I’m looking at the Dodge Caliber as my next vehicle. I had one for 2 weeks last year as a rental while my ‘01 Escort was in the shop. I loved the way it drives and the fuel economy as well as the little extras it had. However, everyone I speak with has some problem with Chrysler products. As far as I’m concerned, everyone has a b*tch with every product to some degree, but I’d like some further insight.
Originally posted 2009-08-13 17:01:28.
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They are making strides in quality improvement lately. The “Big 3″ auto manufactures in Detroit have realized that in order to compete with Toyota and Honda, they have to make more reliable cars. Maintenance issues plagued Chrysler for years. They are not as bad as they used to be, but they are still not in the league of the Japanese brands.
I used to love my 04 sebring until about 6 months ago. The chrome plating on all four door handles has started to peel off. I went to the dealership and they told me the part was on indefinite back order, ***? Amazingly this part is not available anywhere. Besides that though I guess its still a good car.
I have a Chrysler Sebring convertible – an ‘01. Only problem we’ve had is the starter motor required replacement (covered by an extended warranty). Daughter has an ‘06 Dodge Caravan with which she’s had no problems to date. We’ve been a Ford family for three generations – these are our first Chrysler products. So far we’re satisfied.
You are correct that everyone will have a b*tch with every product. Some people fail to recognize that.
I don’t have a problem with the Caliber. I would rather have it than the Avenger I have now but it’s not my decision. I have to drive what I’m told to. And that’s not saying the Avenger is a bad car, it’s just more car than I need right now.
Chrysler vehicles have a really good look to them but lack the refinement of other manufacturers.Their powertrains for the most part are better than the foreign competition I look at Toyota and Hondas as disposable and while they get decent fuel mileage it still takes energy to crush them send them back melt them and reasemble them.Honda has the most recalls and the two most recalled cars the accord with 184 and the Civic with 160 The place Chrysler really could use improvement would be fit and finish things like peeling chrome crappy visor clips cheap cromed plastic covers on the wheels of the 300c.Roadnoise seems to be louder in Chrysler vehicles and the ride is harsher than comparible autos from other makes.Chrysler dealers in my experience tend to be more willing to act in shady ways to sell you a car and if you have a problem with one don’t expect much sympathy from the parent company.Also Chrysler dealers don’t seem to attract the best techs and I have known a few people who have had them mis diagnose or break things while working on a car.
Mopar or no car, I currently have all Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Vehicles.
I had a 1994 Plymouth Sundance, a Chrysler product that I drove for 15 years. Except for body work, I live where a lot of salt gets spread on roads in the winter time, I never had a problem.
Out of the 12 vehicles I own right now, 6 are Chrysler Corporation. They’re the best performers of all the cars and trucks I own, reliable and reasonably economical. Plus in the looks department I personally rank them very high. I haven’t had much trouble with the minor cosmetic issues others are mentioning.