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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  2017 Chrysler Pacifica has 3 flaws - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Charles Urban - November 18 - 7:15 am

  The digital speedometer and computer screen are very difficult to see, read during afternoon sunlight. The transmission has lots of play when put in, out of park. The drivers and passenger seat are too far away from the door entry. It takes long legs, a big step from the ground outside to get into the seats.

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  Great Road Car - 2001 Chrysler Concorde
  By Bichon Mom - November 17 - 11:38 am

  This is an all around great touring car that has a luxury feel and is loaded with extras. The leather interior is gorgeous, and the car easily and comfortably holds 5 adult passengers on long trips. MPG is 23 city and 29 hwy if your tires are kept inflated. In the two years I have owned the car, I needed to replace the A/C condensor and the battery. Both are more costly than necessary as the under hood arrangement does not make it easy for your mechanic. This is my third Concorde since 1994 and I will miss them when they are all gone!

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  70s Chrysler Style with Benz Flair - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Lance - November 17 - 12:03 am

  I am a liflong auto enthusiast, collector and Master Automobile Technician. I have owned over 200 cars from AMC to Pontiac, and have serviced or repaired probably 10000. The new 300C is the most exciting new automobile that I have ever experienced, by half. What first strikes you is the styling, which for me said 1973 Chrysler, which itself had styling ques from various 50s Chryslers. The stance is masculine and aggresive. The HEMI V-8 delivers enormous power and torque yet impressive fuel economy; about 24 mpg average for my driving habits. I just cant praise the new 300 enough without writing a dissertation about its virtues! Just drive one, trust me!

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  DO NOT BUY - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By angela - November 16 - 9:10 pm

  This car has been nothing but problems. Since I have bought this car in o7 it has been in the shop over 20 times. They keep finding problems but then the big problem keeps happening. When accelerating we lose all power and the car shakes uncontrollably. It has had flight recorders installed and still nothing. Still trying to resolve the issue however the dealership stinks. We have already sued Chrysler and have settled. I would never purchase a Chrysler again. Thinking about selling which will result in us losing money

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  Hot Turbo - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By richardf - November 16 - 2:00 am

  A super performer and excellent quality. I just wish the Chrysler would stop upgrading. This is my 2nd Cruiser and I want a convertible.

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  300C Hemi Heritage Edition -Cool Vanilla - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By RichmondVA300C - November 14 - 5:46 pm

  Bought this car new in 2009...last one in the showroom. It is the Heritage Edition, so it comes standard with many interior upgrades such as the U- Connect, NAV, MPEG with 40GIG Hardrive, as well as a very sharp camel color interior and special leather seats. In addition, the 300C comes with the standard stuff that really makes the car special...like adaptive cruise control, Bose Stereo with 400W Amp, power steering tilt and pedals, memory seats, engine cuts from 8 to 4 cylinders to save fuel etc. I could go on for days about the standard/added features features on the 300C. I am 65" tall and fit in the car great. Truly a joy to drive, although gas mileage is quite disappointing.

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  Force Chrysler to make this car a recall - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By talya - November 14 - 9:33 am

  When u read everybodys comment about the pacifica. i totally agree that this car has a whole heck of alot of problems from ABA light on & off, motor mounts, hoses coming apart, breaks.Certain things chrysler need to be held accountable for.

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  Good car...in a straight line - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By adamatx - November 13 - 7:10 pm

  When this model came out in 2005 it was very striking, but the flashy looks are beginning to fade (PT Cruiser, anyone?). The 300 is a great highway cruiser but in any turns at 15+ mph the tires begin to squeal. The car heaves around corners like a boat and visibility makes reverse maneuvering difficult. Gas mileage is also poor at 17 city. The Impala has just as much punch, handles better, and gets 20 city/29 highway. Also, for $32k I would expect the leather to be real and not vinyl made to look like leather. When accelerating there is a brief lag between hitting the gas and the car accelerating. Most US manufacturers have this issue, would be more precise with drive by wire technology.

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  1994 Chrysler LHS - 1994 Chrysler LHS
  By Clyde Jones - November 12 - 8:08 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle since it was 2 years old and 34,000 miles. It now has 94,000 on it with no major repairs that werent taken care of by warranty. The sound system no longer works, but it was very nice when it did. The drivers seat forward adjustment no longer works without some help. The car consistently gets 23.4 mpg average in my driving, which is mostly highway with some city mixed in. Considering its size, its pretty stingy with a gallon of gas, & it handles beautifully. I loved this car from the first time I saw it advertised by Chrysler and had to have one. I have never been disappointed by it. The car is amazing with the 3.5 litre v-6 (it thinks its a V-8).

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  Incredible car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jaybird777 - November 11 - 1:48 pm

  This car has unbelievable power. Power off the line is tremendous, and faster than most other cars on the road. But on the highway, this car is a madman. At 80 mph on the highway, punch it and you better hold on, and thats no exaggeration. It is scary fast. Muscle car fast. Quality is also superb. As other reviewers have stated, the car leaves you with no doubt that it is a high end Mercedes. If you can find one, buy it now- they are silly cheap for what you get. These will be collectors items- there is no doubt in my mind. But, theyll have to wrestle it away from me! Some say the ride is bad- I disagree. Its a sports car. Ride is really pretty great. Worth every dime.