Kevin Alexander
Screenwriter
- Joined
- Apr 17, 1999
- Messages
- 1,365
Now don't get mad, and yes, I admit that there are some American vehicle models that seem to hold their own. To be honest though, there are only a handful of American vehicles that I would really want to make a 5 year investment in. IMO, the worst of the big 3 automakers is Chrysler/Dodge. They are the epitome of "style over substance". To me, Chrysler has the boldest styling and aggressive marketing, but if you buy their product, you'd be wise to invest in an extended warranty because they WILL break down prematurely. As many of you know, I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota that I purchased new and rarely drive. It has 36000 miles on it and already I have replaced the radiator ($1100), alternator ($260), brake module ($700 w/ dealer discount because I complained), and now the clutch ($700). And these aren't isolated cases either. I frequent the Dodge Dakota forums at www.dodgedakotas.com and I find topic after topic of people like me who are fed up w/ problem after problem and will never buy another one. Again, bold on "styling", weak on "substance". And another thing - why does everything break just miles (or days) out of warranty? My brake module failed just one month after 3 years. Do you think Chrysler/Dodge cared that this expensive part that shouldn't fail so soon did? Not one bit. Ford and GM (while not as bad) could be much, much better. None of them are up to par w/ the more reliable foreign counterparts (Honda, Toyota, Nissan). What are some of your experiences w/ the big 3 American automakers? Personally, I'm through w/ them. My next truck will be a Nissan Titan.