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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  So Far So Good - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dave - November 11 - 1:20 pm

  Its still early, but so far my wife and I love the car. Turbo provides smooth power, fit and finish very good, ergonomics are great. Chrysler put a lot of thought into interior and it shows. Like most modern cars, under hood is crammed full.

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  Pleased with my "C" - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mike Burton - November 11 - 4:46 am

  This vehicle is my first ever Chrysler product.If they continue to produce the combinatioin of value and quality I have found in my "C" it will not be the last. Very high marks all around. The car feels very solid, and the acceleration is effortless at any speed.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Coowhie - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I am VERY pleased w/ the New car. It rides better than my old Camry.

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  Pacifica Chrysler German engineered SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By annneil - November 10 - 10:00 am

  A very solid,quiet, and safe midsize body, handles, steers & brakes well. Responsive and fun to drive compared to my Lincoln Navigator. Quiet ride on chair-height comfortable seats. Top safety ratings. Exciting yet practical for Minnesota country estate living. Big, high, wide wheels and tires for snowcovered country roads. More people should know about the outstanding German engineering qualities of Pacifica not found in other cars.

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  Impressively Stylish - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bernice Caldwell - November 9 - 10:00 pm

  After driving around town a couple of months buldging out eyeballs of onlookers, I decided to take it out on the open road to see what it could do. I drove to Las Vegas from Orange County in 3 hours on a Saturday after work. I was impressed with the fuel economy on the open road. The comfort was undeniable and the sound system was delightfully entertaining and rich. The dash and all the information it had to offer was quite wonderful to tinker with while driving. At 120 mph my car felt as though it was gliding at 70 mph. Responsive and nicely equipped, my 300 Limited is one smooth ride. The beautiful jade pearl color and impressive style will last years to come. Sturdy as she goes. Hot car.

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  Beats the Bonnevile - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By SpiceUmUp - November 7 - 10:23 pm

  This car replaced a 2002 Bonneville. While I liked the Bonneville, it was time for something new and the 300 is IT. Handsome, striking in appearance, roomier than the Bonneville, it is quiet, rides smoothly and handles securely. The 3.5-liter V6 has plenty of oomph for most situations. The car lacks certain amenities standard in the Bonnie: Automatic headlights, tire pressure sensor, 6 speakers’ standard. The 300 has leather standard, the Bonnie does not. The 300 is much roomier than the Bonnie is, and rides much better. The cruise control stalk is not a great design, GM hasnt gotten that right either. Chrysler saved money on the interior materials.

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  Looks were deceiving.... VERY disappointed - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By l8dybg79 - November 7 - 12:57 pm

  PLEASE reconsider if you are wanting to buy a PT. I bought my 06 used, but only 11 months old & very few miles. I have had a lot of AC problems, heater core, wheels, brakes, and tire problems. AND the back door lock doesnt work (gets stuck locked) until you manually unlock it... a pain when you have kids. It handled well on snow/ice. But that about the only positive thing I can think about it. The biggest complaint I have is the 18-19 mpg! And thats driving 20 miles highway to & from work every day! WHAT A GAS HOG!!!! NOT WHAT THEY SAY IT GETS. And.. I keep up with the maintenance... oil changes, etc. I would definitely reconsider buying a PT Loser!

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  Class Act - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Pat - November 6 - 9:06 pm

  I bought the first AWD version to be found in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and have now owned it for 6 months. Handling is very smooth. Acceleration is a bit slow at low speed but quick and without hesitation after that-- similar to that of the Mercedes line. I show toy dogs and have found the trunk space to be ample for a crate dolly, tack box, folding chairs, and luggage for hotel trips. Dog travel in crates comfortably in the back seat and the rear air is nice for them.Trip odometer tends to stick and refuse to display the mileage at times.

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  Perfect Choice - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Crossfire Fan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Newly purchased, and I love it! Great fun to drive.

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  Butane Bue and Beautiful! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By gwsilvers - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I didnt want a "me too" SUV or a soccer mom minivan. I did want stability, safety, room to carry my mobile ofice and a certain level of class. I saw the Pacifica n the TV but had not run into one on the street so was taken a bit by surprise when I got to the Chrysler dealer. Its BIGGG! When you get behind the wheel you sit up high and feel like the King of the Road. When you start to drive you feel like your in a Mercedes. I drive at least 30K a year and now Im looking forward too every mile!