Chrysler to Upgrade Interiors on 12 Models
The normally docile automotive press has panned every new Chrysler's interior over the past two or three years, slating the cabins for [the same] ugly interiors fashioned from cheap materials. As the Brits would say, Jim'll fix it. BusinessWeek reports the Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press has announced that his employer is lowering prices and improving content on 12 Chrysler vehicles. It's all part of some kind of "master plan" that the automaker's unveiling to their stores at next month at the National Auto Dealers Association(NADA) convention. The only details Press would provide: the Compass, Patriot and Caliber get the makeover. Meanwhile, Press reminded jobbing journos that Chrysler's already made 260– count 'em 260– upgrades to Chrysler vehicles' materials and appearance. Yes, well, as the old expression goes: first impressions last. Will the interior upgrades be too little too late? Watch this space.
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Isn`t it easier to down-grade society with empty -v, than upgrade real interiors. You might get blisters, and eventually die from....post-labour-overfatigue syndrome. so much for pathos.
The problem with all American car companies is that they have collectively screwed themselves the last 40 years with shoddy build quality and attention to detail. Here's an example of what I'm talking about. My first car was a 1985 Toyota Corolla LE. When I sold it, it had 298k miles on it. The new owner got a car with the original clutch, never had a single mechanical problem, started on the first crank even in dead of winter, never burned oil, and got 40MPG. The thing was a tank...you couldn't kill it. And believe me, I tried to near the end because the resale value was only like $400. I once actually drained the oil and drove around for 2000miles and it never even overheated. I finally gave up and put oil back in. The car won. My 95&1/2 Honda CRX Si was the same story; two best cars I've ever owned. In contrast, years later I decided to give American a try and bought a second hand 98 Ford Taurus with 60k miles on it. The car was owned by a reputable person and had clean maint records and was in great shape. By the time it reached 96k miles, the car was dead. Transmission was shot, head gaskets blew, brakes lines ruptured, radiator leaked, it leaked oil (which dripped onto the headers), burned oil and sometimes wouldn't start...all at the same time. The repairs would have cost more than twice what the car was worth so I ended up just giving it away to charity. Worst car I've ever owned and the Taurus was supposed to be one of the best quality American cars; doesn't exactly inspire confidence. And to top it off...I've heard similar horror stories from hundreds of friends, family and acquaintances. The moral of the story...quality build matters first and foremost. Ergonomics and appearance are gravy. I care more about the peace of mind knowing that your car will get you where you want to go with the least amount of headaches...period. Until American car companies prove they can build an exceptional car that proves its value by amazing its owner, I will never buy another American car EVER. It saddens me to say that but I just don't trust American cars and have no reason to. You can't polish a turd. So all this talk about better interior materials is a moot point anyway. Who cares if the interior is nice if the car can't make it to 100k miles without requiring half the original purchase price in repairs?
This from a company famous for crappy interiors for 40 years. maybe the three headed dog should just sell the company and get this over with.