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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  300C Perfect so far - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By daphod74 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  After more than 500 miles on the ODO, no a single problem, issue or complaint. Build quality is tight and rattle-free. All panels are lined up perfectly and the doors close with a thunk befitting a Mercedes or BMW. The car is suprisingly quick and light on its feet. For a 4000lb car, it accelerates effortlessly and handles in very quick and nimble manner. Dealer was helpful and easy to work with.

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  A pleasant surprise !!! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Saxman - March 18 - 5:13 am

  We were told this vehicle had bad blind spots, but after a test drive (and using the side view mirrors as they were intended) we found no blind spots. Its fun to drive and is very comfortable on long trips. The V6 accelerates nicely and merges into highway traffic easily. The interior is spacious and the instrmnt & contrl panels are well designed. We needed a vehicle with alot of leg room and after trying the Japanese suvs the Jeep Commander and some mini vans the Pacifica beat them all! Ours has alot of options but if I could choose only one it would be the rear-park-assist its worth it. My wife and I love this vehcl and recommend test driving it and forming your own opinion. A Great Ride!!

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  2005 Crossfire Convertible - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Linda Thompson - March 17 - 2:56 am

  Age 53- first purchase of a sportscar/ convertible. Most fun ever to drive, looks from all who go by. Impressed by Mercedes participation. Going on driving trip- husband says lack of luggage space is not a bad thing.

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  I love mine! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Peggy - March 15 - 11:03 am

  I personally have not had any problems with my cruiser. It has plenty of room for a 4 cyl and plenty of storage and space if needed. We have 5 people in our family and can all take long trips in comfort and style. We have owned numerous vehicles with no such luck. Gas is really good in mine and it still drives like a new car. No problems what-so-ever. I would definitely recommend this car to others. My mother in law has had one for the last 7 years and has never had a problem with hers. She just loves it. She recently traded hers in for a 2008. Good luck to everyone and hopefully you will enjoy yours as much as we do ours!

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  Its great car, - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By Fisher cook - March 14 - 6:13 am

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  Love This Car! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Charla Hemme - March 13 - 9:10 pm

  Love this car. It is a real head- turner, too. We bought a black 300C this month and my husband and I both love to drive it...but its my car and I let him drive it sometime! All the guys at work love the way it looks like a muscle car but also looks like a luxury car. The black metalic is just beautiful. We also looked at a Silver one at the dealer that was gorgeous but decided on the black. A lady I work with wants one now....she drive a black Lexus and was thrilled to see all the bells and whistles that my car has but the Lexus does not (for a tremendous difference in price!). What a bargain this car is! No other luxury car can come close to the price for the options available.

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  2005 GT/2006 Limited Owner Reviews - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Brad - March 12 - 5:06 am

  Have two - a 2005 GT and a 2006 Limited. The 2005 GT is truly an amazing car for the money with great build quality. Visually, the design integrates some of the best styling cues of the 30s and 40s, but the design and engineering is cutting-edge. I havent had this much fun and performance since my 1964 GTO! The 2006 Limited gets over 25 MPG, is comfortable and a great value. Both have lots of room and a solid, quality feel.

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  The Practical Transport Cruiser - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By vincentorta - March 9 - 8:16 pm

  So far I am absolutely thrilled with my new PT. What does PT really stand for anyways? Oh well, Ive been wanting one since the year they came out with them...whenever that was? Seems like a long time ago. I bought another vehicle and was totally displeased...we wont go there. So far the PT is everything Id hoped it would be and more, despite my families feelings against it. They rented one while on vacation and said they didnt like it. Said it was uncomfortable, they didnt like the window buttons locations...etc. Compared to what I was driving, a 1985 Honda Accord, the PT is like a slice of heaven. Im taking it on a trip to Ga. from S.C. this weekend...well see how it does...

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bls8195 - March 9 - 10:33 am

  So far I have had the car for about a month, and I love it to death. Very Roomy, comfortable. Very fun to drive. Only thing I wish I may have gotten which I did not was the navigation system. Wish Pcifica got better gas mileage.

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  lovin the vanilla - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By doubleshotback - March 7 - 10:26 pm

  I just bought my 06 touring conv. a few weeks ago and have to say luuuuv this car. Its fun peppy and sharp looking. never thought i would own a white car but that cool vanilla color totally got my attention. gas mileage was a little lower than expected but ya know i can live with it and do a few minor improvements under the hood to squeeze out a few more mpgs