Chrysler Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.39/5 Average
7,767 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 7181 through 7190 of 7,767.00
  • Cruise Control - 2006 Chrysler 300
    By -

    Now have 6,000 miles on my 300C. I love it, just finished a 2100 mile trip with interstste speed limits of 75mph. When you set cruise control at 78 mph it maintains it at all times. All other cars and trucks lose a mph or two on upgrades, the 300C doec not have to shift down to maintain speed on steep upgrades. Seats are very comfortable and no need to make adjustments after hours of driving. This car gets the looks and questions when you are at the gas pumps. Oh yes, average mpg was 24 even for the 2100 mile trip with average speed about 70 overall.

  • Best chrysler for the money - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    Ive had my PAC5,since 4/2004. The very first one off the truck. It handles better than any vehicle Ive ever owned,Chevys, Fords, Nissans Chryslers. So far hardly any exterior, or mechanical problems, at 8,000 miles. Very happy with it so far.

  • i love it - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
    By -

    nice ride comfort roomy great pick up

  • Just the Ticket for Mom - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
    By -

    Bought the 2008 PT Cruiser wagon base model used with 15K miles on it. It had been used as a rental car. Very clean and still looked new. The engine light was on when I bought it, but it was all under warranty so I took it to the dealership and they fixed it right up. I added window tint later. Its been great around town for me,the kids and all of our stuff - were a busy family and I really enjoy the roominess of the cargo area. For the dog, I can fold the back seats up for even more room. The only drawback is the surprising low gas mileage for the base engine, because its not quick. We have to use the a/c all the time (which works great), so thats even more engine drag!

  • Tons of Fun! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
    By -

    Traded in my 94 4 Runner for a 2005 PT Cruiser GT Turbo in Cool Vanilla with a khaki top. WOW! I Love it! It is solid, fun to drive - makes me wake up hoping each day is nice enough to put the top down! This model has a lot of power so it takes some getting used to in pulling out from a stop-one day I over- corrected. Not used to all that pep. Any complaints I have are minor. Its hard to grab the seatbelts from behind the seats, there are visibility issues - but overall I couldnt be happier with this cool car!

  • Delight PT Cruiser - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
    By -

    After owning this car for three years my wife and I rate this car as our best buy ever. WE have been coast to coast on a 9000 cruise in year 2001. It was so much fun we are going from Calif. to Niagara Fall, Ont. again this year (2003). We have meet so many happy people (PT Owners) by going to the many many meet and greets in every state in the USA. We simple love this car and better yet no problems so far.

  • Great car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
    By -

    Great handling on the road, 27.7 miles/gal on trips. 19 mpg in the city if you are conservative in take-a-ways at the lights.

  • On Fire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
    By -

    My experience has been great. Well-designed for someone under 6 Feet tall. Very sleek and sexy. Definitely an eye catcher. Good speed. Lots of space in trunk.

  • It Turns Heads - 2005 Chrysler 300
    By -

    This is the perfect car for men who are tired of driving mid-size V6 cars that scream middle age father of two. The power is awesome and the styling and comfort are top notch! The only thing that could be improved upon is the slight understeer, which is not that bad. The fuel economy is not as good as expected on the highway, but with that much power, there is no reason to complain. I have owned this car for four months now and almost daily I receive some kind of compliment on the car. This car rocks!

  • Having fun at 50 - 2006 Chrysler 300
    By -

    I can actually say that driving is fun again! I traded my 04 330ci in on the srt and havnt had a minute of regret. The ride is reasonably comfortable considering the 20" wheels and lowered height. Of course it doesnt handle like the BMW but who cares! I have pushed it a little off the line and had to let up right away as I dont want to buy tires just yet! I cant wait until it is broken in. It is the ultimate sleeper! Why would anyone want to buy foreign again.

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