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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  Attention! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Crossfire - May 13 - 1:40 am

  I love my Crossfire. It is one awesome car. I am so happy with it. I had a BMW Z3 while I bought the Crossfire. I have had three back surgeries. I think it is very comfortable. I am actually glad I bought it. I like the attention too. It is good to be different. I think it looks better than the SLK. Everyone has the SLK. Not a lot of people have the Crossfire.

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  Cool & Fun Wagon - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By dgs49 - May 12 - 8:05 pm

  This GT wagon rides and handles exceptionally well, and accelerates briskly once you get the turbo to wake up. The riding position is surprisingly high, but I got used to it fairly quickly. I posted this because I didnt see anone else with the turbo and a stick. My mpg is a lot better than Ive read here (22-23 combined) on 89 octane. With these cars out of production, the resale value is sinking rapidly, which is a good thing for possible buyers. Mine had 56k miles when I got it and it is very tight and rattle-free.

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  It has it where it needs it - TURBO - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jtdev - May 12 - 12:33 pm

  Love the little car. So much HP and speed. Seats are too firm and center console could have been designed better, but overall, fantastic little car.

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  just what I wanted - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tsuba - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my Jeep Liberty because I needed more room and wanted a less "off road" drive. The Pacifica fits the bill and maintains the quailty and style I have grown to love in the Chrysler/Jeep family. By no means a ride for towing a boat and hauling six people (look elsewhere).

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  The best car a person could have - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marving - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I think Chrysler has did it this time. Not really a van and not really an SUV. Very much like a car. Nice and roomy. Rides like nothing I have every been in.

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  zjfhbdzfoidt yi d - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jori hoffman - May 12 - 10:00 am

  very good vechile drives great

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  Chrysler GT PT Cruiser - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By sumner baum - May 11 - 4:30 pm

  This is a fun car to drive with two exceptions: 1.With the turbo, it gets about 15.3 mpg in combined city/hgwy driving. 2.The turning radius is very large requiring back and forth motion. On the plus side, the car is very tight and the drivers seat can be adjusted very high making it very comfortable.

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  We Love our 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By U need one 2 - May 11 - 4:20 pm

  This is a dream car! The handling, ride ,sufficient power and all the heads that turn when is goes by kake this a winner. One awesome vehicle. DaimlerChrysler hit the nail on the head with this automobile.

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  Best in Class By Far - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mad Mark - April 30 - 11:36 pm

  This Car is the most signifcant vehical in years. Had it for a month and I am still impressed. This Car blows away the new Caddy CTS or STS, Lincoln LS is not even its league and better that the new Acura RL or TL in terms of size, style, and value. If this vehical was put out by Lexus every yuppie would have to have one and would say that this is the best near lux. vehical ever. Great job Chrysler

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  What a blast! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Mark - April 27 - 7:13 pm

  I was skeptical and was talked into this car by my fiancee. She wanted a convertible and for our price range (<30K) it hit the mark, especially after rebates and decent finance terms. As soon as we hit the road, we instantly fell in love with this car.In inconsideration that we own a 2003 Infinity I35, I like driving the PT more. I was used to having a 1.8L German turbocharged engine under my right foot - this engine is equally as responsive and quick. The 2.4L turbo is a must and the leather interior makes it a bit more refined "toy" car. I hope she likes the I35. Ill be taking the PT to work!