Chrysler (including Dodge and Jeep) cars, minivans, and SUVs
Chrysler has been cursed by poor leadership since the day Walter P. Chrysler left, taking rapport with workers and an appreciation for the importance of manufacturing with him. A series of autocrats, megalomaniacs, and beancounters combined with an engineering-oriented culture combined to make Chrysler a contradiction in terms.
Lee Iaccoca rescued the company, brought it close to extinction, then worked with Bob Lutz to rescue it, then almost killed it again by putting Bob Eaton into the driver's seat. After being acquired by Daimler-Benz, Chrysler somehow survived, but the poor management continued; even as Stuttgart recognized Chrysler's capabilities in computer based engineering and flexible manufacturing, and allowed Chrysler to restart and continue its push for empowered work teams (after a brief and disastrous attempt to impose German "quality methods"), even as the company clearly showed its contempt for American engineering. Now, with private equity owning 80% of the company, the future is cloudy with rays of hope. In the meantime, Chrysler offers some great values and underrated cars, trucks, and minivans, along with some turkeys.
- Chrysler 300C (2008) - incredibly strong cornering and good speed in a full-size sedan
- Chrysler Aspen (2007) - nice Hemi-powered alternative to the Escalade and such
- Chrysler Crossfire (2005): the Mercedes SLK gets a makeover and comes out with better grip and looks
- Chrysler Pacifica (2007) - luxury crossover-SUV gets new muscle and new gears
- Chrysler PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Dream Cruiser - a little bargain with a long name
- Chrysler Sebring (2007) - surprisingly nice midsize sedan that needs a better base engine and interior refinement
- Chrysler Sebring Convertible (2007) - Smooth, quiet convertible with a hard folding top
- Chrysler Town & Country minivan (2008) - the gadget loverÕs van, now with added zoom
- Dodge Avenger R/T (2007) - refined and quick compact sedan with aggressive looks
- Dodge Caliber R/T and SXT (2006) - good alternative SUV, but not a Neon replacement
- Dodge Caliber SRT-4 (2008) - fire-breathing cute-ute nearly matches Neon SRT-4 in power, beats it in safety and features
- Dodge Charger (2006) - big but very quick, yet comfortable
- Dodge Dakota pickup - newly powered by a torquey 302 hp V8 (hosted at allpar)
- Dodge Durango - full size space with a mid-sized price and surprising agility (2004)
- Dodge Power Wagon (2005) - Perhaps the most capable off-road pickup ever made
- Dodge Ram Mega Cab (2006) - biggest pickup cab by a full foot!
- Dodge Ram 1500 (2004) - Hemi power and formidable styling
- Dodge Ram SRT10 (2006) - America’s fastest pickup keeps its utility and comfort
- “Dodge” Sprinter (2007) - Mercedes-Freightliner passenger van that makes the biggest SUV seem puny
- Jeep Commander (2006) - passing the LR3 and H2
- Jeep Compass (2007) - the only Òno boulders or streamsÓÊJeep is small outside, big enough inside
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (2007; Hemi and diesel) - quick with good handling, on and off-road; if only it got better mileage! 2007 Grand Cherokee coming soon.
- Jeep Liberty (2008) - pleasant off-road-ready SUV (hosted at allpar)
- Jeep Patriot (2007) - quiet, relatively efficient off-road vehicle with good manners and a sewing-machine engine
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2007) - an icon is updated and modernized
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (2007) - Hummer H3 price and off-road ability, with a real engine and removable doors
Car reviews for discontinued or past-generation Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models
- Chrysler 300 (2004-07) - surprisingly agile big rear-wheel-drive American sedan with optional Hemi power
- Chrysler 300M (1999-2003)
- Chrysler Pacifica (2004-2006)
- Chrylser PT Cruiser, the First Generation (2001-2005): Touring and GT (turbocharged) models
- Chrysler PT Cruiser Woodie and GT Turbo (2003) and 2006 GT Turbo
- Chrysler Sebring Convertible GTC
- Chrysler Sebring Sedan - see Dodge Stratus Sedan
- Dodge Caravan (2002)
- Dodge Dakota (2006) - slightly downsized big pickup
- Dodge Grand Caravan (2005) - the best gets better with car handling and an incredible amount of convenience
- Dodge Magnum R/T (2005 and 2007) - solid, Hemi-powered wagon (AWD and RWD)
- Dodge Magnum SRT8 (2007) - over 400 horsepower in a station wagon
- Dodge (Chrysler) Neon (2000-2005)
- Dodge Neon SRT-4 - ultimate under-$20,000 performance, with a good-sized interior and trunk
- Dodge Stratus R/T Coupe - comfortable coupe made in the US by Mitsubishi
- Dodge Stratus Sedans - ES, R/T, and SXT (2001-03) - comfortable, well-rounded sporty family sedans
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999 through 2004; including Overland, Laredo, Limited)
- Jeep Liberty (Diesel, Renegade and Sport) (2002-2005)
- Jeep Wrangler (Rubicon and Sport, 2000-2006)
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: legendary off-road capability meets on-road manners and room for cargo (2005-06)