Historically. Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth vehicles had low grades on reliability scale in the marketplace. Jeep, although pioneers, are deemed one of the most unreliable brands.
However, a few years ago, Diamler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz bought Chrysler and planted a new management team and initiated a number of changes in production methodology and model design. Now Mercedes has always had a stellar reputation in terms of build quality and reliability of their cars. I am just curious to know, how the quality of Chrysler improved now, that they have Diamler team supervising the whole production?
I especially ask this, because a couple of new offerings from Chrysler are quite intruiguing. I am talking about Pacifica and Crossfire.
Also related to this is how much credence you give to the actual production location as opposed to the brand name. For example, Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, which is a Japanese company. The cars imported into US are built in Central America. Same with Volks Wagon. VW is a German company but the cars are built in Mexico.
So, does the fact that the reputation of the brand name is stellar, override any qualms about production quality in Mexico? Is the same now true for Chrysler (Diamler)? Or conversely will Mazda be considered a less reliable brand, now that its owned by Ford?
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*Originally posted by mAd_ScIeNtIsT: *
I think that reliability will depend by model rather than by location.
For example, a Chrysler Neon will always be a typical Chrysler, with typical Chrysler characteristics.
The Chrslyer Crossfire, however, a virtually a Mercedes sold with a Chrysler bodyshell and badge.
Know what I'm saying?
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Yes, but I did read some reviews and so, the quality still isnt as good as merc's :) like the crossfire had alot of 'plastic' pieces in the interior and so on. and when driving on bad roades it just wasnt feeling as solid as a merc :D
Chrysler killed their reputation by introducing the K-Car in the 80's. Although the K-Kar single handedly saved Chrysler from going under, it was one of the worst cars manufactured in history. Before that Chrysler was a reputable company. They have improved since the early 90's as well.
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*Originally posted by mAd_ScIeNtIsT: *
I think that reliability will depend by model rather than by location.
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Reliability depends on the engineering of the parts and how they are put together. If I'm not mistaken, Volkswagens parts are manufactured and engineered in Germany, but only put together in Mexico.
The actual production of the automobile in terms of country has a hand in the overall reliability as well. A car put together under cheap labour such as in Mexico, will not have the same reliability as a car put together in Germany. That's why Volkswagens have a lot of problems these days.
All i know is that pacifia is amazing car got the best reviews from edmunds.com in Semi SUV. I was in one of them at the showroom the intereior is just flaming. CrossFire also looks good but havent been in one so cant say much about. As long as your concern about production and stuff.. i think it does matter where the car is assembeled and what kind of labor is involved and all. and last but not least, mazda.. i always hated their cars i still do especially after ford bought em. ( mazada rotory engines are excluded in my hatterness. i.e RX7).
-Salman