000, it only has 5000 miles on it, I love to drive it.It is fun to drive and other owners wave as you go by, other PT Cruiser owners are friendly.

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  Excellent Choice - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jason5 - December 24 - 11:10 pm

  I traded in a 2000 Dodge Sedan for the roomier Touring FWD in Magnesium. I shopped minivans and SUVs--needing a 3rd row for people and space for cargo hauling--and found this the better choice. Im extremely pleased with the 07s power, handling, ride and features. So far fuel mileage has exceeded my expectations for the 4.0 with 6 speed. No less than 19.6 mpg in mixed town and highway and a high of 24 on the Interstate at um "good" speeds. Dealer experience was one of the best in memory as was the value. I recommend you consider the Pacifica.

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  2004 Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KATHI - December 24 - 10:20 am

  I love the interior and the looks of the Chrsyler Pacifica. BUT, I have had nothing but problems with the vehicle, the transmission (electrical). The dealership has been great, but until it holds a code, nothing can be surely fixed. I will not buy another Pacifica, EVER. Terrible luck with vehicle.

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  Love into hate - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ElkyDori - December 24 - 9:33 am

  Performed own maintenence over 52000 miles including syn oil changes w/ filter every 5000 miles. Versatile space allowed two kegs and bags upon bags of booze to be transported. Bizarre power window switch placement, nice 5MT shifter, clear gauges, knuckles hit passenger seat when operating e-brake, single centered interior light a stupid idea and seating position too high and not laterally supported. Car now gets no better than 20mpg at absolute best, and burns thru a quart of oil just over every 1000 miles with no sign of leak, even up on lift. I need three additional quarts between oil changes. Questionable fuel gauge accuracy. Odd masking tape residue marks on gray bumpers appeared.

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  Pt-Perfect Transportation - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By C.M. - December 23 - 11:26 pm

  I absolutely love my PT Crusier. This will be my second one. I upgraded from a touring to a limited. I drive 400+ miles a week and get great gas mileage. Great handling on the road. Very cute look..love the look. Priced right! As long as they are made will be only car ever owned. Storage capability is excellent. Chrysler has surpassed any other car maker with the pt cruiser. No comparisons! In a category all its own.

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  I love my PT Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By cindyc - December 23 - 12:16 pm

  Except for the not-so-fab gas mileage, I love this car. Love the looks, the aftermarket items... its all tricked out. Got rid of muffler, glasspak improved energy 110%. Have low mileage, it works well.

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  2 DR SEBRING LIMITED CONVERTIBLE - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sebring Lover - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I havent regretted the day we purchased this vehicle. Weve owned a Ford Mustang Convertible, but this vehicle is so much nicer (not to mention the trunk room is much larger).

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  Cruzing around the USA!! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Cruiser23 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I ordered my PT 6 months before the dealers could sell them (early July- 1999) and I loved it. Now at 61,000 miles and driving from Illinois to West Virginia about 2 times per year Im not sure I would buy another.... I love the classic style and the "look" you get from someone who thinks your customized cruiser kicks butt, but the overall durability is quite lacking...

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  lemon - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By hollywood - December 22 - 10:20 pm

  Since I purchased the vehicle in October 2005, the motor has been worked on twice. As of today the problem still exist. When I am sitting still with the motor running, the car shakes vigorously. I am in the process of letting a third dealership look at it.The brakes move forward when I have my feet on them. I am very dissapointed with this vehicle. I regret I purchased it because it has given me too many problems.