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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  2005 Magnesium Pearl 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mike McMahon - May 16 - 7:53 pm

  I have only had my 300C for two weeks and I simply love it. It really gets the attention. Ive had drivers in Jags, Benzs and Caddies take a good long look at my car as it cruises on by. Could it be envy? I think the best part of the car is the value you get for your dollar and the fact that Mercedes Benz has a large influence in the design and engineering is a real bonus to Chrysler. My particular 300C has every option available except the engine block heater and I still got it for under $40K even with the additional remote start and extended warranty. This car is the perfect mix of sportiness and luxury. And the return of the Hemi engine is the icing on the cake.

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  Whats this?!? 6mo. follow-up - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Kelly - May 15 - 10:56 pm

  Oh man, this car is still the one! Everythings still great, Im more convinced now than ever before. After having dispatched a bunch of challengers, I just found out yesterday just how much power the ESP robs! I didnt just get sucked mildy into my seat this time, the difference was joyfully uncomfortable. Im not suggesting making a habit of driving around with your ESP off, but if its NOT a habit, and youre having the stoplight jitters about the grinning WRX-driving brat next to you, disengage the ESP, hang on to the steering wheel, and score one for grown folks everywhere!

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  Gas mileage 35-40 off listed - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By deflated mpg experie - May 14 - 5:16 am

  Handling and finish are very nice as was my dealer experience. However, I have had the newest software downloaded but there is no improvement in my mileage. I drive @90% highway and have constantly experienced 16-19 mpg. and in town 13 to 15mpg.

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  2004 PT Limited - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Hollady - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my PT. Last week I had to drive it in snow (about 1 inch was on the road) and it handled great. The car is a lot of fun to drive. It is not a easy to see out of as my jeep but I am getting use to the blind spots.

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  2004 PT Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By gdhike - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my PT Crusier in October of this year as a second car. So far I have 3500 miles on it and have been very satisfied with the comfort and the ride. The gas milage is around 21 miles to the gallon in-town, which is the same as my Chevy Venture. I recently drove it on a 750 mile trip and got about 24 MPG. The PT is a fun car to drive, but no speed demon since I have the non-turbo engine. The problem I have had is that the engine died once at a stop light. It started right back up and I havent had a problem since. The dealer checked it out and couldnt fine anything wrong either.

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  Smll but sporty - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By dolphman - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Quick V6. Sporty style. It really is a miniature Intrepid. However, rearview mirror is too close to driver. Due to cab forward design and sloped windshield. Recommend buying to those under five foot ten.

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  A cross country delight! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve Erickson - May 9 - 10:40 am

  We have had our Pacifica for about five weeks. We ordered our Pacifica early last summer. Shortly after it arrived in late Sept. we drove it from our home in Northern MN to SW FL. We now have almost 4,000 miles on our Pacifica. It has been several years since we have owned a van the last of which was a 2004 Honda. We could not be more impressed with our new van. We averaged between 28 and 30 mpg on our trip to FL often driving into headwinds at freeway speeds. We paid extra for the safety tech pkg, which provides blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane departure monitoring all of which are great safety aids. The Pentastar V6 with the nine speed automatic work flawlessly providing great performance as well as outstanding fuel economy. This vehicle is very smooth and quiet. It has a very solid feel with no rattles or vibrations and handles surprisingly well for a van. The seating position for the driver is outstanding providing a great view of the road. The Uconnect technology system is very intuitive and easy to use. The stow and go seats are an engineering marvel. They are very easy to use and make the Pacifica a very capable vehicle. The hands free doors and tailgate are an added bonus. We expect to own our Pacifica for many years. In recent years we have owned Two Lexus RX 350s, a Honda van and two Jeep Grand Cherokees. While I know some people have questioned the quality of Chrysler products our experience is they are as good or better than the other brands we have owned. If you are in the market for a van or full size SUV you owe it to yourself to test drive the Pacifica. You wont be disappointed.

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  PT Convertables are AWESOME - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RizzoLCF - May 8 - 5:46 pm

  I have had nothing but a good experience with my PT convertable. Its sporty and fun to drive. In the year Ive had it the only time Ive had to bring it back to the dealership was to get an oil change. The design is unique, unlike any other convertable. When driving with the top down I know Im in a good looking convertable and I feel safer because of the stylish roll bar. Unlike other convertables, in a PT passengers in the back have plenty of leg room. If youre looking for a fun, reliable, reasonably priced convertable I highly recommend you check out the PT.

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  A Great Alternative to Any TRUCK - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By gmh - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Had only minor initial problems. Fixed at no cost and quickly during first year. Clutch fluid leak, was still able to carefully drive to shop. Engine control module fault which actually caused no problem driving just kept idiot light on until module was replaced. Otherwise very good handling and power with typical mileage around town at or better than 25 mpg and highway miles 29-32 depending on speed. Normally as i use this vehicle for work loaded down. I changed my original tires at 63000 miles no bare spots just needed a little better tread depth in snow otherwise could have easily gotten another 5000 on tread left if winter was gone.

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  We made the correct decision. - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By The Powells of Alph - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Our first week with our "PT" was a 2500 mile trip. Three adults and lots of luggage. We had more room to pack than in our SUV. Very roomy for us,too. Turbo very powerful and fun.