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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  Great Sports Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By ChryslerFan - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Just drove it home, a great looking light blue two door coupe. Amazing looks, inside and out. Drives good, but could use more power in the high RPMs. I love the interior design which has a strong, powerful look. Good cargo room in back but not tons. Buy one soon they sell fast, some dealers will get only 8 per year, others will get less. Amazing car!!

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  Fun to own and drive - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Fred Loeffler - January 12 - 4:30 am

  Car just makes you feel good when you drive it and no matter how many there are each on turn heads. It does not look like every other car on the road. I like that.

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  Pretty Terrific - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By pt-ma - January 10 - 8:43 pm

  After two years and 50k miles, the car has never been in the shop other than for routine maintenance. My understanding is that this "american" car is made in mexico. I definitely reccomend this car, based on price, versatility and reliability.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Wolverine909 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I Have the PT Limited edition Very smooth drive, handles great Acceleration is pretty good, not as good as the Turbo.

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  Its about time! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Wesley R - January 9 - 2:53 pm

  I woke up this morning and had that proud feeling that I did something for my family. Just acouple days ago I got one of the most beautiful vehicles I have ever had so happy with its comforts and style. I feel so safe on the road Its the absalute smoothest vehicle that we tried family of 5.

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  Love my PT - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Janice - January 9 - 12:50 pm

  Ive done road trips and lots of local driving with nothing but pleasure. Im only sorry Biloxi is gone.

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  Review 300 hemi c - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By BROKESPUR1 - January 8 - 4:30 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and extremely responsive. The traction control gives one total confidence in tight turns. In my opinion this is the best car diamlerchrysler has ever made. I own an old hemi muscle car and i have to say the "go" factor is very much the same as the hemi super bee.

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  Loyal Chrysler Buyer - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Geoff - January 5 - 10:23 pm

  This SUV drives and handles more like a car but has a SUV feel. Easy to navigate, comfortable on trips but needs additional stowage behind 3rd row seat. Fuel economy is accurate except in mountainous terrian. Is pricer than a Van with fewer passanger space and stowage area. Improve 3rd row seating to accomodate adults.

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  Pacifica Honeymoon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Labrador - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned our Pacifica for just over 7 weeks and we just love it! We have owned several new Chrysler AWD Town & Countrys over the last 10 years and this vehicle is a sporty as well as a refreshing change. Fun to drive and safe. The power is a bit on the light side and the fuel ecomomy is not were it should be yet. Perhaps after it breaks in? The finish and fit is excellent. We just has 17 in. of snow and the Pacifica handled as if it was on a dry pavement. Stable and solid! The creature conforts are premium and the toys (DVD and navigation system) are fun too. We are on a honeymoon and hope it never ends.

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  Pacifica: Versatile Family Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Larry Bernhardt - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The Chrysler Pacifica is a well designed, very versatile family car. It incorporates the excellent 3.5 litre engine used on Chrysler 300 vehicles. Its ride is one of the best we have ever encountered. Its wide wheelbase and large wheels make it extremely stabile on the open road. Whenever we park our Pacifica in a parking lot, we look back as we walk away and smile.