Between the bleep in “cockpit” and the gun reloading sound when Nolan pushed his glasses back, this video serves as a perfect example of why Donut’s editors are my favorite TH-cam editors right now.
The glasses reload was just a funny meme...but the censoring of cockpit was literally because they were losing monitization on videos where they said it cause it tricked the algorithm into thinking they said cock...so they started bleeping it
I worked in a parts dept at Dodge and from a parts perspective, the company is an absolute nightmare, too many car brands under their umbrella made it extremely difficult, you needed the damn VIN numbers just to get the right oil filter because they had so many different options and engines. Most Japanese Companies really streamlined this, Nissan has 2 main oil filters for all of their vehicles and their rear brake pads have been the same for almost 20 years!
as someone who works at a body shop I couldn't agree more. Even with the full VIN I still can't get the right parts for newer mopar brand stuff, and the local dealer sucks at sourcing the parts too
Oil filter thing is something of a problem with GM vehicles too and only gets worse with certain models. The Buick Encore (and the Chevy Cruze I think? I deal mostly with GMC and Buick) has an engine that has two options for the filter and the only way to determine the correct one is not by VIN but by checking the cap over the oil filter for HENGST or UFI markings.
@@snaxgalore5764 Brands like honda and toyota are benefitting from the lack of mergers and acquisitions over the years. It helps that their Japanese philosophies of keeping things running for a long time drive their engineering design.
I bought a 2007 300C AWD last year with 52K miles in Alaska when I was in the army. Drove great on the snow and ice. Had to buy a new Gas cap and new headlight bulbs. So far it's been great but we shall see.
I also have the 07 300c, AWD, it's a classic beauty, my first car back in 79 was a 60 Chrysler 300 with a 440 TNT, but I wish now I looked for a RWD instead my transfer/differential is going out, you can hear the bearing, sounds like wheel bearing but it's not. oh well, it's worth the repair, if I can find someone to do it, oh yea. thats me lol good luck
@White__Rabbit if someone wants to drive faster than you, why would you risk your lives, and the lives of people in the oncoming lane? You'd risk a bunch of lives for your fragile little ego? Yikes... if you've got a tiny d, just say so.
I dont want airflow concepts, video conferencing, expensive screens that will fail, ece. I want a simple reliable vehicle. This is something chrysler has reliably failed to deliver.
Not all EV’s are super complex, there are some neat offerings especially in the Hyundai range. Not to mention the leaf is pretty good for a grocery getter in warmerish climates.
How about a car you can operate and see out of without video cameras and a permanent /disable switch for the ever increasing ellectronics.like the one that keeps turning the engine off. Reliability and ease of repair would be good too. Guess that would be the deluxe option.
@@beastbee0118 bought my son a 2013 v6 f150 in the same trim as his first truck. Doesn’t even have carpet. It’s gotten him all the way thru high school and he’s about to take it off to community college. I liked it because it didn’t have back seats to pack a bunch of teenagers in. Been a great truck
I also blame the late Sergio Marchionne, the former ceo of FCA, since more or less the same happened to Fiat and Lancia. An accountant by training, he was the sort of ceo who focused solely on the bottom line, neglecting engineering, design and brand image. That always gets the same result: companies that have one or two very successful products for a while, but nothing in the pipeline to replace them. The same happened in a completely different industry with Activision/Blizzard, which went from being a powerhouse to a company the tried to wring every last penny from Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. Both FCA and A/B ended up being bought by other companies.
Lancia's practical death really hurts me. For the longest time, I thought they were defunct in the 90s, but seeing them only making a single vehicle (and it being an average SUV), hurts even more.
@@NothingXemnas The Lancia Ypsilon is not an SUV, but a super mini, more or less the size of a Fiat 500. It's only sold in Italy, but very popular there: Lancia sells more cars in its only market Italy than Alfa Romeo worldwide. Again a result of focusing on the few most profitable products. Fortunately Lancia also gets 10 years to prove itself and Stellantis wants it to be a premium brand again.
I think the problem with Chrysler easily could have been fixed if they took the “all electrification” they’re doing to Dodge and turned around and made Chrysler as their electric flagship instead. You have 3 very well selling nameplates in Dodge right now after 15 years of constructing a new image after the 90’s and they’re jettisoning it all at once. Hope it work out for them. They could have revamped Chrysler, given it a direction and kept Dodge doing what it was doing and offering one electric car to start.
@@EstebanDVO I wish they would have never went away. When I was a youngbull my pops had a dark blue SRT8 with the 6.1 hemi I wish he still had that car. He traded it for a STS-V just a few years later.
Granted, I've never been in a single 300C but the pre-facelift 300C, especially in the SRT8 trim looks soooo baller. It still looks good today, even if it has aged.
I’ve driven one and my grandma used to own an ‘03, and a ‘16. Inside, the pre-facelift car it feels like you’re in the bottom of a well, (or optimistically, a tank) due to the high window line and the thick A and C pillars. Visibility while driving wasn’t too bad though. The 2016’s interior on the other hand felt way different. The window line was still relatively high in the back, but had been dropped down more in the front and the windshield reached farther down as well. The A and C pillars are thinner, and the sunroof was twice the size, all helping create a more open passenger space. The cars both drove and handled well enough (take that with a grain of salt, because I drive and own nothing but pickups).
I'm gonna comment on every other comment... Just want anyone's help with this music... I want to know it as its driving me bonkers... I've definitely heard it, just don't know the name... And its really frustrating... Can someone please help me out here??? Anyone????
I love how you can see Nolan’s confidence grow with every episode. Feel like he’s really found his groove and doesn’t take things over the top like the rest of the crew. No offense to the rest of the crew, love them too.
I remember the ME Four Twelve in Midnight Club. Loved driving that. The 300 SRT8, especially the final gen of it was cool af. I'm glad to see you passionately enjoy Chrysler and their relative products though, I've worked for an FCA dealer on the tech side before and while can confirm they do make some absolute duds, they also can make some phenomenal vehicles. Quirky, but phenomenal especially when you know how to work around and avoid the fatal quirks (ie not extended idling a Hemi or letting it overheat).
I own a 2005 Crossfire. Great to drive, but being 80% Mercedes parts has made it slightly expensive to repair. Also, Chrysler dealerships long ago abandoned working on these.
Some Mercedes dealerships would work on them back in Chicago but I would recommend trying out an independent shop that specializes in Benzes and other European cars if servicing it is becoming difficult
What I discovered by FCA by owning a 2013 Dodge Charger R/T speaks about how the company operates. The design was great. The Hemi V8 engine was award winning. Finish and fit were average at best--there was no care on how it was put together. The interior materials were cheap. The real problem came to the electronics, which seemed bargain basement and was the weakness of the car. Sensors would fail while I was sitting at a stop light. Sensors would go down all the time. The radio to the key fob failed. The electronic interface to the transmission failed. The bean counters wanted to cut expensive electronic parts out and put in the cheapest and most unreliable electronic parts possible. The annoying part of this is the car was so wonderful to drive. I have my doubts FCA can change.
One of the biggest reasons I stayed away from getting a caravan when we got a minivan was the TIPM issues. I wonder how much money it would have taken to make just that one part not a wet fart
Actually, what you described is arguably the best situation possible, the car is great except for the electronics used. Meaning they can switch to a better supplier like other car companies use and viola, fit and finish is pretty easy to fix as well. That comes down to quality control which can be remedied much much easier than bad engineering. They just have to spend more time on each car instead of allowing large tolerances they make them tighter, which cost a bit more money.
@@JoshOutdoorsGR have you heard why Chrysler minivans have 9 seats? So one person can steer and the other 8 get out and push when the transmission fails.
Only problem in this comment is that a 2013 Charger R/T was not a FCA vechile. The FCA merger took place late 14. That was a Daimler Chyrsler Car. Stelantis has already shown large change, they are doing away with the Hemi. Litteraly the only thing they had going for them. Chrysler/Dodge is Doomed.
I'm really hoping that they bring some new vehicles, but I also don't want them to look like the other stellantis vehicles... For example, the new charger has to LOOK like a charger and the new 300 has to LOOK like a 300.
I love the 300C estate always liked them as a big “Drug Dealers” car in the UK 😂 was just looking at one on marketplace that has been wrapped metallic red and it looks mint! Just don’t think I could live with the fuel, tax and terrible interior though haha
@Hayden Mills, I partly agree with you, I think that Chrysler should take design cues form their current models but they need really step up the looks. The newest 300 looks alright, but I believe that they should defiantly revamp the interior or redesign the car altogether, they are in a position where they could change their brand image to really reinforce the idea that they are a "premium" car brand or potentially battle other brands like BMW or Audi. I guess we'll have to see what the future holds for Chrysler.
I have a 1st gen Pacifica (2007), 4.0 V6, 6 speed auto, all wheel drive, and absolutely love it. Have spent an irrational amount of money keeping it running but it is one of my favorite driving and riding cars ever.
Back in 2004-05 I went through the CAP program (Chrysler Apprenticship Program) and then worked at a Dodge dealer for 5 years. Nothing has changed since then. The 300 is the Challenger/Charger. The ram is identically the same. The durango was the same and is pretty much the same now and its also the Jeep suv. Chrysler, as a whole, has an incest problem that affects its identity.
Getting ride of the wagon/estate body design in the US was a mistake. They definitely needed a styling upgrade but they were a much better all around vehicle than an SUV especially if it utilized current AWD technology.
@@cb5516 does Acura make anything decent any more though? After the RSX I haven't been able to even tell any Acuras apart from each other and very rarely see one on the road.
@@cb5516 The Acura TSX or what you guys call the European Honda Accord sold really well as a wagon in europe. it's harder to find the sedan version for sale or on the road. really weird how you guys don't like wagons
Another thing that went along with the economic downturn was the poor quality of their cars. The vans and the PT Cruiser had a lot of sales but also had a lot of reliability issues.
I worked for a Chrysler dealer in the 90's. The warranty work was ridiculous. The PT cruisers and Neons ate head gaskets and heads. There was a backlog because we couldn't get head gaskets fast enough. And the Caravans and Voyagers had god awful 4 speed transmissions that would crap out as they were being unloaded from the car hauler.
@@nismo2070 My college 1999 Neon did last 200K miles until a freeze plug gave out and leak out all the coolant which people think it runs on water every time I add water to the coolant system. It was a nice small car. The 3 speed transmission is definitely miserable but it was a nice first car for me. I also mod it a lot by lowering it and add unnecessary craps as a typical college kid. My wife had a PT Cruiser in her college time and it was much more miserable than my Neon.
When I first saw the Airflow concept, I was struck... by how bland it was. I mean, even if the OG Airflow had its share of issues, it was a bold, innovative design, that was a milestone of design worldwide. This one... it's got the looks and personality of a yoghurt. Not bad looking/tasting, on the contrary, but it's not something you'll stir the masses with. I guess though anything new is good at this point... but it's worrying to see that Chrysler and Fiat made the same mistake: multiplying models in brands 'à-la-mode', while letting the OG, the main brand, that gave the group its name falter around one or two models that sell, but aren't updated in years. Hopefully the Stellantis merger and new (car loving) management will reinfect life in those brands, and turn everything around, if it's not too late.
Most EV crossovers are bland to be honest. That's what I hate about them, they are literally a "transport vehicle" not a VEHICLE as a car freak would refer to lol
@@LarsDragonbeard in big part because its also whats being promoted the most by car manufacturers. just look at audi's line up. they have like ten SUVs and crossovers in their line up. Mind you, none of them are actually capable of all terrain driving off the lot. they all look the same, and just get marginally bigger with each model. There's definitely other reasons, but if brands stopped banking on the illusion of safety and prestige they created around SUVs, it would significantly alter market trends.
@@louisbarningham i own an '06 300, and have since 2007. it still works as well as it used to despite some interior LEDs dying over the years. aside from regular oil, tire, and brake maintenance, i haven't had to spend a lot of money on the car since it was purchased. sounds to me like you just don't know how to take care of your vehicles
My favourite car I’ve ever has was my 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. It was a full AWD station wagon with a 6-speed MANUAL transmission and the camera system for emergency braking and adaptive cruise. It could even steer to park itself. It had nearly the cargo capacity of a small SUV with the fuel economy of a small car. It was awesome!
I’m not a boomer, but I’m plenty old enough to remember that station wagons were synonymous with “boring”. Then minivans became synonymous with “boring”. Then crossovers are now becoming synonymous with “boring”. Thing is, everyone was wrong about the first two. Station wagons have always rocked. And minivans are the bomb! Crossovers still suck though.
When I was a kid some of my favorite cars were station wagons. The Audi S4 Avant, Volvo 850 T5R and P1800 ES. All those american wagons with the fake wood trim. Once when my family was vacationing in France I saw a Citroen CX Loadrunner and it blew my freakin' MIND! I'd still love to own one of those one day! I think it just used to be one of those things you're "suppossed" to hate by general consensus?
Bingo. As a person under 30, I can appreciate that "crossovers" are mom cars as much as minivans and have equally little desire to ever own one. Wagons, on the other hand, (especially the Cadillac CTS) can be really cool though.
About why we're seeing so many crossovers these days. I once heard a radio interview with a guy from Ferrari. He was talking about how hard it was to get new models road legal these days. For pedestrian crash safety reasons there's basically an ideal height, shape of the nose etc. to pass the tests. And with the test's standards getting stricter every year, that means it's becoming harder to get any car that doesn't look like the standard, generic crossover or SUV certified in all countries around the world. Ferrari's certification lawyers basically have to ask the certification agencies to make exceptions for them with arguments like "Yes, but we'll only make 500 so it won't be a major safety issue" to even get their cars on the road. That's at least one of the reasons why we're inundated by SUV's, Crossovers and identical looking bubble cars these days.
I remember when I was younger, when my car knowledge was inferior, my neighbors owned at 300C, and I always thought, “Wow, they must be super rich.” Lol
The funny thing (to me) is that I hated the PT Cruiser the moment I saw it and had a similar reaction to the first version of the 300C. To me, it looked like a retro car based on the designs of 1978, which is not a good thing. I think it's gotten progressively better looking with each facelift/redesign, tho.
If there's any era that would be a good callback to these days, it would be the 80's/90's era of aerodynamic form and minimal/no grill, and the elimination of the need for a front mounted radiator can further enhance the styling cues, ala the c4 corvette/ford taurus(and crown vic of the era)/dodge stealth(and the weird compact charger)
Who cares? The Crown Victoria was essentially the same car from 1992-11, same drivetrain from 1992-11 and the same platform from 1979-11. Why? Because they were bulletproof by the last decade of production. The V8 powered RWD full size sedans still can sell but the EPA has finally defeated them
@@nicholasfield6127 I will agree on the Magnum being hot. Seriously feel like thats one they should not have axed. Sure, sells were slowing down back then, but I Seriously feel, looking at the Charger and Challenger, and Grand Cherokee now, they could have turned that around easily with similar redesigns. Make it look Charger-esq with the current interior, paddle shifters and updated ZF trany, even I'd be trpping over myself to get one in my garage (and already want one to a degree)
Back in late 2000 I was doing long haul from Toronto to Laredo Texas and back. Hauling mostly auto parts. One day I got a message to call in. Did so and was told myself and 4 other drivers were all to take our empty trailers to a specific place, drop the trailers and wait. Well 12 hrs later we all had full trailers, all we knew is we had 3 sets of keys each and the paperwork said PT Cruiser. At the time we had no idea what it was, we all thought boats. Turns out Chrysler was so overloaded with orders they shipped the things on anything that could carry them. I had 3 of them in a 53 foot trailer. Did 3 runs hauling those things from Laredo to Toronto.
@@jacobasuncion3132it was Daimler back then and I think there was one time with Dakota trucks but that's it. Company I worked for lost the Chrysler account in 2004.
My parents had an Aspen and my first car was a used Sebring....That was enough for me to never touch a Chrysler again. Those 2 vehicles had more problems than the rest of the vehicles my family has ever owned combined. I've heard nothing but horror stories about the 200 as well. I'll be interested to see where the brand goes from here, but it has about 15 years of consumer apathy to make up for at this point.
I own a Sebring convertible 2010 rn, bought used a 150k mileage 🤦♂️. Big mistake. I love the car, it’s aesthetic and drive but the amount of issues is crazy. Motivated me to start working on it myself
That is very close to my story. Mine was not the convertible, but I bought it with 100k miles and it had so many issues I started learning how to work on it myself with my dad. I babied that thing because I was so scared of it breaking down on me, but there was no saving it. I think at around 117k miles it needed a ton of front-end suspension work and I just didn't have the time or tools to do it, so I sold it for almost nothing. I could even feel the transmission starting to slip so it was just a terrible vehicle. It was kind of funny at the time my younger brother was driving a Subaru that was about 5 years older with like 70k more miles on it and it lasted him for 3 more years after I got rid of mine. Learned my lesson the hard way! I hope yours doesn't give you too much more trouble!
@@MrReelio3 dude we lived through the same issues 😂 . Mine sat 116k rn and I just replaced the lower 2 ball joints, my first ever job on a car will be to replace the wheel hub. Hopefully I can do it. I love the car but man it’s been too many issues at this point. If I can ask how much did you buy and sell it for?
@@samwaelarmoush2321 Wow, crazy how similar it is. I did the front wheel hubs on mine myself, and then about 6 months later it needed ball joints (and control arms/tie-rod ends). That's when I got rid of it. The thermostat and the starter also died during the time I owned it, so I was getting sick of it. I believe I paid around $4200 (Canadian) for it and sold it after 2.5 years for $800 (Canadian). Definitely not the best investment I ever made.
@@MrReelio3 it’s all good tho, things come and go. I was incorrect last comment it’s actually at 161k miles. I payed more than you for a more worn out car, I made the worse investment my friend 🤦♂️. I hope the car you have now is treating you good brother and I wish you the best
I'm 68 and 1 of 6 kids in the family. We always had station wagons and I always liked them. The last one we had as a kid was a 1968 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser with a Rocket 350 V8 and 4 wheel drum brakes. Later I had a 1962 Falcon Wagon that I liked very much.
Four-wheel drum brakes?! Ooh, that must have been scary, even in 1968! Bet that wagon's braking distance was longer than that of a freight train! (4/2/2022)
In almost all of the video there is barely a mention of what has been plaguing Chrysler: a definite lack of quality, reliability and durability. Instead, a sexy new (but unreliable) model is presented as the "solution" to their woes. For a company that cannot make reliable traditional cars (which they have been doing for more than 80 years), the thought that they are going to employ an entirely new technology electronic technology, and in very short time to boot, seems like a growing disaster to me.
I appreciate your passion for Chrysler. One thing I disagree with though is I think Chrysler was better off just before the Daimler merger. I don't mean numbers. But with the cab forward cars and retro cars they were really pushing the boundaries of styling. They lost most of that flare once Daimler got involved.
In my opinion, one of Lee Iacocca's worst mistake was to push Robert Eaton to be the new CEO. The guy practically gave away the world's 3rd largest car company, the Chrysler Corporation to Daimler-Benz which ended up sucking it dry and spitting it out.
Fiat's gamble on Alfa Romeo ruined Chrysler. But Chrysler is about to make the biggest comeback over the next 3 years, especially when Alfa Romeo continues to get ignored.
Genuinely, Chrysler dropped the ball by not using the hype of the Hellcat/Redeye/Demon and noy making a 300 SRT Hellcat or a gravity performance model. Thats my opinion. The chassis are Similar and it could of easily been done. Easy fix with alot of money but it will never happen now because of EV requirements🤷♂️
As a owner of a 300 srt8 I've always wished they would have as you see people that did hellcat swaps, Chrysler ended the 300srt line because it fell off basically but they 100% choked on that call
i got a 5.7 300c and am looking into a hellcat or newer scatpack but i prefer the 300 body over the charger and challenger also in california so modification isnt a option :/
1. They should bring back a EV version of the 300. 2. Also, an EV version of the pt cruiser might sell, perhaps? 3. bring back one of the old muscle cars. Ford has the mustang. Dodge has the charger and challenger. Chevy has the Camaro. Chystler can bring back the Cuda.
I agree that a 300C on a EV platform will kill it on today's market, but a 'Cuda is more complicated, since the Barracuda was branded as a Plymouth, a brand with a very, and I mean VERY different philosophy than Chrysler. Not a bad idea, but hard to implement.
But the PT cruiser of today would be everything he hates. The Cruiser was West Coast/metropolitan jeep. It took the design of a 60-70s sedan/wagon mixed in with crossover or SUV framing and had the option of being convertible. It was the perfect car to load 4-5 people in while giving ample space both cabin and cargo wise while letting the breeze hit your head.
@@JDBManalo Mine as well. Even James pumped a "concept" of how it should be if it gets relaunched at some point, as an uncompromised Challenger. And I'm stoked for the idea. However, my original point stands. Even if we like the idea, it doesn't fall on the needs of a car under Chrysler's lineup to improve their image. A modern 'Cuda is the anti-thesis of their Airflow concept.
That Airflow looks production ready, at least on the outside… it’s too bad they cannot sell it now because in a few years the market is going to be flooded with other EVs and there will be a lot of stiff competition
We are in a space race for EVs the first manufacturers to hit 600mi or hybrid platforms to drive 1000mi will win it all. Will we see it in 10years no, but that is the milestone that will separate the best manufacturer from the rest. That or something new needs to take over like flying/hover cars.
@@engineerisengihere44 Interesting statement... What kind of special abilities does the petrol or diesel powered car have that u use (at least 6 times a year) that an Electricity powered car cannot? Looks will change for cars every few years, your diesel or petrol powered counterpart will in a few years look like every other electric vehicle from the in-and-outside... Brands like BMW are already making exactly the same petrol, diesel and electric powered vehicles... Pick your size, look, options but also your drivetrain... Where I live the electric powered ones are just cheaper to buy, run and then trade-in to get a new one if you drive a car for a few years... (if you drive 15.000 km / 10.000 miles or more every year) And a lot faster cars for daily use for the same amount of money...
@@b100pech 1. Cool engine noises 2. I can put cool mods on 3. Burn out 4. Easily disable few things and do cool thing ei dounts, lil drifting and the list can go one. Internal combustion are simply cooler there obviously cool things about ev but not as cool and good ol gas baby
@@b100pech Let's just say that there's parts of this beautiful world where is waaaaaayyyyyy easier to find gasoline, diesel, or any fossil fuel than keeping the lights on for periods longer than four hours. Trust me, I know. I lived there, and there's NO WAY an EV could be a viable solution under such conditions.
I understand but the Prowler was a Plymouth. The PT Cruiser was supposed to be a Plymouth but when they ended Plymouth the PT Cruiser became a Chrysler.
PT cruisers were so popular that I remember playing "punch buggy" with my grandma and there were so many cruisers on the road that she eventually added "Bruiser cruiser" to the game.
My boomer wife and I still drive a PT Cruiser bought new in 2004. I liked it enough to replace my 1999 Grand Am with a low mileage 2006 5-speed about 7 years ago.
Stellantis sounds like the perfect combination of far too many weak brands swirling around in a mega corporation existing in several countries: in other words a complete lack of focus and direction. It sounds similar to the old GM.
@@GoodOlPastaCake Do you know how to read numbers. Maserati and Alfa are considered expensive unreliable garbage that no one outside of Italy buys. As for dodge they aren't doing as bad, but they are far from being in a good spot
I actually drive a 2005 Chrysler 300c and I absolutely love it, sure I love other vehicles, but this is my first car and it has a special place in my heart as well as a hemi, also it looks slightly different from othe 300's of the time because of a fancier grill and some slightly different external looks, but other than that, I love this vehicle and would love to buy a newer and cooler chrysler in the future and hopefully their plan goes well and they are still alive
I saw the ME 4-12 at a car show in Austin TX. We were there late and few people were left in attendance. It was roped off with a representative standing guard. I asked if I could sit in it and check it out and he said "Yes." It was a pretty unforgettable moment for me. At the time I was really into concept cars and wanted to be an automotive designer, so it was pretty special.
You mean Chryslers were rebadged as Talbots, but Chrysler was indeed French, having owned Simca. The Horizon was mostly a French design, though a version was also made in the US. Chrysler sold their European operations to Peugeot-Citroen, just like GM did with Opel and Vauxhall.
Sounds a little bit like me as a kid thinking that Subaru was Australian because of the Crocodile Dundee commercials, then I started playing Gran turismo.
we bought a 2021 Chrysler pacifica AWD, being here in canada the mini van was so impressive on the snow. my wife and I like it so much that we even named it the land yacht. smooth ride, classy styling and functional features. it was our first american brand vehicle and we were impressed.
I'm on my second Chrysler 300 and I just love them. Reliable, comfy, good-looking, good-handling. Raised a Ford guy but I tried and liked the Intrepid, until they stopped making those, then moved up to the 300 AWD and it reminded me of my SAAB 900 in good ways. I comparison shopped the 300 against the Ford Taurus and it looked better and had more functional room than the Ford. I would buy another 300 without question and would be interested in one that was electric. Yeah, I'm old: turned 60 and retired. Added a hidden hitch to the 300 and I tow a little folding trailer and sometimes a small boat with it to and from the local lake. Who needs a pickup or crossover?
You do know that when introduced, the 300 was on the platform of the MB E Class that was being replaced by a new E Class on a new platform? Basically, to this day, it’s a now 25 year old Mercedes cast-off. Since the 300s intro, there have been 4 new generations of E Class, each on a brand new platform. That’s not to say the 300 isn’t a decent car, but it’s way past its sell-by date.
@@Twittler1 exactly, it needs an overhaul and can made good again, same with the charger. I feel as if the 300 wouldve had more sales with better marketing and more engine options.
As a owner of a 2011 Chrysler 300, I really hope they don't get rid of the 300. It's an absolutely beautiful car and it has it's unique style which is iconic in my opinion. I've also never had an issue with the car since owning it from 2016. Just regular maintenance and that's all. I really don't understand how people just bash the Chrysler Brand by saying they're unreliable, etc... Family members have mopar cars and no issues whatsoever. Looking to possibly upgrade to a newer Chrysler 300 in the future!
As an owner of a 2011 Chrysler 200 with over 200,000 miles (owned since 19k) who has spent around $50 in non-routine maintenance, and having family/friends who have also had excellent experience with Mopars, I fully agree that the perception of poor reliability is unwarranted, or at the very least, blown out of proportion.
Love my 2007 Chrysler 300c allot of space and comfortable features automatic seats and seat warmers and when you needed some fun just hit the gas and she goes
As long as you can keep the front Tension Arms tight, they were great cars............................Sadly the older E-series platform from Merc, wasn't designed for an additional 500lbs on the nose.
A new Lee Iaccoa, where are you?? I think it would be very bad if Chrysler disappeared. Not enough is being said about Mopar cars that have not been troublesome to their owners. A new advertising campaign might really help.
I don't know about everyone else's experience with Chrysler but mine was it's an old stuffy expensive brand that broken down quite often. Not sure how they plan to get people into seats, but they need something like a killer warranty like Kia/Hyundai had to do to even get people to look at them early on.
I have an 05 T&C limited that’s been through hell and back. As much hate as the minivan gets. Its really a great car. Practical stow and go leather seats, and a 3.8 liter motor powerful enough to light up the front tires at a stomp of the throttle. Great car.
@@waterloo123100 to an extent it probably depends where you live the Chrysler’s we get in the UK are all extremely rusty and the 2 people I know who owned one ended up having to having to scrap them despite them only being about 6 to 10 years old at the time.
@@waterloo123100 I did but I can’t control bad electronics, alternator failing, AC failure, broken park release, faulty temp gauge and water pump leak causing engine to seize shortly after oil change. I loved my car and moneys not the issue but I’m never buying Chrysler.
An uncle of mine owned a 300C SRT8 and it was an absolute piece of machinery. Used it a lot on my first semester as a freshman. For a car of it's size, it was very soft and easy to drive. Quiet as mouse in low-revs, but it roared high when hitting the throttle. Fuel consumption was a bit lower than average, but in contrast with the "stock" 300C, it was far more reliable. Apparently, the electronics of the SRT version had better quality than the regular version. Also, the interior was slightly better. It didn't feel cheap, just delicate. I had a Mercedes few years later and I had to get rid of it. It wasn't delicate. Just outright fragile.
I'm a Mopar fan and I feel like I've seen this coming a mile away with the diminishing line up and the end of Plymouth. I always thought the Chrysler should of been the luxury brand, not just a premium brand. RIP Chrysler
As a (north-west) European we only had some Chryslers that sold well 10 to 20 years back, with the most familiar being the C300's or that small retro styled hatchback thing they made... The retro thing was to most Europeans a cheaper and "more useful" (more interior space) attempt at stealing away some marketshare of the first gen VW new Beatle that people liked for there retro look... The Chrysler C300 was just a very cheap looking Mercedes E klasse (same tech, same size, same ride, C300 has just cheap materials)... and Mercedes is not even a luxury brand to me, just a premium brand using Renault/Nissan tech for there smaller cars... Chrysler calling itself a premium brand its even weird to a European... If I think of a luxury brand I would say maybe a Mercedes Maybach or Alpine, up to cars like a Bentley... Now I know Chryslers market focus is in the US, not Europe... But in the US you can buy most European premium cars like BMWs, Mercedes*, or Audis, maybe Alfa Romeos (I don't know if they sell them in the US)...So I would not say the Chryslers are luxury cars, because in my experience a Chrysler is not as well designed, use nice materials, or things like panel gap consistency to most European premium car brands (who also sell in the US)... Don't you agree? Or are my 2 Chryslers models that I've been in and seen a lot just one of the worst Chryslers ever build? To me a premium car has to be at least "a lot better" then a VW Golf when it comes to build quality, material use, "luxury gadgets" (things you don't need but are fancy in a "old-money" way or bring more comfort... As for Europeans the VW Golf is the most "average" car there is for decades)... *Mercedes these days make some shitty cars too (that to me should not be called premium), take the GLE for example, that's not a premium car just a regular one with a very expensive Mercedes badge (looking at build quality, especially panel gaps and the materials used on the floor or "below the knee" when sitting down)...
Wheelhouse has always been my favorite show on donut's channel. Always discussing interesting topics in the auto world. Keep it up guys! I'll stay tuned in 😉👌
My wife and I have owned nothing but Mopars since 1986. Trucks, vans, SUVs and cars. In those 3 have been Chryslers. Our first was a PT Cruiser Limited. It was a great handling and trouble free car. Our favorite was a 2007 Aspen. Great looking, gorgeous interior and that HEMI! We just traded our Durango Alloy Edition for a 2023 300. Best riding car I’ve ever owned. I hope Mopar gets through this.
The 200 spent more of it's years as a renewed Sebring - the body style shown when calling it a dressed up Dart was actually the result of Chrysler taking the Sebring and bringing it more in line with the 300 aesthetically. It was replaced with a 200 based on the FCA Dart, but this version of the 200 only lasted about 2 of the 200's 6 years
@@fitlobster I know a few people who have had the dreaded lifter fail, one having to go full engine rebuild, the rest saved theirs and upgraded cams and lifters in the process. Fortunately for me mine has been okay so far and has 160,000 km on the clock
I inherited a 2007 Chrysler 300 touring from my Grandma when she passed in 2011 while she didnt take very good care of it while she had it, I loved that thing, it felt so cool compared to the honda accords (nothing against the accord, everyone had one so they didnt feel special) and I hope Chrysler can do that for a new generation again.
For me, Chrysler 300C 1 gen. is synonymous with a limousine from the USA. Looking at it from the side, I see a manifestation of genius in the proportions and inclination of the windows. Unfortunately, it loses its distinctiveness with each subsequent generation. This is the problem of modern motorization. Not everyone wants curves and cars that look like spaceships.
I can agree, my family had a 2006 model from 2010 til 2020 when my father passed it down to me, however a year later the costs exceeded the value of the car and had to sell it. I do miss it very much.. except the 19.2 average mpg XD
I’m so glad someone else said this! My aunt had a 2004 Pacifica that we took on vacations and used as a daily driver. This thing could run and run and run! Haha We were so disappointed when the coolant hose busted, causing the engine to overheat and lockup. The Pacifica will always be remembered as the crossover that never got the credit it deserved. DX
About 4 years ago I was working on an article that was going to be about everything wrong with FCA. I never finished it but I feel as though I could change FCA to Stallantis and most my points would be relatively the same. This highlights their major problem, lack of forward thinking and a resistance to change.
It's the same story for every company in every business. In order to get themselves out of the hole they've dug themselves in they turn into bland, safe, and marketable. What really needs to happen is to take a big risk but that means either making stud or a dud. Under Lee Iacocca the focus was on solving a market demand, his last bit of advice was to make fuel efficient economy cars and now more than ever that's the winning advice. We have two financially strapped generations, and cost for fuel is higher than ever.
We need cheap and reliable. Now more than ever. Give us a car with no features, optional power windows, everything optional. Give us a basics package with power windows, cruise control, and AC that is optional.
Except Chrysler has been bland safe vehicles for 50 years, and theyre not good at that either, their vehicles are unreliable and have contributed to Americans switching to japanese economy cars instead, im surprised people have still bought their vehicles the last 20 years, they would be a dead brand without 300c. The only people who buy Chrysler are elderly people
@@robreeto No back in the early 2000’s chrysler was considered “Luxury” But they can’t even live up to their old title. So as the new CEO said, they only deserve to sit low and not to grow. It is what it is they killed themselves as the years passed and they never moved forward. Makes sense for them to stay where they are and begin to grow sideways. Not above
@@robreeto Sorry that's simply not the case. Chrysler produced the mini van, applied the marketing strategy of luxury in an economy class, and have outputted a lot of muscle cars and stand out vehicles like the viper and doge demon. Take a look at RCR Stories Lee Iacocca. And even ignoring his influence you got vehicles like the daytona as examples of doing something radically different. Which brings me back to my main point. Every market not just cars is operating out of fear of losing money instead of taking the needed risks to earn more. People fear being the sega dreamcast instead of the iMac and iPod. But now more than ever the risk is needed.
I have a 200 and obviously there's a reason why the 200 was discontinued. They weren't built well. Every year until they were stopped being made had similar issues every year. One big issue was the location where they put the battery. The drivers side wheel well is a horrible place to put a cars battery. There were other many issues with the 200 as well
I see some things never change. I had a 2000 Sebring with the battery in the same place. Mysteriously had charging random issues and oil lights flickering on and off. One morning, seemingly randomly, the starter fuse blew before I went to start the car. Easy fix, but still annoying. It was easily the worst car I’ve ever owned. Oh, and it too had a V6 with horrid fuel economy
In 2015 o bought a used 2013 200 touring @ 25k miles for 15 thousand dollars, by 50k miles I had to replace the transmission, @80k miles the motor failed
Cheap GM junk. Much prefer a Cadillac CTS V Wagon with 500 horsepower and it has a nicer interior. Cadillacs are also junk but at least they have nicer feeling materials
“Bring them an EV” shows how out of touch CEOs are nowadays. People can’t even afford to buy used car, forget about an EV with a way to charge at home. The middle class really needs an affordable, reliable car that’s good on gas.
Jetta & Golf, regular stock gas engine, gets 50 at 50, 45 at 65, & 30-35 at 80. You sit just under 28 mpg at 90 mph on flat ground! And as to parts, they are as expensive as people make them out to be, or as they used to be either. Bad luck does happen, but thankfully, all my stuff that has broken has just been the basics. Hope that helps!!!
FWIW, our Pacifica Hybrid was similarly priced to the ICE version with similar features. A LOT of our travel tends to be within the charge range (30-ish miles) which (even before the recent increases) is a lot cheaper than gas. I've done a nearly 500 mile trip with a tank of gas and one charge. We are on the lower side of middle income.
> The middle class really needs an affordable, reliable car that’s good on gas. If so, why do they keep buying SUVs instead of sedans, hatchbacks and station wagons?
What Chrysler really needs is way better quality control. And it's good to have an EV option available but those won't be volume sellers in time for the 10 year plan.
I know some former chrysler engineers. Man I wish Chrysler was their own company. I think the feeling of not being independent for so long has lended to this loss of identity.
My family has had a few Chryslers over the years. One of which was a wagon in fact. Number one reason we dumped all of them was for electrical problems. They have electrical gremlins the likes I have never seen. Family friends who had Chryslers and just wanted a reliable car like any other to take them from point A to point B reported similar problems. I am scared for a car that Chrysler makes that is all electric. You don't improve a company by pivoting towards your weakness.
I partially grew up during a time when "wagons were over saturating the market". However, I will say this about wagons versus crossovers. Wagons are still to this day, more useful and beneficial compared too Crossovers. Crossovers are actually less useful compare to a 4-door hatchback. I would rather have a wagon then any crossover
@@JPearlLapis crossovers aren't bad. They are just useless vehicles that are targeting a dumb generation of drivers, who think they are getting an amazing vehicle that isn't a suv but is so-called better then a hatchback. Most crossovers have limited cargo space versus a hatchback.
Fun fact: The 200 AWD V6 didn't have enough room to incorporate a resonator in the exhaust system, so, from the factory the car sounds a bit more interesting when compared to its non-AWD V6 counterparts. Doesn't sound bad either.
I'm 30, and I love station wagons. I had a conversation about them once with a woman about twenty years older than me, and she said she hated them. Based on the eras in which we grew up, her hate of station wagons matched my hate of minivans. That said, most people twenty to thirty years older than me seem to share my love of station wagons, so she may have been an outlier. Crossovers don't seem to quite fall into the same category as wagons and minivans, though. Yes, they are "lame" family haulers just like wagons and minivans, but they seem to be a lot more prevalent and bought by many people _without_ big families. They're just like an amalgamation of all vehicles types into the most boring thing you could possibly make that simultaneously suits the needs of almost all people, and thus are the vehicle of choice for anyone who has no dignity left.
I’m good with both wagons and minivans. I can even stomach the bland as water crossovers. It’s the oversized monster SUVs and trucks that can disappear forever.
@@ThatRanMan I have no gripe with the jumbo SUVs. Not my vehicle preference, but they don't bother me. I can agree on the ridiculous pickups, though. I think the difference for me is because of how the majority of the owners perceive their vehicles. The SUV owners usually have it for a practical purpose: They have a big family or they have a medium family and need the extra space for extracurricular equipment/vacation luggage. On the other hand, the people who drive the obnoxious trucks do it because they think it is "cool". It's not cool. Trucks are utility vehicles; they don't need to be fast and they don't need to be flashy. Your turbo diesel is obnoxious. And your lift kit isn't fooling anyone; we all know that thing never leaves the pavement.
I'm also in my 30s, and desire both wagons and minivans. They're both best at what they do - using less fuel than vehicles with similarly large interiors while handling better, or just being more spacious than other vehicles the same exterior size. Most SUVs are ridiculous - why have a Rav4 when an AWD Sienna has the same fuel consumption while hauling 4x8 sheets of plywood and the no longer available Corolla wagon could give the same space as the Rav4 while handling better and using less gas.
@@virgilwyatt4632, that makes sense because they can all be described as "two box," where one box is the engine bay and the other is for people/cargo. Sedans are "three box," and I suppose pickups are as well.
As a performance car guy, I understand the appeal to electric cars. They’re better in numbers. But to me it sacrifices the fun of having to mod out or work on a complex gas powered engine to make it faster. That’s why I love the Hellcat and SRT as a division. “Let’s throw on a supercharger onto an already powerful performance V8 and give it better crankshaft and cams and add dual fuel pumps and lets put on a massive air-scoop to feed the engine more air!” I think that’s way more interesting personally.
That's the philosophy Dodge and Jeep are operating under. Drive past a Hyundai dealership and all the promotional banners are about their EVs; drive past a Dodge dealership and it's entirely different...
You can still easily mod every other aspect of electric cars, since the only difference is the powertrain. Upgrading sound systems, suspension mods, brake systems (a necessity if you want to track a Tesla), cosmetic stuff, etc.
Go drive a Taycan Turbo and then you’ll be like, “yup, this *is* the future.” Sure, maybe right now it’s just the $150k+ cars, but eventually that tech will trickle down to shitty brands like Chrysler too.
I really hope the Airflow makes it to production. I really like it. If it can really do 400 mile range as an EV and be affordable to middle-class people, I think it will do great. I just hope that they have the production capability. It seems like a model that while it would do well, you wouldn't really see many of (or at least where I live due to the lack of EV infrastructure). However, it being an EV, I assume it will have a way to charge at home, so as long as you have a carport or a garage you can install a charger in, that would be sufficient. If not, going back to 400 mile range would allow a lot more ease of mind if you can't charge at home, though I'm not sure what the phantom drain on a typical EV is like. If it does make it to production, and assuming I have the ability to do so, I would consider buying it. I think Teslas look too bland and I don't like how EVERYTHING is in the center display screen, including the speedometer. I wish cars would stop putting everything in an infotainment screen, however. I would still like actual buttons and knobs for things like A/C and volume controls.
As part of Gen Z, I love station wagons. Long, elegant body lines similar to that of a saloon, spacious interior, and a practical hatch in the rear. It's everything I could ask for in a car. I love them.
Mopar, in my mind, has always been synonymous with “boss” cars. Like mafia cars, big, bold and powerful cars. I guess Dodge has taken that place as a brand. A Chrysler relaunch is much needed
I have had really good luck with Chryslers but dont have one at the moment. They have just not given the brand any new vehicles forever.. decide to keep it or not.
The "boss" car is more in line with mercedes and bentley than dodge. Dodge is associated with the hood, since your likely to be killed or shot driving one.
Personally, I think if they just made an electric version of the 1970 Imperial (or any of the big 1960s-970s American rectangle land yachts), they would grab people's attention, stand out from the rest of the industry with a car unlike anything else anyone is building, and draw in people who are nostalgic for the glory days of Chrysler as well as younger people who are interested in owning distinctive cars.
Seriously. If there's one thing FCA is good at, it's making old cars new again. Modernizing an old land yacht/mega wagon could definitely get them back in the spotlight and get them better reception than just another swoopy tall hatch thing
I think there are issues with pedestrian safety which considering the massive diesel pickups rolling around is pretty absurd. I agree though. That would be amazing but the regulations need to change
That’s actually a great idea but the first thing that came to my mind is regulations. Surely the embodiment of a classic American land yacht can be modernized but it faces challenges of crumple zones, airbags, pedestrian safety as mentioned above. Mercedes made some concept recently with retro styling. It can be done.
Can't. EV's rely on weight savings, low rolling resistance and aerodynamics for range. There is only 3 gallons worth of energy in a Tesla battery. How far is a land yacht going to go on such low energy? Most people don't want an electric, they are being pushed before battery tech is ready. I may want one someday, but not yet. I may drive 1000 miles tomorrow. EV can't do it. EV will NOT save Chrysler.
Funnily enough, I own both the Opel Insignia Wagon (Holden Commodore in Australia), and a Gen 2 supercharged 300 SRT. To me, the 300 is one of the most unique looking, iconic cars on the road today. A real shame they are gone. It would have been great to at least see an Electric 300. Maybe one day… Oh, and I’m a big wagon fan too. Thanks for the video, Donut. Always awesome.
That Opel Insignia Wagon is a fat Chevy Malibu. Holden small block v8s stop being made the year before your car released. It's more fair to compare the 300 SRT to a Chevy SS or Caprice.
I wanted ford to make a fusion wagon. If they had, it would have been sick! Biggest problem with Chrysler is dependability, it seems that they have issues with reliability. I’ve always love the look of the 300.
With all the horror stories I've heard, and seen first hand I'm not touching them with a ten foot pole for example I had a coworker who had an 06 Chrysler 300, and something was always breaking on it every few months, and once with less than 60K on the OD the fuel pump gave out, and nearly left her stranded on the interstate coming from GA into SC, luckily she was able to coast into the SC visitors center before it fully gave up the ghost, and yes she kept up the normal maintenance, the car was just junk, and she finally dumped it during cash for clunkers for a Toyota Prius, and never looked back.
Ford owned Volvo in the mid2000s, those are some of the best wagons on the road in the USA, built on platform with the focus even, they share quite a few parts
My parents traded a Tahoe on a Town & Country. My dad regretted that decision almost immediately. That think creaked and moaned over every bump and was constantly in need of repairs.
6:53 I love this thing. Now I already know most of the newer Buicks are rebadged but this one! It’s amazing! Sadly no manual but what in the hell do you expect! And sadly it wasn’t around for that long.
Definitely should keep A 300, it ties its past with the future going back 75years. A completely new design would be good as long as it is rear wheel drive and V-8 powered. Also a concentration on the Design or Face of the grille is very important.
I rented a 200 a few years ago. It was a horrible car--the transmission shifter was a dial, right next to another dial for the radio or whatever. I accidentally shifted the rental into "R" while driving on the interstate. To its credit, the car did not comply. But still...so dumb.
I own a older 200, I had to google this because mine has a conventional shifter and I just couldn't believe that they would change it to a damn dial, but it's true! So stupid...
I remember being very unsurprised (and unimpressed) with the 300C when it was introduced. Seemed like a play from Chrysler that I'd seen before. When I was a kid, my family had another Chrysler that was aesthetically "inspired" by a luxury car -- the mid 80s Fifth Avenue. It tried *so hard* to be a small, cheap Cadillac Brougham, down to the silly swinging door pulls: these were real on the Caddy but we were warned not to actually use them on the Fifth Avenue as they were strictly ornamental and would eventually break off if you pulled on them to close the door. Helping to break the illusion were all the other less-dressed-up variants on the road from Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth based on the same low-cost platform. Seeing a Chrysler so obviously pretending to be a Bentley just seemed like the same coattail riding.
Dude, my grandparents had one too! Did yalls have the velour fabric interior with the decorative buttons? Looked like a 1970’s oversized loveseat in the front and back?
@@sneakerfreak2002 in the fact that it's true, I had one GIVEN to me, they have no value as a car, the K car platform and others like it from those years will only gain value in the future in being rare oddities just because so many people didn't like them, and their over embellished cheap luxuries masking lazy research and development and choked engines
Yup. Even within the same brand. Porsche turned down the Cayman GT4 because the light little mid-engine was ready to crush big brother 911. Can’t have that. That’s the money making icon.
@@pauljs75 Exactly. I love when they pit in-house teams against each other with contests and challenges. “Take this engine and this budget and make something amazing. Winning team gets a golden opportunity.”
Yes, when I was young you wouldn't want to be caught dead in a wagon. In the mid 80s to 90s it was mini vans that took over. When I started driving in 96 you wouldn't want to be driving either a van or wagon. Now they are cool.
When I was young and a teenager it was a four-door you didn’t want to be caught driving dead in. Except when I was 17. I had a awesome sweet ass four-door it was a 1966 tempest with a 389 GTO motor in it it was basically a four-door GTO it was extremely fast I wish I still had it today and would’ve listen to my parents when they said never let one of your friends drive your car. Parents have good advice unfortunately young kids are stupid and don’t listen.
My buddy would fold the rear seats down in his wagon and us 3 big dudes would take naps during lunch. No shame when military dudes sleep anywhere with buds.
The 2011-2014 200 was not a "dressed up Dodge Dart", it was actually a re-tuned Sebring, same platform under the skin as the Avenger. They chucked basically everything but the shell and powertrain though. The second gen was a different car entirely, based on the Alfa Giulietta platform like the Dart and Cherokee, but mechanically dissimilar to either.
I’m Swedish so I hardly saw any of those big station wagons while growing up but I absolutely love them - except for the ones with wood and ‘wood’ on the sides. Would’ve absolutely loved them without it though. And I love the 300. The PT Cruiser on the other hand. 🤢 Last but not least I would really like to see car designers pick up the L-square again.
My 2011 Chrysler 200 has over 200,000 miles (I bought it with 19k), the only non-routine maintenance I've had to do being: coolant hose clamp, power steering hose, thermostat. It all cost me somewhere around $50. At this point, I have no hesitation calling it an extremely reliable car, and I'd trust it to go anywhere in the country at the drop of a hat. It has been an excellent all-around vehicle, and in my opinion, it compared favorably to most of its competitors (including the Camry and Accord) back in the day--even though no one wanted to say it because it was based on the mediocre Sebring. It was thoroughly reworked into a very competitive sedan, and while it sold fairly well, it never got the respect it deserved. Though, to be fair, if I hadn't driven (and subsequently purchased) one, I'd probably have written it off too. The 300M I had before that was an excellent car as well, though 13yrs of salt-covered Midwest roads convinced me to trade it at 180k (brake lines ruptured, and the rust bubbles near the gas cap were getting unsightly). The other Mopars that my family and friends have had over the years have been pretty solid too. Not all were class-leaders, but none of them were anything less than average in terms of dependability and longevity. And I see countless old, beat-up Chrysler minivans and Rams/Dakotas/Durangos with well over 200k (including a van with just under 500k miles all-original). By my count, the perception of their poor reliability is unwarranted, or at least blown far out of proportion. I so firmly believe this, in fact, that I just recently spent a hefty sum of my own money on a Gladiator, and I've zero regret or concern. I still have the 200 because it's dirt cheap to own/drive (long paid off, $50 annual registration, liability-only insurance, good gas mileage, low maintenance)--I simply see no reason to get rid of it (especially if gas prices and inflation continue to rise).
I can't wait to see Chrysler get some love again. As someone who likes the brand, the lack of investment/effort over the past decade has been frustrating--almost as frustrating as the knee-capping and diming Daimler did to them (leading to some truly unimpressive, uninspired offerings). The Airflow can't come soon enough. I expect that when my Gladiator is paid off and I'm (maybe) ready for an EV, Chrysler may be one of the first makes I look at.
Exactly what I would've said but put together nicely by you. It's quite strange that either people have had extremely good experiences with Chrysler or extremely bad. It's either one or the other. Why do you think that is? I have a feeling it's the usual herd mindset/bandwagon everyone is taking pert in when they say Chrysler is unreliable...
@@mikeoxlong6351 Hard to say. I truly think they're just one of those things that people love to hate, like Nickelback (not that I'm a fan, but their members have a heck of a lot more talent than 99% of the people dogging on them). I think the PT Cruiser is an excellent example of this, as what was once one of the biggest car smash-hits bordering cultural-icon/instant classic overnight became the joke of the car world despite being a pretty nifty and clever package with quality that was appropriate for the class and era (I've been in numerous Corolla/Matrix/Vibe and Nissan Versa--their quality wasn't any better). I also can't help but wonder if more lemons just slip through their cracks than some other brands (maybe quality control isn't afraid to take a nap on the job once in a while) as there are too many anecdotal stories I've seen online to completely discount. But in the real world, I see tons of Mopars on the road every day (old and new), and I pass numerous driveways occupied exclusively by Mopars, I simply struggle to believe that if the brand were as bad as people in the comment sections of videos seem to think, so many people would be willing to spend their hard earned money on them, and that it'd be so very rare that I run into people who have had such poor experiences. I've kept an astute open eye for almost two decades and online perception just doesn't seem to line up with reality. When people ask me for car advise and talk about brand reliability, I find it easiest to explain that, brand-wise, if you look at quality/issue statistics, the brand at the top of the list isn't really that different from the (mainstream) brands at the bottom, and that every brand has and continues to make duds once in a while, and it's best to compare specific vehicles to specific vehicles rather than go by brand. I also like to point out that double standards exist--a prime example is that Chrysler used to be anecdotally synonymous with bad transmissions, but Honda had a huge problem with transmissions in the late '90s and much of the 2000s, on a scale actually larger than Chrysler group (IIRC), but people fail to remember it, likely due to confirmation bias. I apologize for the long-winded response. This topic frustrates me because I genuinely don't think they deserve the word-of-mouth poor reputation they have.
@@omgcool7206 Please do not apologize, I'm actually astonished I've found someone who is equally as interested in this as I am. This whole reply, especially the part where you talked about seeing driveways that were exclusively Mopar, and how despite the brand being labeled as unreliable people still buy their cars, is almost the exact opinion i have similar to you, it's just I haven't found a way to explain it exactly. I also can not connect two and two together based on what I see online and in reality. Funny that you mentioned Honda as well, back when I was younger, I'm in my mid 20s by the way, my family bought an 03 Honda Odyssey and the tranny went out at 60k. Even when I was younger I knew enough to realize that that was kinda ridiculous for a Japanese. We've only ever owned Toyotas and Mitsubishis too. Out of high-school I had my mind made up that I was going to buy a second hand JDM after getting a job and saving and have it be a project car to have something to do while I finish college. Anyways, I ended up in a Corolla because I realized how much it would really cost to help support my ambitions. Sometime midway through college my father and I went with family friends down to the beach during the summer and they happened to be driving in a 300. Towards the end of the day we decided to go to a diner and the passengers in both cars kind of shifted because we're going to he same place so I ended up the 300, and I will not lie, it was one of THE NICEST rides in a sedan I've ever had. The funny part about it is I WAS IN COMPLETE DENIAL that a Chrysler managed to feel and ride this comfortably. My buddy was driving, even did a couple pulls with it and I was blown away because all I ever knew where Japanese economy cars haha. Even if it was only the V6 Pentastar, that engine has quite a bit of kick to it. Needless to say, HE convinced ME to switch to Mopar, and I NEVER LOOKED BACK. That following summer, I got a job, saved up, put down half and bought me a used 2019 300s with only 30k and I couldn't tell you how surreal it felt driving off that lot. The ZF tranny shifted great and despite it being the V6 this thing will beat certain Bimmers from personal experience. The interior was amazing to say the least. We occasionally send each other Mopar related clips and pulls at the strip/road on Instagram of Hellcats cause I was fully invested into Mopar now lol. Fast forward another year later, I got rid of the 2019 NOT because I didn't like it or couldn't afford the payments, it's just I wanted to leave work and focus on school and I got more than what I payed for because of this inflation. It allll worked out though. Because I took those small profits I got after selling the 2019 300s, and bought the EXACT year I originally fell in love with for the 300 which was 2013 except I bought the C Luxury trim with the 5.7L Hemi. That engine is straight up damn bulletproof as long as you change the oil every 5k, i think the best part of that engine is that its an iron block, none of that aluminum cost cutting garabge they have nowadays. No wonder they had this engine around for so long. The rest as they say is history. Back around 2013 I was definitely still biased and ignorant and thought that Chrysler Trannys were garbage. The NAG1 5speed tranny in my 300 right now is shifting smooth like butter and I have no complaints whatsoever. I litteraly fell in love with the Chrysler brand after the past 2 years which lead me in this small but interesting endeavor on the internet to try to find out why Chrysler is given such a bad rep. To me, it really seems to be the bandwagon effect. People don't want to listen and/or don't care. They just accept the status quo and don't mind questioning whether or not it's the best. I also occasionally see a driveway with just Mopar, filled with Jeep and Dodge Daimler really did a number on them but I don't see how they couldn't have been able to bounce back. They've always been innovative. And yes, let's not be delusional here, their quality control department is DEFINITELY lacking compared to other players in their market but it doesn't mean they're straight up horrible. If I can recall correctly, JDPowers reliability rating, which is problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler scored the same as Honda in the 2019 model year, and I think exceeded Honda and up there with Toyota for 2021 IF I can recall correctly. Whether or not you think JDPower is not being bribed is up to you, I think they are, but most people don't know better so I just tell them look at JDPower since they believe it. You can even see on Facebook Marketplace that there are listing's for 300's with over 200k ORIGINAL miles. Obviously these things last. I really do hope they get it together because seeing them go out with all that history is really sad. Chryslers history is a part of American history. Likewise, if you've made it this far, thank you for reading, sorry for the long reply. I came back to edit this comment after thinking for 5 minutes, IF, on the VERY off chance I decide to take stab at making a TH-cam video about debunking these excessive unreliability claims on the Chrysler brand, will you have any objections if I use any of your comments for anecdotal evidence and inspiration to write a script?
@@mikeoxlong6351 I've no objection. Speaking of the Pentastar, it's an excellent engine. One of the reasons I justified a Gladiator was the engine. This is a vehicle that I could see myself keeping virtually forever (even as a secondary vehicle as I someday replace the 200 as a daily driver), and I love that the Pentastar is one of the last V6s without direct injection (and the extra maintenance that comes with) but still manages to be competitive with other V6s that use DI. It's a well thought out engine that simply works, and is smooth as butter. Also, 80% of peak torque starting at just 1800rpm is impressive for a naturally aspirated V6. I think the Pentastar is handily earning a reputation as a used car "safe bet," kind of like how people always recommend used vehicles with the AMC/Jeep 4.0 I6, the Buick/GM 3800 and smallblock, Ford (non-3V) modular, etc. I've already been in a van with well over 400k on one, never would have guessed it was nearly back from a round trip to the moon lol. I just got reminded--years and years ago when I had my 300M, I was part of a forum and our resident high-mileage guy (Hank, as I recall) had his odometer stop rolling at around 550k miles, and had been driving for a few years without a working odometer when I stopped visiting the forum sometime after trading the car.. I should go back and see if he kept the car long enough to think he reached a million miles (not that it could probably be confirmed). I believe he replaced or rebuilt his transmission around 300k, but that's pretty reasonable in my book. At that point, I hadn't heard of any million mile LH cars, but I have little doubt that they were capable of it, beside needing a transmission valve body replacement once in a while, which was quick and easy on those cars.
@@omgcool7206 Indeed, that Pentastar is even used in the Grand Cherokees, I believe can do a little towing as well, it really one of the best V6's left and it's a shame that it's legacy is tarnished just because it's associated with the Chrysler brand. I'm surprised that car only needed a tranny change at 300k, that's insane. Where there any issue with electronics? Any bad bearings or anything like that?
Thank you for saying "what's left of" when describing the middle class. I've been skirting the bottom of the middle for a long time. Every time I get promoted the bottom and the top wages go up. My position gets made redundant and back to the bottom we go. Now that I've scratched my way back into "not poverty" inflation is kicking in to stomp on my fingers. Lol it's fun being expendable
@@fastinradfordable you don't get tired of merely surviving? I'm not ungrateful I would just like to be able to go to the doctor if we need to. Maybe do something fun without worrying.
Small correction: AWD Mach-E range is 270. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition (which I don't think the Airflow would be competing against given the performance difference) is 260. You can get a Cali Rt. 1 with over 300 miles too, FWIW. :-) Also, as a non-boomer, I'd love a good wagon! The CTS-V wagon was freaking amazing. I just couldn't afford it.
It's not the brand identity that Chrysler has issues with. It's is quality if employees, quality control, and the cheap parts they use on their vehicles.
It would be pretty hard for any company to come back after being fleeced so hard by Mercedes, like ChryslerCo was. But we've gotten to a point now that they need to make some better decisions, most notably it's time to build a compact car again, NOT a Caliber, and don't screw up miserably like you did with the Dart. Dart was a great car that they totally botched the preparation and release on.
True. They did get taken hard. But it’s too hard for the big three to make a small car, I don’t think they can do it and compete historically there’s company’s with 35+ years on a single nameplate like Corolla or civic
Between the bleep in “cockpit” and the gun reloading sound when Nolan pushed his glasses back, this video serves as a perfect example of why Donut’s editors are my favorite TH-cam editors right now.
Bleeping cockpit is one of the funniest inventions of the last decade
I wonder if TH-cam would demonetize if he said dickpit
his glasses cocked. ch-ch locked and loaded
The glasses reload was just a funny meme...but the censoring of cockpit was literally because they were losing monitization on videos where they said it cause it tricked the algorithm into thinking they said cock...so they started bleeping it
Don't forget the 2000's close up
It's strange to think that with my Pacifica, I currently own 50% of the vehicles Chrysler has to offer.
Lol this comment took me a min to understand because I kept thinking of the old pacifica suv, back when they had so much to choose from.
Tbh, reading that, it really starts to give the “why is this still a brand” thought
And their other car, the 300, is fucking ANCIENT. It's been on sale since 2006, and it's bones are based on the 1990s Mercedes E class!
@@scarfaceAC2 not to mention they haven’t even updated the design of that ugly car since 2011
@@EpticityOG wrong they updated it in 2015. There are 3 gens. 05-10, 11-14, 15- present
I worked in a parts dept at Dodge and from a parts perspective, the company is an absolute nightmare, too many car brands under their umbrella made it extremely difficult, you needed the damn VIN numbers just to get the right oil filter because they had so many different options and engines. Most Japanese Companies really streamlined this, Nissan has 2 main oil filters for all of their vehicles and their rear brake pads have been the same for almost 20 years!
as someone who works at a body shop I couldn't agree more. Even with the full VIN I still can't get the right parts for newer mopar brand stuff, and the local dealer sucks at sourcing the parts too
Oil filter thing is something of a problem with GM vehicles too and only gets worse with certain models. The Buick Encore (and the Chevy Cruze I think? I deal mostly with GMC and Buick) has an engine that has two options for the filter and the only way to determine the correct one is not by VIN but by checking the cap over the oil filter for HENGST or UFI markings.
Honda has used the same oil filter and drain plug bolt for all of it's cars since the mid 90's
@@imperialsnowfall and it’s the same as their motorcycles too lol it’s great
@@snaxgalore5764 Brands like honda and toyota are benefitting from the lack of mergers and acquisitions over the years. It helps that their Japanese philosophies of keeping things running for a long time drive their engineering design.
I bought a 2007 300C AWD last year with 52K miles in Alaska when I was in the army. Drove great on the snow and ice. Had to buy a new Gas cap and new headlight bulbs. So far it's been great but we shall see.
I also have the 07 300c, AWD, it's a classic beauty, my first car back in 79 was a 60 Chrysler 300 with a 440 TNT, but I wish now I looked for a RWD instead my transfer/differential is going out, you can hear the bearing, sounds like wheel bearing but it's not. oh well, it's worth the repair, if I can find someone to do it, oh yea. thats me lol good luck
PS, it has over 200k miles on it, and still blows the doors off most would be passers...
@White__Rabbit if someone wants to drive faster than you, why would you risk your lives, and the lives of people in the oncoming lane? You'd risk a bunch of lives for your fragile little ego? Yikes... if you've got a tiny d, just say so.
I dont want airflow concepts, video conferencing, expensive screens that will fail, ece. I want a simple reliable vehicle. This is something chrysler has reliably failed to deliver.
you are describing every ev out there.
Not all EV’s are super complex, there are some neat offerings especially in the Hyundai range. Not to mention the leaf is pretty good for a grocery getter in warmerish climates.
How about a car you can operate and see out of without video cameras and a permanent /disable switch for the ever increasing ellectronics.like the one that keeps turning the engine off. Reliability and ease of repair would be good too. Guess that would be the deluxe option.
@@robertenn6818 That's why i own a '16 silverado regular cab v6, roll up windows, no carpet, vinyl bench seat,
@@beastbee0118 bought my son a 2013 v6 f150 in the same trim as his first truck. Doesn’t even have carpet. It’s gotten him all the way thru high school and he’s about to take it off to community college. I liked it because it didn’t have back seats to pack a bunch of teenagers in. Been a great truck
These EV’s need to drop HP and up range. Most people don’t care, and as long as it’s above 150hp, they don’t complain. Make it weaker and cheaper
Maybe 200 just to be safe because even the toyita corolla has about that much.
in EV range and max power are coupled. The bigger the battery, the more peak power and range you get.
More power is life 😂 till u go turbo
@@TheJamonLance why not limit the motor power then?
@@chsi5420 limiting motor power will not increase range
I also blame the late Sergio Marchionne, the former ceo of FCA, since more or less the same happened to Fiat and Lancia. An accountant by training, he was the sort of ceo who focused solely on the bottom line, neglecting engineering, design and brand image. That always gets the same result: companies that have one or two very successful products for a while, but nothing in the pipeline to replace them. The same happened in a completely different industry with Activision/Blizzard, which went from being a powerhouse to a company the tried to wring every last penny from Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. Both FCA and A/B ended up being bought by other companies.
Don't forget when Daimler Benz bought them just to suck up all their cash savings and sell them later.
Blizzard is ran by violent, rapists. Gotta love slave labor.
Lancia's practical death really hurts me. For the longest time, I thought they were defunct in the 90s, but seeing them only making a single vehicle (and it being an average SUV), hurts even more.
If it wasn't for Sergio, Chrysler/Dodge/RAM would have been dead by now
@@NothingXemnas The Lancia Ypsilon is not an SUV, but a super mini, more or less the size of a Fiat 500. It's only sold in Italy, but very popular there: Lancia sells more cars in its only market Italy than Alfa Romeo worldwide. Again a result of focusing on the few most profitable products.
Fortunately Lancia also gets 10 years to prove itself and Stellantis wants it to be a premium brand again.
I think the problem with Chrysler easily could have been fixed if they took the “all electrification” they’re doing to Dodge and turned around and made Chrysler as their electric flagship instead. You have 3 very well selling nameplates in Dodge right now after 15 years of constructing a new image after the 90’s and they’re jettisoning it all at once. Hope it work out for them. They could have revamped Chrysler, given it a direction and kept Dodge doing what it was doing and offering one electric car to start.
They took the muscle out of MoPar.
Perhaps not the wisest decision.
Spot on…..
Stop thinking. It must hurt.
@@Atomwaffen-y3s oh no… so anyway
Brilliant Point. They could start with that Airflow and an Electric Imperial or 5th Avenue.
I would buy a wagon if it was stylish and affordable. I love the Mercedes wagons, those things are sick. They should play off those to get started.
Don't tell that to Chrysler. They will give us another Dodge Magnum...
@@EstebanDVO exactly haha
Same here
@@EstebanDVO I wish they would have never went away. When I was a youngbull my pops had a dark blue SRT8 with the 6.1 hemi I wish he still had that car. He traded it for a STS-V just a few years later.
There was a 300c wagon available in Europe
Granted, I've never been in a single 300C but the pre-facelift 300C, especially in the SRT8 trim looks soooo baller. It still looks good today, even if it has aged.
I’ve driven one and my grandma used to own an ‘03, and a ‘16. Inside, the pre-facelift car it feels like you’re in the bottom of a well, (or optimistically, a tank) due to the high window line and the thick A and C pillars. Visibility while driving wasn’t too bad though. The 2016’s interior on the other hand felt way different. The window line was still relatively high in the back, but had been dropped down more in the front and the windshield reached farther down as well. The A and C pillars are thinner, and the sunroof was twice the size, all helping create a more open passenger space. The cars both drove and handled well enough (take that with a grain of salt, because I drive and own nothing but pickups).
I'm gonna comment on every other comment...
Just want anyone's help with this music...
I want to know it as its driving me bonkers...
I've definitely heard it, just don't know the name...
And its really frustrating... Can someone please help me out here???
Anyone????
I had an 06 300C. I miss it everyday
Had an 06 SRT8. Loved that car. So much bang for the buck.
My buddy has a ‘08 SRT8 and a ‘17 300C. They are great looking cars and drive so good
I love how you can see Nolan’s confidence grow with every episode. Feel like he’s really found his groove and doesn’t take things over the top like the rest of the crew. No offense to the rest of the crew, love them too.
100%. It's one of the best things about Donut media. The videos are great AND we're pulling for the guys to do well. No ego, no entitlement.
May be the glasses.
He's been here for years, when has he not been confident in videos? 🙄
If he's a MOPAR fan, he hasn't learned anything. Only idiots keep loving MOPAR after owning one.
@@scientchahming5 Nolan: *cocks glasses with informative intent*
I remember the ME Four Twelve in Midnight Club. Loved driving that. The 300 SRT8, especially the final gen of it was cool af. I'm glad to see you passionately enjoy Chrysler and their relative products though, I've worked for an FCA dealer on the tech side before and while can confirm they do make some absolute duds, they also can make some phenomenal vehicles. Quirky, but phenomenal especially when you know how to work around and avoid the fatal quirks (ie not extended idling a Hemi or letting it overheat).
I own a 2005 Crossfire. Great to drive, but being 80% Mercedes parts has made it slightly expensive to repair. Also, Chrysler dealerships long ago abandoned working on these.
I know a scrap yard thatll work on it for ya
That's unfortunate.
Some Mercedes dealerships would work on them back in Chicago but I would recommend trying out an independent shop that specializes in Benzes and other European cars if servicing it is becoming difficult
Merc when they sold, dropped parts manufacturing for the models they partnered with. It is common in EU when car companies buy and sell.
Honestly, for a 15 year old car, its pretty reliable!
What I discovered by FCA by owning a 2013 Dodge Charger R/T speaks about how the company operates. The design was great. The Hemi V8 engine was award winning. Finish and fit were average at best--there was no care on how it was put together. The interior materials were cheap. The real problem came to the electronics, which seemed bargain basement and was the weakness of the car. Sensors would fail while I was sitting at a stop light. Sensors would go down all the time. The radio to the key fob failed. The electronic interface to the transmission failed. The bean counters wanted to cut expensive electronic parts out and put in the cheapest and most unreliable electronic parts possible. The annoying part of this is the car was so wonderful to drive.
I have my doubts FCA can change.
One of the biggest reasons I stayed away from getting a caravan when we got a minivan was the TIPM issues. I wonder how much money it would have taken to make just that one part not a wet fart
Actually, what you described is arguably the best situation possible, the car is great except for the electronics used. Meaning they can switch to a better supplier like other car companies use and viola, fit and finish is pretty easy to fix as well. That comes down to quality control which can be remedied much much easier than bad engineering. They just have to spend more time on each car instead of allowing large tolerances they make them tighter, which cost a bit more money.
@@JoshOutdoorsGR have you heard why Chrysler minivans have 9 seats? So one person can steer and the other 8 get out and push when the transmission fails.
Well it's not FCA anymore for one......
Only problem in this comment is that a 2013 Charger R/T was not a FCA vechile.
The FCA merger took place late 14. That was a Daimler Chyrsler Car.
Stelantis has already shown large change, they are doing away with the Hemi. Litteraly the only thing they had going for them. Chrysler/Dodge is Doomed.
I'm really hoping that they bring some new vehicles, but I also don't want them to look like the other stellantis vehicles... For example, the new charger has to LOOK like a charger and the new 300 has to LOOK like a 300.
Excited to see what they put the new inline 6 into. I am hoping for a smaller version of a Challenger.
@@rnt45t1 I hope not, I like my roomy muscle car. If you want a smaller version of the Challenger go buy something Japanese.
I love the 300C estate always liked them as a big “Drug Dealers” car in the UK 😂 was just looking at one on marketplace that has been wrapped metallic red and it looks mint! Just don’t think I could live with the fuel, tax and terrible interior though haha
@@joec3090 I had a Challenger for 5 years. It's a great car, just a pain in the ass to try to park.
@Hayden Mills, I partly agree with you, I think that Chrysler should take design cues form their current models but they need really step up the looks. The newest 300 looks alright, but I believe that they should defiantly revamp the interior or redesign the car altogether, they are in a position where they could change their brand image to really reinforce the idea that they are a "premium" car brand or potentially battle other brands like BMW or Audi. I guess we'll have to see what the future holds for Chrysler.
I have a 1st gen Pacifica (2007), 4.0 V6, 6 speed auto, all wheel drive, and absolutely love it. Have spent an irrational amount of money keeping it running but it is one of my favorite driving and riding cars ever.
"everyone wanted one of these things; rappers, accountants, my mom(she's all three)..."
I felt that.
You felt his mom? Jeeeez!
When the Chrysler 300 first came out, it was the “Old English 800” of cars.
I’ll just leave it at that.
bg music name?
I think he said "she's HAD three".
My dad in my case.
Back in 2004-05 I went through the CAP program (Chrysler Apprenticship Program) and then worked at a Dodge dealer for 5 years. Nothing has changed since then. The 300 is the Challenger/Charger. The ram is identically the same. The durango was the same and is pretty much the same now and its also the Jeep suv. Chrysler, as a whole, has an incest problem that affects its identity.
The 2004-09 Durango was a body-on-frame truck, while the 2011-present Durango is a crossover. Two totally different vehicles.
The Durango and Ram have both been completely redesigned…
The new Durango is a mercedes platform
@@hakeemsd70m 2011 was 11 years ago, in car world that's ancient
@@foxesamu in 2010 which was 12 years ago, in car terms ancient
Getting ride of the wagon/estate body design in the US was a mistake. They definitely needed a styling upgrade but they were a much better all around vehicle than an SUV especially if it utilized current AWD technology.
@Joe Baldwin come on, anybody who calls the current Outback a wagon is on a lethal dose of copium.
Na. People just don't buy them. My Acura TSX came in a wagon, nobody bought them, including me.
@@cb5516 does Acura make anything decent any more though? After the RSX I haven't been able to even tell any Acuras apart from each other and very rarely see one on the road.
@@codysimonson6260 they're starting to redesign their lineup and the new TLX looks really nice actually
@@cb5516 The Acura TSX or what you guys call the European Honda Accord sold really well as a wagon in europe. it's harder to find the sedan version for sale or on the road. really weird how you guys don't like wagons
Another thing that went along with the economic downturn was the poor quality of their cars. The vans and the PT Cruiser had a lot of sales but also had a lot of reliability issues.
I worked for a Chrysler dealer in the 90's. The warranty work was ridiculous. The PT cruisers and Neons ate head gaskets and heads. There was a backlog because we couldn't get head gaskets fast enough. And the Caravans and Voyagers had god awful 4 speed transmissions that would crap out as they were being unloaded from the car hauler.
@@nismo2070 My college 1999 Neon did last 200K miles until a freeze plug gave out and leak out all the coolant which people think it runs on water every time I add water to the coolant system. It was a nice small car. The 3 speed transmission is definitely miserable but it was a nice first car for me. I also mod it a lot by lowering it and add unnecessary craps as a typical college kid. My wife had a PT Cruiser in her college time and it was much more miserable than my Neon.
When I first saw the Airflow concept, I was struck... by how bland it was. I mean, even if the OG Airflow had its share of issues, it was a bold, innovative design, that was a milestone of design worldwide. This one... it's got the looks and personality of a yoghurt. Not bad looking/tasting, on the contrary, but it's not something you'll stir the masses with.
I guess though anything new is good at this point... but it's worrying to see that Chrysler and Fiat made the same mistake: multiplying models in brands 'à-la-mode', while letting the OG, the main brand, that gave the group its name falter around one or two models that sell, but aren't updated in years. Hopefully the Stellantis merger and new (car loving) management will reinfect life in those brands, and turn everything around, if it's not too late.
Most EV crossovers are bland to be honest. That's what I hate about them, they are literally a "transport vehicle" not a VEHICLE as a car freak would refer to lol
@@FacuGonz3 100%
It has to be bland if they take risks with design it could be a failure
Terry loves yoghurt.
@@tristanrolfe4717 oh true!
Well, I actually really love yoghurt myself 🤭🤫 but I wouldn't call it a revolutionary idea 😂
I wish more car companies could make more wagons. They have the space of an SUV without the price of gas and upkeep of one.
So many of us car people want that, but even over here in Europe most people are buying SUV's and crossovers.
Not to mention the avoiding issue having to drive a ugly cross over.
@@LarsDragonbeard in big part because its also whats being promoted the most by car manufacturers. just look at audi's line up. they have like ten SUVs and crossovers in their line up. Mind you, none of them are actually capable of all terrain driving off the lot. they all look the same, and just get marginally bigger with each model.
There's definitely other reasons, but if brands stopped banking on the illusion of safety and prestige they created around SUVs, it would significantly alter market trends.
People say they want wagons but don’t actually purchase them. Buick Regal Tour X, Volvo V90/60, E class wagon, Audi All road are all low volume.
@@bmwmsport11 I have a 1998 v70 AWD turbo with 5 speed trans 👌👍
The 300C was a good drive when I rented one. My only gripe was the 21 point turn I had to do in a parking lot.
lucky you rented it and didnt own it.. avoided lots of bills at the michanic
@@louisbarningham i own an '06 300, and have since 2007. it still works as well as it used to despite some interior LEDs dying over the years. aside from regular oil, tire, and brake maintenance, i haven't had to spend a lot of money on the car since it was purchased. sounds to me like you just don't know how to take care of your vehicles
@@louisbarningham so what you drive a honda? It's not a regular car what you expect it's a luxury vehicle
Lol
My girl owns one and its one of the worst vehicles to maintain, also i can speak to that 21 pont turn.
My favourite car I’ve ever has was my 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. It was a full AWD station wagon with a 6-speed MANUAL transmission and the camera system for emergency braking and adaptive cruise. It could even steer to park itself. It had nearly the cargo capacity of a small SUV with the fuel economy of a small car. It was awesome!
I’m not a boomer, but I’m plenty old enough to remember that station wagons were synonymous with “boring”. Then minivans became synonymous with “boring”. Then crossovers are now becoming synonymous with “boring”.
Thing is, everyone was wrong about the first two. Station wagons have always rocked. And minivans are the bomb!
Crossovers still suck though.
When I was a kid some of my favorite cars were station wagons. The Audi S4 Avant, Volvo 850 T5R and P1800 ES. All those american wagons with the fake wood trim. Once when my family was vacationing in France I saw a Citroen CX Loadrunner and it blew my freakin' MIND! I'd still love to own one of those one day! I think it just used to be one of those things you're "suppossed" to hate by general consensus?
Crossovers are just wierd. Station wagons are super cool. And minivans currently look way too sleek.
Bring back conversion vans!
Bingo. As a person under 30, I can appreciate that "crossovers" are mom cars as much as minivans and have equally little desire to ever own one. Wagons, on the other hand, (especially the Cadillac CTS) can be really cool though.
About why we're seeing so many crossovers these days. I once heard a radio interview with a guy from Ferrari. He was talking about how hard it was to get new models road legal these days. For pedestrian crash safety reasons there's basically an ideal height, shape of the nose etc. to pass the tests. And with the test's standards getting stricter every year, that means it's becoming harder to get any car that doesn't look like the standard, generic crossover or SUV certified in all countries around the world. Ferrari's certification lawyers basically have to ask the certification agencies to make exceptions for them with arguments like "Yes, but we'll only make 500 so it won't be a major safety issue" to even get their cars on the road. That's at least one of the reasons why we're inundated by SUV's, Crossovers and identical looking bubble cars these days.
I remember when I was younger, when my car knowledge was inferior, my neighbors owned at 300C, and I always thought, “Wow, they must be super rich.” Lol
I owned a 2.7l 300 and a kid in my neighborhood thought it was a Rolls Royce lol.
@@drill_fiend1097 some kid at our school saw a 21 corvette stingray " damn its a ferrari "
@@rafaelgomez1200 At least that's a fun car. That 2.7l 300 was a leaky nightmare.
" And the fucked up part is that it *do* look like a phantom *until a phantom pulls up* " - Katt Williams
As an adult in a generation which will never be able to afford their own houses, I think anyone who can afford a new car at all is rich
The funny thing (to me) is that I hated the PT Cruiser the moment I saw it and had a similar reaction to the first version of the 300C. To me, it looked like a retro car based on the designs of 1978, which is not a good thing. I think it's gotten progressively better looking with each facelift/redesign, tho.
LoL 1978... Nailed that one. Only Chrysler would do a retro design to the dark ages of the automotive industry.
@@brianlee9233 some guy who lives near loves them he’s had 3. 3 PT cruisers.
@@brianlee9233 I do hate them a lot they are worst thing to come out of the US.
If there's any era that would be a good callback to these days, it would be the 80's/90's era of aerodynamic form and minimal/no grill, and the elimination of the need for a front mounted radiator can further enhance the styling cues, ala the c4 corvette/ford taurus(and crown vic of the era)/dodge stealth(and the weird compact charger)
Pt cruiser and 300 were one of the best sellers and actually good cars
It's insane that new 300Cs are for sale and they look almost identical to the original
Hell, the Rams have barely changed as well.
Who cares? The Crown Victoria was essentially the same car from 1992-11, same drivetrain from 1992-11 and the same platform from 1979-11. Why? Because they were bulletproof by the last decade of production. The V8 powered RWD full size sedans still can sell but the EPA has finally defeated them
Thats the point. I love the styling of the 300, they have updated it tastefully while still keeping true to the original formula.
The amount of people (myself included) who actually like wagons..... is surprisingly high!
Yes, there are literally dozens of you!
There's nothing sexier than a sexy station wagon.
I had a Dodge Magnum, it was one of my favorite cars
The turn-out in the online comments, and the real world numbers seem to heavily disagree....
@@nicholasfield6127 I will agree on the Magnum being hot. Seriously feel like thats one they should not have axed. Sure, sells were slowing down back then, but I Seriously feel, looking at the Charger and Challenger, and Grand Cherokee now, they could have turned that around easily with similar redesigns.
Make it look Charger-esq with the current interior, paddle shifters and updated ZF trany, even I'd be trpping over myself to get one in my garage (and already want one to a degree)
Back in late 2000 I was doing long haul from Toronto to Laredo Texas and back. Hauling mostly auto parts. One day I got a message to call in. Did so and was told myself and 4 other drivers were all to take our empty trailers to a specific place, drop the trailers and wait. Well 12 hrs later we all had full trailers, all we knew is we had 3 sets of keys each and the paperwork said PT Cruiser. At the time we had no idea what it was, we all thought boats. Turns out Chrysler was so overloaded with orders they shipped the things on anything that could carry them. I had 3 of them in a 53 foot trailer. Did 3 runs hauling those things from Laredo to Toronto.
Wait Chrysler loaded cars in a dry van? 🤯 damn people love those pt cruisers back then 😆
@@bigmoe8982 yep and back in 2002 I hauled 2 pre-production 2004 Ram trucks. It's amazing what you can haul in a dry van. 😉
Oh wow that’s so cool what other cars did you get to see and haul for FCA at the time
@@jacobasuncion3132it was Daimler back then and I think there was one time with Dakota trucks but that's it. Company I worked for lost the Chrysler account in 2004.
@@Johnny_Kanuk oh ok well that’s cool
My parents had an Aspen and my first car was a used Sebring....That was enough for me to never touch a Chrysler again. Those 2 vehicles had more problems than the rest of the vehicles my family has ever owned combined. I've heard nothing but horror stories about the 200 as well. I'll be interested to see where the brand goes from here, but it has about 15 years of consumer apathy to make up for at this point.
I own a Sebring convertible 2010 rn, bought used a 150k mileage 🤦♂️. Big mistake. I love the car, it’s aesthetic and drive but the amount of issues is crazy. Motivated me to start working on it myself
That is very close to my story. Mine was not the convertible, but I bought it with 100k miles and it had so many issues I started learning how to work on it myself with my dad. I babied that thing because I was so scared of it breaking down on me, but there was no saving it. I think at around 117k miles it needed a ton of front-end suspension work and I just didn't have the time or tools to do it, so I sold it for almost nothing. I could even feel the transmission starting to slip so it was just a terrible vehicle.
It was kind of funny at the time my younger brother was driving a Subaru that was about 5 years older with like 70k more miles on it and it lasted him for 3 more years after I got rid of mine. Learned my lesson the hard way!
I hope yours doesn't give you too much more trouble!
@@MrReelio3 dude we lived through the same issues 😂 . Mine sat 116k rn and I just replaced the lower 2 ball joints, my first ever job on a car will be to replace the wheel hub. Hopefully I can do it. I love the car but man it’s been too many issues at this point. If I can ask how much did you buy and sell it for?
@@samwaelarmoush2321 Wow, crazy how similar it is. I did the front wheel hubs on mine myself, and then about 6 months later it needed ball joints (and control arms/tie-rod ends). That's when I got rid of it. The thermostat and the starter also died during the time I owned it, so I was getting sick of it.
I believe I paid around $4200 (Canadian) for it and sold it after 2.5 years for $800 (Canadian). Definitely not the best investment I ever made.
@@MrReelio3 it’s all good tho, things come and go. I was incorrect last comment it’s actually at 161k miles. I payed more than you for a more worn out car, I made the worse investment my friend 🤦♂️. I hope the car you have now is treating you good brother and I wish you the best
1st timer on this channel, never heard of Donut Media. He speaks very well to keep the viewers attention. 👍🏼
I'm 68 and 1 of 6 kids in the family. We always had station wagons and I always liked them. The last one we had as a kid was a 1968 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser with a Rocket 350 V8 and 4 wheel drum brakes. Later I had a 1962 Falcon Wagon that I liked very much.
Four-wheel drum brakes?! Ooh, that must have been scary, even in 1968! Bet that wagon's braking distance was longer than that of a freight train! (4/2/2022)
In almost all of the video there is barely a mention of what has been plaguing Chrysler: a definite lack of quality, reliability and durability. Instead, a sexy new (but unreliable) model is presented as the "solution" to their woes. For a company that cannot make reliable traditional cars (which they have been doing for more than 80 years), the thought that they are going to employ an entirely new technology electronic technology, and in very short time to boot, seems like a growing disaster to me.
Thank you!
All vehicles are unreliable in my opinion
I know, I'm an old guy. But I can remember when Chrysler made good enough cars that you wouldn't hesitate to buy one with over 100,000 miles on it.
@@Racc506 Chrysler being one of the most unreliable...
@@mrwatch867 funny you say that I’ve had more luck with Chrysler myself than gm or ford
I appreciate your passion for Chrysler. One thing I disagree with though is I think Chrysler was better off just before the Daimler merger. I don't mean numbers. But with the cab forward cars and retro cars they were really pushing the boundaries of styling. They lost most of that flare once Daimler got involved.
In my opinion, one of Lee Iacocca's worst mistake was to push Robert Eaton to be the new CEO. The guy practically gave away the world's 3rd largest car company, the Chrysler Corporation to Daimler-Benz which ended up sucking it dry and spitting it out.
Fiat's gamble on Alfa Romeo ruined Chrysler. But Chrysler is about to make the biggest comeback over the next 3 years, especially when Alfa Romeo continues to get ignored.
@@nilrepsleuname2677 All Brands Get New Everything: Products Powertrains Platforms Investments And Everything Else Everything Is New.
Worst thing to ever happen to chrysler was being sold to that German junk company
@@Welcometofacsistube lee as CEO was worse in my opinion
We picked up a used Pacifica from that era. It was nicer than it had a right to be and we still see several in the wild in my area.
Genuinely, Chrysler dropped the ball by not using the hype of the Hellcat/Redeye/Demon and noy making a 300 SRT Hellcat or a gravity performance model. Thats my opinion. The chassis are Similar and it could of easily been done. Easy fix with alot of money but it will never happen now because of EV requirements🤷♂️
As a owner of a 300 srt8 I've always wished they would have as you see people that did hellcat swaps, Chrysler ended the 300srt line because it fell off basically but they 100% choked on that call
Which EV requirements are you referring to friend?
Please visit Klah_SRT
He made some things.
He might be Detroit
IDK
@@laatl824 zero emissions targets from governments across the world.
i got a 5.7 300c and am looking into a hellcat or newer scatpack but i prefer the 300 body over the charger and challenger also in california so modification isnt a option :/
1. They should bring back a EV version of the 300.
2. Also, an EV version of the pt cruiser might sell, perhaps?
3. bring back one of the old muscle cars. Ford has the mustang. Dodge has the charger and challenger. Chevy has the Camaro. Chystler can bring back the Cuda.
I agree that a 300C on a EV platform will kill it on today's market, but a 'Cuda is more complicated, since the Barracuda was branded as a Plymouth, a brand with a very, and I mean VERY different philosophy than Chrysler.
Not a bad idea, but hard to implement.
But the PT cruiser of today would be everything he hates. The Cruiser was West Coast/metropolitan jeep. It took the design of a 60-70s sedan/wagon mixed in with crossover or SUV framing and had the option of being convertible. It was the perfect car to load 4-5 people in while giving ample space both cabin and cargo wise while letting the breeze hit your head.
@@MAC-0 i completely agree. But IMHO, it would honestly tempt me to buy one cuz that's one of my faves of all the classic muscle cars.
300 is Chrysler's muscle, the Cuda is plymouth's.
@@JDBManalo Mine as well. Even James pumped a "concept" of how it should be if it gets relaunched at some point, as an uncompromised Challenger. And I'm stoked for the idea.
However, my original point stands. Even if we like the idea, it doesn't fall on the needs of a car under Chrysler's lineup to improve their image. A modern 'Cuda is the anti-thesis of their Airflow concept.
That Airflow looks production ready, at least on the outside… it’s too bad they cannot sell it now because in a few years the market is going to be flooded with other EVs and there will be a lot of stiff competition
We are in a space race for EVs the first manufacturers to hit 600mi or hybrid platforms to drive 1000mi will win it all. Will we see it in 10years no, but that is the milestone that will separate the best manufacturer from the rest. That or something new needs to take over like flying/hover cars.
It looks awful. I will never own an EV. Ever.
@@engineerisengihere44 Interesting statement... What kind of special abilities does the petrol or diesel powered car have that u use (at least 6 times a year) that an Electricity powered car cannot?
Looks will change for cars every few years, your diesel or petrol powered counterpart will in a few years look like every other electric vehicle from the in-and-outside... Brands like BMW are already making exactly the same petrol, diesel and electric powered vehicles... Pick your size, look, options but also your drivetrain... Where I live the electric powered ones are just cheaper to buy, run and then trade-in to get a new one if you drive a car for a few years... (if you drive 15.000 km / 10.000 miles or more every year) And a lot faster cars for daily use for the same amount of money...
@@b100pech 1. Cool engine noises 2. I can put cool mods on 3. Burn out 4. Easily disable few things and do cool thing ei dounts, lil drifting and the list can go one. Internal combustion are simply cooler there obviously cool things about ev but not as cool and good ol gas baby
@@b100pech Let's just say that there's parts of this beautiful world where is waaaaaayyyyyy easier to find gasoline, diesel, or any fossil fuel than keeping the lights on for periods longer than four hours.
Trust me, I know. I lived there, and there's NO WAY an EV could be a viable solution under such conditions.
I'm kinda shocked, being a fan of Chrysler and Mopar, that you never mentioned the Prowler. That was an interesting vehicle at it time of release.
One of my all-time favorite Chrysler products, love the Prowler.
I understand but the Prowler was a Plymouth. The PT Cruiser was supposed to be a Plymouth but when they ended Plymouth the PT Cruiser became a Chrysler.
I was going to say the same thing but then I remembered that the Prowler was a Plymouth not a Chrysler.
@@bryanb6217The Prowler was badged as a Chrysler before it was discontinued. Plymouth was axed before the Prowler was axed
Can confirm driving the 300c with the 5.7 or srt model did make you feel like a boss
Can Also Confirm That a 300c 5.7 or SRT does make you feel like a boss
Also can confirm driving the 5.7 300cc or the srt model makes you feel like a boss
PT cruisers were so popular that I remember playing "punch buggy" with my grandma and there were so many cruisers on the road that she eventually added "Bruiser cruiser" to the game.
PT Cruisers is a rare Chrysler L
I love the PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser. Someday I'd like to own one.
It may not be reliable but it had character and the made me happy to see this odd looking thing going down the street
My boomer wife and I still drive a PT Cruiser bought new in 2004. I liked it enough to replace my 1999 Grand Am with a low mileage 2006 5-speed about 7 years ago.
PT Cruisers are a running joke in the design community. How to create a vehicle that is both functionally bad and also aesthetically awful.
Stellantis sounds like the perfect combination of far too many weak brands swirling around in a mega corporation existing in several countries: in other words a complete lack of focus and direction. It sounds similar to the old GM.
Never heard dodge, Alfa and Maserati called weak brands but okay?
@@GoodOlPastaCake Have you heard about their sales figures ? Theses are weak brands, Peugeot, Fiat and Opel are probably the strongest of the bunch...
@@GoodOlPastaCake dodge is a weak brand. They aren't making trucks anymore and their cars are not all that good looking(in my opinion).
@@GoodOlPastaCake what are those brands? Never heard of them
@@GoodOlPastaCake Do you know how to read numbers. Maserati and Alfa are considered expensive unreliable garbage that no one outside of Italy buys. As for dodge they aren't doing as bad, but they are far from being in a good spot
I actually drive a 2005 Chrysler 300c and I absolutely love it, sure I love other vehicles, but this is my first car and it has a special place in my heart as well as a hemi, also it looks slightly different from othe 300's of the time because of a fancier grill and some slightly different external looks, but other than that, I love this vehicle and would love to buy a newer and cooler chrysler in the future and hopefully their plan goes well and they are still alive
I saw the ME 4-12 at a car show in Austin TX. We were there late and few people were left in attendance. It was roped off with a representative standing guard.
I asked if I could sit in it and check it out and he said "Yes." It was a pretty unforgettable moment for me. At the time I was really into concept cars and wanted to be an automotive designer, so it was pretty special.
did you follow your dreams though?!
@@walidsadaoui8238 I mean, from his username I’d say sorta.
@@anthonynelson2005 ohh...I defenetly missed it, way to go though
Fun fact: When I, being German, was a kid, I thought Chrysler was french because in the 70s, they rebadged Talbot models…
You mean Chryslers were rebadged as Talbots, but Chrysler was indeed French, having owned Simca. The Horizon was mostly a French design, though a version was also made in the US. Chrysler sold their European operations to Peugeot-Citroen, just like GM did with Opel and Vauxhall.
Sounds a little bit like me as a kid thinking that Subaru was Australian because of the Crocodile Dundee commercials, then I started playing Gran turismo.
we bought a 2021 Chrysler pacifica AWD, being here in canada the mini van was so impressive on the snow. my wife and I like it so much that we even named it the land yacht. smooth ride, classy styling and functional features. it was our first american brand vehicle and we were impressed.
You should have ridden in a 94 town and country with all wheel drive, those are fun.
sell it before the warranty is up, they eat camshafts.
@@sinclairlewis2061 and transmissions, and tie-rods, and....
As well as cooling system failures at the back of the vans. Imagine your coolant pissing out by your rear tire, how will you notice that?
@@thelazarous I think every Chrysler eats tire-rods, control arms, etc.... Those are a nightmare for me.
I'm on my second Chrysler 300 and I just love them. Reliable, comfy, good-looking, good-handling. Raised a Ford guy but I tried and liked the Intrepid, until they stopped making those, then moved up to the 300 AWD and it reminded me of my SAAB 900 in good ways. I comparison shopped the 300 against the Ford Taurus and it looked better and had more functional room than the Ford. I would buy another 300 without question and would be interested in one that was electric. Yeah, I'm old: turned 60 and retired. Added a hidden hitch to the 300 and I tow a little folding trailer and sometimes a small boat with it to and from the local lake. Who needs a pickup or crossover?
You do know that when introduced, the 300 was on the platform of the MB E Class that was being replaced by a new E Class on a new platform? Basically, to this day, it’s a now 25 year old Mercedes cast-off. Since the 300s intro, there have been 4 new generations of E Class, each on a brand new platform. That’s not to say the 300 isn’t a decent car, but it’s way past its sell-by date.
@@Twittler1 exactly, it needs an overhaul and can made good again, same with the charger. I feel as if the 300 wouldve had more sales with better marketing and more engine options.
300s are nice cars. One of the few gems.
HOW MANY MILES?
@@german80 *ALL THE MILES!*
As a owner of a 2011 Chrysler 300, I really hope they don't get rid of the 300. It's an absolutely beautiful car and it has it's unique style which is iconic in my opinion. I've also never had an issue with the car since owning it from 2016. Just regular maintenance and that's all. I really don't understand how people just bash the Chrysler Brand by saying they're unreliable, etc... Family members have mopar cars and no issues whatsoever. Looking to possibly upgrade to a newer Chrysler 300 in the future!
As an owner of a 2011 Chrysler 200 with over 200,000 miles (owned since 19k) who has spent around $50 in non-routine maintenance, and having family/friends who have also had excellent experience with Mopars, I fully agree that the perception of poor reliability is unwarranted, or at the very least, blown out of proportion.
Love my 2007 Chrysler 300c allot of space and comfortable features automatic seats and seat warmers and when you needed some fun just hit the gas and she goes
yep would hate to see the 300 go i love my 13 hemi
As long as you can keep the front Tension Arms tight, they were great cars............................Sadly the older E-series platform from Merc, wasn't designed for an additional 500lbs on the nose.
A new Lee Iaccoa, where are you?? I think it would be very bad if Chrysler disappeared. Not enough is being said about Mopar cars that have not been troublesome to their owners. A new advertising campaign might really help.
4:50 Gotta love a well-designed [bleep] pit.
Well, its been nearly 2 years and nothing has changed 🤷♂️
I don't know about everyone else's experience with Chrysler but mine was it's an old stuffy expensive brand that broken down quite often. Not sure how they plan to get people into seats, but they need something like a killer warranty like Kia/Hyundai had to do to even get people to look at them early on.
I have an 05 T&C limited that’s been through hell and back. As much hate as the minivan gets. Its really a great car. Practical stow and go leather seats, and a 3.8 liter motor powerful enough to light up the front tires at a stomp of the throttle. Great car.
Learn to take care of your car. All my Chrysler products have been very reliable.
@@waterloo123100 to an extent it probably depends where you live the Chrysler’s we get in the UK are all extremely rusty and the 2 people I know who owned one ended up having to having to scrap them despite them only being about 6 to 10 years old at the time.
@@waterloo123100 I did but I can’t control bad electronics, alternator failing, AC failure, broken park release, faulty temp gauge and water pump leak causing engine to seize shortly after oil change. I loved my car and moneys not the issue but I’m never buying Chrysler.
An uncle of mine owned a 300C SRT8 and it was an absolute piece of machinery. Used it a lot on my first semester as a freshman.
For a car of it's size, it was very soft and easy to drive. Quiet as mouse in low-revs, but it roared high when hitting the throttle. Fuel consumption was a bit lower than average, but in contrast with the "stock" 300C, it was far more reliable. Apparently, the electronics of the SRT version had better quality than the regular version. Also, the interior was slightly better.
It didn't feel cheap, just delicate.
I had a Mercedes few years later and I had to get rid of it.
It wasn't delicate. Just outright fragile.
I'm a Mopar fan and I feel like I've seen this coming a mile away with the diminishing line up and the end of Plymouth. I always thought the Chrysler should of been the luxury brand, not just a premium brand. RIP Chrysler
Chrysler used to be a luxury brand in the 50s but not anymore
As a (north-west) European we only had some Chryslers that sold well 10 to 20 years back, with the most familiar being the C300's or that small retro styled hatchback thing they made...
The retro thing was to most Europeans a cheaper and "more useful" (more interior space) attempt at stealing away some marketshare of the first gen VW new Beatle that people liked for there retro look...
The Chrysler C300 was just a very cheap looking Mercedes E klasse (same tech, same size, same ride, C300 has just cheap materials)... and Mercedes is not even a luxury brand to me, just a premium brand using Renault/Nissan tech for there smaller cars... Chrysler calling itself a premium brand its even weird to a European...
If I think of a luxury brand I would say maybe a Mercedes Maybach or Alpine, up to cars like a Bentley...
Now I know Chryslers market focus is in the US, not Europe... But in the US you can buy most European premium cars like BMWs, Mercedes*, or Audis, maybe Alfa Romeos (I don't know if they sell them in the US)...So I would not say the Chryslers are luxury cars, because in my experience a Chrysler is not as well designed, use nice materials, or things like panel gap consistency to most European premium car brands (who also sell in the US)...
Don't you agree? Or are my 2 Chryslers models that I've been in and seen a lot just one of the worst Chryslers ever build?
To me a premium car has to be at least "a lot better" then a VW Golf when it comes to build quality, material use, "luxury gadgets" (things you don't need but are fancy in a "old-money" way or bring more comfort... As for Europeans the VW Golf is the most "average" car there is for decades)...
*Mercedes these days make some shitty cars too (that to me should not be called premium), take the GLE for example, that's not a premium car just a regular one with a very expensive Mercedes badge (looking at build quality, especially panel gaps and the materials used on the floor or "below the knee" when sitting down)...
@@b100pech “retro styled hatchback thing” imagine not knowing what a PT cruiser is
@@yungboicontigo9278 So I heard the Trabant and the Yugo was your favourite car Doug?
@@yungboicontigo9278 I can't help how insignificant Chrysler is in Europe...
Wheelhouse has always been my favorite show on donut's channel. Always discussing interesting topics in the auto world. Keep it up guys! I'll stay tuned in 😉👌
My wife and I have owned nothing but Mopars since 1986. Trucks, vans, SUVs and cars. In those 3 have been Chryslers. Our first was a PT Cruiser Limited. It was a great handling and trouble free car. Our favorite was a 2007 Aspen. Great looking, gorgeous interior and that HEMI! We just traded our Durango Alloy Edition for a 2023 300. Best riding car I’ve ever owned. I hope Mopar gets through this.
The 200 spent more of it's years as a renewed Sebring - the body style shown when calling it a dressed up Dart was actually the result of Chrysler taking the Sebring and bringing it more in line with the 300 aesthetically. It was replaced with a 200 based on the FCA Dart, but this version of the 200 only lasted about 2 of the 200's 6 years
I used to think the 200 was another name for the sebring or trim
its years*
My 300 SRT is my favourite car I’ve owned. It’s very well kitted inside and the 6.4 Hemi is unreal! I’ll be sad to see them go.
oooh bored and stroked eh?
Decent motor until those shitty lifters eat a cam
hows the build quality. Rattles, panel gaps?
@@fitlobster I know a few people who have had the dreaded lifter fail, one having to go full engine rebuild, the rest saved theirs and upgraded cams and lifters in the process. Fortunately for me mine has been okay so far and has 160,000 km on the clock
@@ninadganore overall it’s been pretty good actually. Some panel gaps here and there but no rattles at all thankfully
I inherited a 2007 Chrysler 300 touring from my Grandma when she passed in 2011 while she didnt take very good care of it while she had it, I loved that thing, it felt so cool compared to the honda accords (nothing against the accord, everyone had one so they didnt feel special) and I hope Chrysler can do that for a new generation again.
a Chrysler 300 styling and plush ride with Toyota reliability and build quality and Tesla engineering and technology would be a dream ride
I'm sorry you inherited somebody else's problems.
For me, Chrysler 300C 1 gen. is synonymous with a limousine from the USA. Looking at it from the side, I see a manifestation of genius in the proportions and inclination of the windows. Unfortunately, it loses its distinctiveness with each subsequent generation. This is the problem of modern motorization. Not everyone wants curves and cars that look like spaceships.
You forgot about the Pacifica SUV, they were actually super comfortable 3 row mid size SUVs that had some impressive trim levels
I can agree, my family had a 2006 model from 2010 til 2020 when my father passed it down to me, however a year later the costs exceeded the value of the car and had to sell it. I do miss it very much.. except the 19.2 average mpg XD
That thing was the creator of the crossover segment, sadly it was way ahead of its time and misunderstood.
I’m so glad someone else said this! My aunt had a 2004 Pacifica that we took on vacations and used as a daily driver. This thing could run and run and run! Haha We were so disappointed when the coolant hose busted, causing the engine to overheat and lockup. The Pacifica will always be remembered as the crossover that never got the credit it deserved. DX
About 4 years ago I was working on an article that was going to be about everything wrong with FCA. I never finished it but I feel as though I could change FCA to Stallantis and most my points would be relatively the same. This highlights their major problem, lack of forward thinking and a resistance to change.
Yup, Chrysler was definitely forward thinking, then they merged and are getting told no lol
How many bandaids can they put on an old merc frame?
It's the same story for every company in every business. In order to get themselves out of the hole they've dug themselves in they turn into bland, safe, and marketable. What really needs to happen is to take a big risk but that means either making stud or a dud.
Under Lee Iacocca the focus was on solving a market demand, his last bit of advice was to make fuel efficient economy cars and now more than ever that's the winning advice. We have two financially strapped generations, and cost for fuel is higher than ever.
We need cheap and reliable. Now more than ever. Give us a car with no features, optional power windows, everything optional. Give us a basics package with power windows, cruise control, and AC that is optional.
@@Prestiged_peck there’s somewhere where AC is not optional?
Except Chrysler has been bland safe vehicles for 50 years, and theyre not good at that either, their vehicles are unreliable and have contributed to Americans switching to japanese economy cars instead, im surprised people have still bought their vehicles the last 20 years, they would be a dead brand without 300c. The only people who buy Chrysler are elderly people
@@robreeto No back in the early 2000’s chrysler was considered “Luxury” But they can’t even live up to their old title. So as the new CEO said, they only deserve to sit low and not to grow. It is what it is they killed themselves as the years passed and they never moved forward. Makes sense for them to stay where they are and begin to grow sideways. Not above
@@robreeto Sorry that's simply not the case. Chrysler produced the mini van, applied the marketing strategy of luxury in an economy class, and have outputted a lot of muscle cars and stand out vehicles like the viper and doge demon. Take a look at RCR Stories Lee Iacocca. And even ignoring his influence you got vehicles like the daytona as examples of doing something radically different. Which brings me back to my main point.
Every market not just cars is operating out of fear of losing money instead of taking the needed risks to earn more. People fear being the sega dreamcast instead of the iMac and iPod. But now more than ever the risk is needed.
I like the 300C. But I'd prefer it in a coupe format. Sorta reminds me of a 55 Chrysler Coupe.
I have a 200 and obviously there's a reason why the 200 was discontinued. They weren't built well. Every year until they were stopped being made had similar issues every year. One big issue was the location where they put the battery. The drivers side wheel well is a horrible place to put a cars battery. There were other many issues with the 200 as well
On my Cirrus, the battery has the same location…
I drive a 200 aswell. 100k miles only thing I've had to replace is a window switch n a vent flap haha
I will say the v6 gets horrid fuel mileage
I see some things never change. I had a 2000 Sebring with the battery in the same place. Mysteriously had charging random issues and oil lights flickering on and off. One morning, seemingly randomly, the starter fuse blew before I went to start the car. Easy fix, but still annoying.
It was easily the worst car I’ve ever owned.
Oh, and it too had a V6 with horrid fuel economy
In 2015 o bought a used 2013 200 touring @ 25k miles for 15 thousand dollars, by 50k miles I had to replace the transmission, @80k miles the motor failed
The dodge magnum is the sickest wagon to ever hit the streets, I’d love to mod one someday
I have one, sucks aftermarket parts are a real pain to find though.
Volvo v70R IMO.
E30 wagon is better
THE UGLIEST WAGON TO EVER BE MADE
Cheap GM junk. Much prefer a Cadillac CTS V Wagon with 500 horsepower and it has a nicer interior. Cadillacs are also junk but at least they have nicer feeling materials
“Bring them an EV” shows how out of touch CEOs are nowadays. People can’t even afford to buy used car, forget about an EV with a way to charge at home. The middle class really needs an affordable, reliable car that’s good on gas.
Jetta & Golf, regular stock gas engine, gets 50 at 50, 45 at 65, & 30-35 at 80.
You sit just under 28 mpg at 90 mph on flat ground!
And as to parts, they are as expensive as people make them out to be, or as they used to be either.
Bad luck does happen, but thankfully, all my stuff that has broken has just been the basics.
Hope that helps!!!
Amen
EV = government subsidies . More incentive to build and sell EV.
FWIW, our Pacifica Hybrid was similarly priced to the ICE version with similar features. A LOT of our travel tends to be within the charge range (30-ish miles) which (even before the recent increases) is a lot cheaper than gas. I've done a nearly 500 mile trip with a tank of gas and one charge. We are on the lower side of middle income.
> The middle class really needs an affordable, reliable car that’s good on gas.
If so, why do they keep buying SUVs instead of sedans, hatchbacks and station wagons?
What Chrysler really needs is way better quality control. And it's good to have an EV option available but those won't be volume sellers in time for the 10 year plan.
I know some former chrysler engineers. Man I wish Chrysler was their own company. I think the feeling of not being independent for so long has lended to this loss of identity.
My family has had a few Chryslers over the years. One of which was a wagon in fact. Number one reason we dumped all of them was for electrical problems. They have electrical gremlins the likes I have never seen. Family friends who had Chryslers and just wanted a reliable car like any other to take them from point A to point B reported similar problems. I am scared for a car that Chrysler makes that is all electric. You don't improve a company by pivoting towards your weakness.
I partially grew up during a time when "wagons were over saturating the market".
However, I will say this about wagons versus crossovers.
Wagons are still to this day, more useful and beneficial compared too Crossovers.
Crossovers are actually less useful compare to a 4-door hatchback.
I would rather have a wagon then any crossover
What makes crossovers so bad?
@@JPearlLapis crossovers aren't bad. They are just useless vehicles that are targeting a dumb generation of drivers, who think they are getting an amazing vehicle that isn't a suv but is so-called better then a hatchback.
Most crossovers have limited cargo space versus a hatchback.
@@Struggle.Snuggles that's weird I would have thought they would have more room than hatchbacks
@@Struggle.Snuggles the only use crossovers are the ones like Highlander and pilot, they are the in between of a minivan and a real suv
HAHA I remember a girl a long time ago calling her Honda CR-V a "SUV". She got so mad when I called it a Hi-Top Civic.
remember chysler also has a prawler? I think it's wirely cool too.
Fun fact:
The 200 AWD V6 didn't have enough room to incorporate a resonator in the exhaust system, so, from the factory the car sounds a bit more interesting when compared to its non-AWD V6 counterparts. Doesn't sound bad either.
I'm 30, and I love station wagons. I had a conversation about them once with a woman about twenty years older than me, and she said she hated them. Based on the eras in which we grew up, her hate of station wagons matched my hate of minivans. That said, most people twenty to thirty years older than me seem to share my love of station wagons, so she may have been an outlier.
Crossovers don't seem to quite fall into the same category as wagons and minivans, though. Yes, they are "lame" family haulers just like wagons and minivans, but they seem to be a lot more prevalent and bought by many people _without_ big families. They're just like an amalgamation of all vehicles types into the most boring thing you could possibly make that simultaneously suits the needs of almost all people, and thus are the vehicle of choice for anyone who has no dignity left.
I’m good with both wagons and minivans. I can even stomach the bland as water crossovers. It’s the oversized monster SUVs and trucks that can disappear forever.
@@ThatRanMan I have no gripe with the jumbo SUVs. Not my vehicle preference, but they don't bother me. I can agree on the ridiculous pickups, though. I think the difference for me is because of how the majority of the owners perceive their vehicles.
The SUV owners usually have it for a practical purpose: They have a big family or they have a medium family and need the extra space for extracurricular equipment/vacation luggage.
On the other hand, the people who drive the obnoxious trucks do it because they think it is "cool". It's not cool. Trucks are utility vehicles; they don't need to be fast and they don't need to be flashy. Your turbo diesel is obnoxious. And your lift kit isn't fooling anyone; we all know that thing never leaves the pavement.
I'm also in my 30s, and desire both wagons and minivans. They're both best at what they do - using less fuel than vehicles with similarly large interiors while handling better, or just being more spacious than other vehicles the same exterior size.
Most SUVs are ridiculous - why have a Rav4 when an AWD Sienna has the same fuel consumption while hauling 4x8 sheets of plywood and the no longer available Corolla wagon could give the same space as the Rav4 while handling better and using less gas.
In the state of Michigan, mini-vans
and SUVs are classified as station wagons.
@@virgilwyatt4632, that makes sense because they can all be described as "two box," where one box is the engine bay and the other is for people/cargo. Sedans are "three box," and I suppose pickups are as well.
As a performance car guy, I understand the appeal to electric cars. They’re better in numbers. But to me it sacrifices the fun of having to mod out or work on a complex gas powered engine to make it faster. That’s why I love the Hellcat and SRT as a division. “Let’s throw on a supercharger onto an already powerful performance V8 and give it better crankshaft and cams and add dual fuel pumps and lets put on a massive air-scoop to feed the engine more air!” I think that’s way more interesting personally.
I'd be happy if they would just bring back the v8 hemi with AWD. Talk about a car that can do it all!
That's the philosophy Dodge and Jeep are operating under. Drive past a Hyundai dealership and all the promotional banners are about their EVs; drive past a Dodge dealership and it's entirely different...
You can still easily mod every other aspect of electric cars, since the only difference is the powertrain. Upgrading sound systems, suspension mods, brake systems (a necessity if you want to track a Tesla), cosmetic stuff, etc.
All those mods are fun but still won't give you the performance of a fast electric car. Am I wrong?
Go drive a Taycan Turbo and then you’ll be like, “yup, this *is* the future.” Sure, maybe right now it’s just the $150k+ cars, but eventually that tech will trickle down to shitty brands like Chrysler too.
I really hope the Airflow makes it to production. I really like it. If it can really do 400 mile range as an EV and be affordable to middle-class people, I think it will do great. I just hope that they have the production capability. It seems like a model that while it would do well, you wouldn't really see many of (or at least where I live due to the lack of EV infrastructure). However, it being an EV, I assume it will have a way to charge at home, so as long as you have a carport or a garage you can install a charger in, that would be sufficient. If not, going back to 400 mile range would allow a lot more ease of mind if you can't charge at home, though I'm not sure what the phantom drain on a typical EV is like.
If it does make it to production, and assuming I have the ability to do so, I would consider buying it. I think Teslas look too bland and I don't like how EVERYTHING is in the center display screen, including the speedometer. I wish cars would stop putting everything in an infotainment screen, however. I would still like actual buttons and knobs for things like A/C and volume controls.
As part of Gen Z, I love station wagons. Long, elegant body lines similar to that of a saloon, spacious interior, and a practical hatch in the rear. It's everything I could ask for in a car. I love them.
as someone else from gen Z i think our generation is alot more interested in wagons than generations past. most of my friends think wagons are sick
I didn’t think most Gen Z kids cared about cars. Do your friends care or is your interest more the exception and not the rule?
Wagons are sick. especially the dodge magnum. that's honestly pretty close to the perfect car.
I have a Volvo v70 t5 with a lowering kit, rims and full bolt ons. It gets a lot of looks from college kids 😂
Same here. i'm Gen Z and I love them
Mopar, in my mind, has always been synonymous with “boss” cars. Like mafia cars, big, bold and powerful cars. I guess Dodge has taken that place as a brand. A Chrysler relaunch is much needed
I have had really good luck with Chryslers but dont have one at the moment. They have just not given the brand any new vehicles forever.. decide to keep it or not.
The "boss" car is more in line with mercedes and bentley than dodge. Dodge is associated with the hood, since your likely to be killed or shot driving one.
Personally, I think if they just made an electric version of the 1970 Imperial (or any of the big 1960s-970s American rectangle land yachts), they would grab people's attention, stand out from the rest of the industry with a car unlike anything else anyone is building, and draw in people who are nostalgic for the glory days of Chrysler as well as younger people who are interested in owning distinctive cars.
Seriously. If there's one thing FCA is good at, it's making old cars new again. Modernizing an old land yacht/mega wagon could definitely get them back in the spotlight and get them better reception than just another swoopy tall hatch thing
I think there are issues with pedestrian safety which considering the massive diesel pickups rolling around is pretty absurd. I agree though. That would be amazing but the regulations need to change
Honestly i would love a land yacht in this day and age it would be amazing
That’s actually a great idea but the first thing that came to my mind is regulations. Surely the embodiment of a classic American land yacht can be modernized but it faces challenges of crumple zones, airbags, pedestrian safety as mentioned above. Mercedes made some concept recently with retro styling. It can be done.
Can't. EV's rely on weight savings, low rolling resistance and aerodynamics for range. There is only 3 gallons worth of energy in a Tesla battery.
How far is a land yacht going to go on such low energy?
Most people don't want an electric, they are being pushed before battery tech is ready. I may want one someday, but not yet. I may drive 1000 miles tomorrow.
EV can't do it.
EV will NOT save Chrysler.
I have a Pacifica PHEV I like it. I would love if they had a full EV van and more EV techs at the dealers
Funnily enough, I own both the Opel Insignia Wagon (Holden Commodore in Australia), and a Gen 2 supercharged 300 SRT. To me, the 300 is one of the most unique looking, iconic cars on the road today.
A real shame they are gone. It would have been great to at least see an Electric 300. Maybe one day… Oh, and I’m a big wagon fan too.
Thanks for the video, Donut. Always awesome.
That Opel Insignia Wagon is a fat Chevy Malibu. Holden small block v8s stop being made the year before your car released. It's more fair to compare the 300 SRT to a Chevy SS or Caprice.
I wanted ford to make a fusion wagon. If they had, it would have been sick! Biggest problem with Chrysler is dependability, it seems that they have issues with reliability. I’ve always love the look of the 300.
Google Ford Mondeo estate 😉
With all the horror stories I've heard, and seen first hand I'm not touching them with a ten foot pole for example I had a coworker who had an 06 Chrysler 300, and something was always breaking on it every few months, and once with less than 60K on the OD the fuel pump gave out, and nearly left her stranded on the interstate coming from GA into SC, luckily she was able to coast into the SC visitors center before it fully gave up the ghost, and yes she kept up the normal maintenance, the car was just junk, and she finally dumped it during cash for clunkers for a Toyota Prius, and never looked back.
They did. But not in the US.
Ford owned Volvo in the mid2000s, those are some of the best wagons on the road in the USA, built on platform with the focus even, they share quite a few parts
My parents traded a Tahoe on a Town & Country. My dad regretted that decision almost immediately. That think creaked and moaned over every bump and was constantly in need of repairs.
You forgot the first generation Pacifica...had one,was a great vehicle for awhile
6:53
I love this thing. Now I already know most of the newer Buicks are rebadged but this one! It’s amazing! Sadly no manual but what in the hell do you expect! And sadly it wasn’t around for that long.
Definitely should keep A 300, it ties its past with the future going back 75years. A completely new design would be good as long as it is rear wheel drive and V-8 powered. Also a concentration on the Design or Face of the grille is very important.
sadly rear wheel drive American car is no longer commercially viable. look at what happened with the Taurus and Crown Vic.
@@GiordanDiodato maybe becuz they weren't innovative and couldn't complete with European and Japanese rivals.
@@dieselrules7912 exactly. they can't compete with European and Japanese models.
@@GiordanDiodato Japanese cars suck, American cars are way better.
@@GiordanDiodato skill issue on Ford’s part
Having rented a 300, I agree that they're iconic, just not in the way chrysler wants them to.
I rented a 200 a few years ago. It was a horrible car--the transmission shifter was a dial, right next to another dial for the radio or whatever. I accidentally shifted the rental into "R" while driving on the interstate. To its credit, the car did not comply. But still...so dumb.
@@bb5242 eh?? U rented hundreds??
I own a older 200, I had to google this because mine has a conventional shifter and I just couldn't believe that they would change it to a damn dial, but it's true! So stupid...
Honestly the best car Chrysler ever made in my opinion is the PT Cruiser... Damn car was everywhere and in every film. 😭😭😭
I remember being very unsurprised (and unimpressed) with the 300C when it was introduced. Seemed like a play from Chrysler that I'd seen before. When I was a kid, my family had another Chrysler that was aesthetically "inspired" by a luxury car -- the mid 80s Fifth Avenue. It tried *so hard* to be a small, cheap Cadillac Brougham, down to the silly swinging door pulls: these were real on the Caddy but we were warned not to actually use them on the Fifth Avenue as they were strictly ornamental and would eventually break off if you pulled on them to close the door. Helping to break the illusion were all the other less-dressed-up variants on the road from Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth based on the same low-cost platform. Seeing a Chrysler so obviously pretending to be a Bentley just seemed like the same coattail riding.
Dude, my grandparents had one too! Did yalls have the velour fabric interior with the decorative buttons? Looked like a 1970’s oversized loveseat in the front and back?
You’re comment on the fifth avenue is utterly ridiculous
@@sneakerfreak2002 in the fact that it's true, I had one GIVEN to me, they have no value as a car, the K car platform and others like it from those years will only gain value in the future in being rare oddities just because so many people didn't like them, and their over embellished cheap luxuries masking lazy research and development and choked engines
@@danielmirlach4655 the Fifth Avenue was based on the F body platform not the k car platforms
@@workingstiff4133 I said the K car and others like it, sit down your statement was pointless
The 412 story is believable, especially knowing how GM felt about the GN's numbers vs the Corvette's numbers.
Yup. Even within the same brand. Porsche turned down the Cayman GT4 because the light little mid-engine was ready to crush big brother 911. Can’t have that. That’s the money making icon.
@@80PercentAshamedOfU
Wow i didn't know that, but i do know the 911 is Zeus is the Porsche family.
Part of the problem with that is when companies worry about competing too much in-house, they stop being competitive with anyone else as well.
@@pauljs75 Exactly. I love when they pit in-house teams against each other with contests and challenges. “Take this engine and this budget and make something amazing. Winning team gets a golden opportunity.”
Yes, when I was young you wouldn't want to be caught dead in a wagon. In the mid 80s to 90s it was mini vans that took over. When I started driving in 96 you wouldn't want to be driving either a van or wagon. Now they are cool.
When I was young and a teenager it was a four-door you didn’t want to be caught driving dead in. Except when I was 17. I had a awesome sweet ass four-door it was a 1966 tempest with a 389 GTO motor in it it was basically a four-door GTO it was extremely fast I wish I still had it today and would’ve listen to my parents when they said never let one of your friends drive your car. Parents have good advice unfortunately young kids are stupid and don’t listen.
My buddy would fold the rear seats down in his wagon and us 3 big dudes would take naps during lunch. No shame when military dudes sleep anywhere with buds.
That rebadged regal is also very very similar to the holden commodores we had here in Australia from like 2017/18-2020
I had always thought the ME412 was a proof of concept car. I never knew it had plans for production 🤔
Yep thats also the most probable reason it never got produced not Ego lol
Wagons didn’t stop being relevant in Australia till Holden shut down and the loss of wagons was a bigger loss than losing golden itself
The 2011-2014 200 was not a "dressed up Dodge Dart", it was actually a re-tuned Sebring, same platform under the skin as the Avenger. They chucked basically everything but the shell and powertrain though.
The second gen was a different car entirely, based on the Alfa Giulietta platform like the Dart and Cherokee, but mechanically dissimilar to either.
I’m Swedish so I hardly saw any of those big station wagons while growing up but I absolutely love them - except for the ones with wood and ‘wood’ on the sides. Would’ve absolutely loved them without it though. And I love the 300.
The PT Cruiser on the other hand. 🤢
Last but not least I would really like to see car designers pick up the L-square again.
My 2011 Chrysler 200 has over 200,000 miles (I bought it with 19k), the only non-routine maintenance I've had to do being: coolant hose clamp, power steering hose, thermostat. It all cost me somewhere around $50. At this point, I have no hesitation calling it an extremely reliable car, and I'd trust it to go anywhere in the country at the drop of a hat. It has been an excellent all-around vehicle, and in my opinion, it compared favorably to most of its competitors (including the Camry and Accord) back in the day--even though no one wanted to say it because it was based on the mediocre Sebring. It was thoroughly reworked into a very competitive sedan, and while it sold fairly well, it never got the respect it deserved. Though, to be fair, if I hadn't driven (and subsequently purchased) one, I'd probably have written it off too.
The 300M I had before that was an excellent car as well, though 13yrs of salt-covered Midwest roads convinced me to trade it at 180k (brake lines ruptured, and the rust bubbles near the gas cap were getting unsightly). The other Mopars that my family and friends have had over the years have been pretty solid too. Not all were class-leaders, but none of them were anything less than average in terms of dependability and longevity. And I see countless old, beat-up Chrysler minivans and Rams/Dakotas/Durangos with well over 200k (including a van with just under 500k miles all-original). By my count, the perception of their poor reliability is unwarranted, or at least blown far out of proportion. I so firmly believe this, in fact, that I just recently spent a hefty sum of my own money on a Gladiator, and I've zero regret or concern. I still have the 200 because it's dirt cheap to own/drive (long paid off, $50 annual registration, liability-only insurance, good gas mileage, low maintenance)--I simply see no reason to get rid of it (especially if gas prices and inflation continue to rise).
I can't wait to see Chrysler get some love again. As someone who likes the brand, the lack of investment/effort over the past decade has been frustrating--almost as frustrating as the knee-capping and diming Daimler did to them (leading to some truly unimpressive, uninspired offerings). The Airflow can't come soon enough. I expect that when my Gladiator is paid off and I'm (maybe) ready for an EV, Chrysler may be one of the first makes I look at.
Exactly what I would've said but put together nicely by you. It's quite strange that either people have had extremely good experiences with Chrysler or extremely bad. It's either one or the other. Why do you think that is? I have a feeling it's the usual herd mindset/bandwagon everyone is taking pert in when they say Chrysler is unreliable...
@@mikeoxlong6351 Hard to say. I truly think they're just one of those things that people love to hate, like Nickelback (not that I'm a fan, but their members have a heck of a lot more talent than 99% of the people dogging on them). I think the PT Cruiser is an excellent example of this, as what was once one of the biggest car smash-hits bordering cultural-icon/instant classic overnight became the joke of the car world despite being a pretty nifty and clever package with quality that was appropriate for the class and era (I've been in numerous Corolla/Matrix/Vibe and Nissan Versa--their quality wasn't any better).
I also can't help but wonder if more lemons just slip through their cracks than some other brands (maybe quality control isn't afraid to take a nap on the job once in a while) as there are too many anecdotal stories I've seen online to completely discount. But in the real world, I see tons of Mopars on the road every day (old and new), and I pass numerous driveways occupied exclusively by Mopars, I simply struggle to believe that if the brand were as bad as people in the comment sections of videos seem to think, so many people would be willing to spend their hard earned money on them, and that it'd be so very rare that I run into people who have had such poor experiences. I've kept an astute open eye for almost two decades and online perception just doesn't seem to line up with reality. When people ask me for car advise and talk about brand reliability, I find it easiest to explain that, brand-wise, if you look at quality/issue statistics, the brand at the top of the list isn't really that different from the (mainstream) brands at the bottom, and that every brand has and continues to make duds once in a while, and it's best to compare specific vehicles to specific vehicles rather than go by brand. I also like to point out that double standards exist--a prime example is that Chrysler used to be anecdotally synonymous with bad transmissions, but Honda had a huge problem with transmissions in the late '90s and much of the 2000s, on a scale actually larger than Chrysler group (IIRC), but people fail to remember it, likely due to confirmation bias.
I apologize for the long-winded response. This topic frustrates me because I genuinely don't think they deserve the word-of-mouth poor reputation they have.
@@omgcool7206 Please do not apologize, I'm actually astonished I've found someone who is equally as interested in this as I am.
This whole reply, especially the part where you talked about seeing driveways that were exclusively Mopar, and how despite the brand being labeled as unreliable people still buy their cars, is almost the exact opinion i have similar to you, it's just I haven't found a way to explain it exactly.
I also can not connect two and two together based on what I see online and in reality.
Funny that you mentioned Honda as well, back when I was younger, I'm in my mid 20s by the way, my family bought an 03 Honda Odyssey and the tranny went out at 60k. Even when I was younger I knew enough to realize that that was kinda ridiculous for a Japanese. We've only ever owned Toyotas and Mitsubishis too.
Out of high-school I had my mind made up that I was going to buy a second hand JDM after getting a job and saving and have it be a project car to have something to do while I finish college. Anyways, I ended up in a Corolla because I realized how much it would really cost to help support my ambitions.
Sometime midway through college my father and I went with family friends down to the beach during the summer and they happened to be driving in a 300.
Towards the end of the day we decided to go to a diner and the passengers in both cars kind of shifted because we're going to he same place so I ended up the 300, and I will not lie, it was one of THE NICEST rides in a sedan I've ever had. The funny part about it is I WAS IN COMPLETE DENIAL that a Chrysler managed to feel and ride this comfortably. My buddy was driving, even did a couple pulls with it and I was blown away because all I ever knew where Japanese economy cars haha. Even if it was only the V6 Pentastar, that engine has quite a bit of kick to it.
Needless to say, HE convinced ME to switch to Mopar, and I NEVER LOOKED BACK.
That following summer, I got a job, saved up, put down half and bought me a used 2019 300s with only 30k and I couldn't tell you how surreal it felt driving off that lot. The ZF tranny shifted great and despite it being the V6 this thing will beat certain Bimmers from personal experience. The interior was amazing to say the least. We occasionally send each other Mopar related clips and pulls at the strip/road on Instagram of Hellcats cause I was fully invested into Mopar now lol.
Fast forward another year later, I got rid of the 2019 NOT because I didn't like it or couldn't afford the payments, it's just I wanted to leave work and focus on school and I got more than what I payed for because of this inflation.
It allll worked out though. Because I took those small profits I got after selling the 2019 300s, and bought the EXACT year I originally fell in love with for the 300 which was 2013 except I bought the C Luxury trim with the 5.7L Hemi. That engine is straight up damn bulletproof as long as you change the oil every 5k, i think the best part of that engine is that its an iron block, none of that aluminum cost cutting garabge they have nowadays. No wonder they had this engine around for so long. The rest as they say is history.
Back around 2013 I was definitely still biased and ignorant and thought that Chrysler Trannys were garbage. The NAG1 5speed tranny in my 300 right now is shifting smooth like butter and I have no complaints whatsoever.
I litteraly fell in love with the Chrysler brand after the past 2 years which lead me in this small but interesting endeavor on the internet to try to find out why Chrysler is given such a bad rep. To me, it really seems to be the bandwagon effect. People don't want to listen and/or don't care. They just accept the status quo and don't mind questioning whether or not it's the best. I also occasionally see a driveway with just Mopar, filled with Jeep and Dodge
Daimler really did a number on them but I don't see how they couldn't have been able to bounce back. They've always been innovative.
And yes, let's not be delusional here, their quality control department is DEFINITELY lacking compared to other players in their market but it doesn't mean they're straight up horrible. If I can recall correctly, JDPowers reliability rating, which is problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler scored the same as Honda in the 2019 model year, and I think exceeded Honda and up there with Toyota for 2021 IF I can recall correctly. Whether or not you think JDPower is not being bribed is up to you, I think they are, but most people don't know better so I just tell them look at JDPower since they believe it.
You can even see on Facebook Marketplace that there are listing's for 300's with over 200k ORIGINAL miles. Obviously these things last.
I really do hope they get it together because seeing them go out with all that history is really sad. Chryslers history is a part of American history.
Likewise, if you've made it this far, thank you for reading, sorry for the long reply.
I came back to edit this comment after thinking for 5 minutes, IF, on the VERY off chance I decide to take stab at making a TH-cam video about debunking these excessive unreliability claims on the Chrysler brand, will you have any objections if I use any of your comments for anecdotal evidence and inspiration to write a script?
@@mikeoxlong6351 I've no objection.
Speaking of the Pentastar, it's an excellent engine. One of the reasons I justified a Gladiator was the engine. This is a vehicle that I could see myself keeping virtually forever (even as a secondary vehicle as I someday replace the 200 as a daily driver), and I love that the Pentastar is one of the last V6s without direct injection (and the extra maintenance that comes with) but still manages to be competitive with other V6s that use DI. It's a well thought out engine that simply works, and is smooth as butter. Also, 80% of peak torque starting at just 1800rpm is impressive for a naturally aspirated V6. I think the Pentastar is handily earning a reputation as a used car "safe bet," kind of like how people always recommend used vehicles with the AMC/Jeep 4.0 I6, the Buick/GM 3800 and smallblock, Ford (non-3V) modular, etc. I've already been in a van with well over 400k on one, never would have guessed it was nearly back from a round trip to the moon lol.
I just got reminded--years and years ago when I had my 300M, I was part of a forum and our resident high-mileage guy (Hank, as I recall) had his odometer stop rolling at around 550k miles, and had been driving for a few years without a working odometer when I stopped visiting the forum sometime after trading the car.. I should go back and see if he kept the car long enough to think he reached a million miles (not that it could probably be confirmed). I believe he replaced or rebuilt his transmission around 300k, but that's pretty reasonable in my book. At that point, I hadn't heard of any million mile LH cars, but I have little doubt that they were capable of it, beside needing a transmission valve body replacement once in a while, which was quick and easy on those cars.
@@omgcool7206 Indeed, that Pentastar is even used in the Grand Cherokees, I believe can do a little towing as well, it really one of the best V6's left and it's a shame that it's legacy is tarnished just because it's associated with the Chrysler brand.
I'm surprised that car only needed a tranny change at 300k, that's insane. Where there any issue with electronics? Any bad bearings or anything like that?
Thank you for saying "what's left of" when describing the middle class. I've been skirting the bottom of the middle for a long time. Every time I get promoted the bottom and the top wages go up. My position gets made redundant and back to the bottom we go. Now that I've scratched my way back into "not poverty" inflation is kicking in to stomp on my fingers. Lol it's fun being expendable
Ouch. This comment hurt.
I just wanna look at cars, not contemplate the impending doom of the NWO.
Oh no the bottom of the middle class
How ever will you survive.
@@fastinradfordable you don't get tired of merely surviving? I'm not ungrateful I would just like to be able to go to the doctor if we need to. Maybe do something fun without worrying.
Jorge, it's like we are chasing the threshold of middle class. Just when we get close the threshold moves again.
Where you LIVE and who you WITH are common reasons why financial problems start.
Small correction: AWD Mach-E range is 270. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition (which I don't think the Airflow would be competing against given the performance difference) is 260. You can get a Cali Rt. 1 with over 300 miles too, FWIW. :-)
Also, as a non-boomer, I'd love a good wagon! The CTS-V wagon was freaking amazing. I just couldn't afford it.
It's not the brand identity that Chrysler has issues with. It's is quality if employees, quality control, and the cheap parts they use on their vehicles.
It would be pretty hard for any company to come back after being fleeced so hard by Mercedes, like ChryslerCo was. But we've gotten to a point now that they need to make some better decisions, most notably it's time to build a compact car again, NOT a Caliber, and don't screw up miserably like you did with the Dart. Dart was a great car that they totally botched the preparation and release on.
True. They did get taken hard. But it’s too hard for the big three to make a small car, I don’t think they can do it and compete historically there’s company’s with 35+ years on a single nameplate like Corolla or civic