Chrysler - 2009 New Car and Truck Line-Up
Chrysler has introduced one new vehicle in 2009 - the Dodge Journey. In addition, the Challenger line up has been extended, and Chrysler has completely redesigned the RAM 1500. Unfortunately, Chrysler's reliability still proves to be a problem for the manufacturer in 2009. The manufacturer was the worst performing brand in a recent Consumer Reports study on reliability.
Let us start with the new vehicles. The Dodge Journey is a new crossover SUV. Chrysler really paid attention to the interior storage features when they were designing the passenger compartment of this vehicle. The Journey is produced off of the same platform as the Dodge Avenger and comes with either a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine or a 3.5 liter V6. If the customer orders a V6, they can also chose all-wheel-drive as an option.
The Challenger line up has also been expanded in 2009. The Challenger SRT8 was introduced last year. This year Chrysler has added the entry-level SE which has a 250 horsepower 3.5 liter V6. In addition, the R/T was introduced by Chrysler in 2009. The R/T has a 5.7 liter V8.
Next, the Ram 1500 has been completely redesigned for 2009. The 5.7 liter V8 engine has been upgraded to produce more power. The cabin was redesigned for the Ram to improve aerodynamics. In addition, the suspension was redesigned to improve the ride and handling of the truck. The 300 also received the same power upgraded 5.7 liter V8 that is in the Ram 1500.
The final major change to Chrysler's 2009 cars and trucks has been the addition of two hybrid models. The Aspen and the Durango are now available with hybrid systems. It is estimated that city fuel economy has improved by 40% over the base models in each of these vehicles.
Although Chrysler has made the product improvements described above, unfortunately, the overall reliability of the Chrysler line up lets the brand down. In 2008, Chrysler tied with Suzuki for last place in Consumer Reports annual reliability report. This year Chrysler performed even worse and dipped to a below average rating for the overall brand. Even the completely new or redesigned vehicles did not perform well in the tests. Not one Chrysler vehicle was recommended by Consumer Reports in this year's study. And the Sebring Convertible received the infamous title of being the worst new car of any brand that was tested in the study.
In terms of safety, Chrysler, as all brands, has made improvements in 2009. However, overall the Chrysler models do not stand out for customers as being known for their excellent safety features. One exception is the Chrysler Sebring which as been rated as "Excellent" for safety by US News and World Report.
In summary, Chrysler has some interesting new cars and trucks and engines, including two hybrid options, in its 2009 line up. However, the brand continues to be let down by its poor reliability performance. This year, Chrysler was the worst performing automotive manufacturer in Consumer Reports annual reliability study. This is title no manufacturer wants to receive.
Get 2009 Chrysler price quotes.
|
