Back in October 2014, the Chrysler remnants from the post-recession era united forces with Fiat S.p.A., birthing what was then ranked as the eighth-largest automaker globally. Despite its modest size, the newly named Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) strategically aligned itself with Jeep and Ram to surf the growing wave of trucks and SUVs, bridging the gap with its Detroit counterparts, Ford and General Motors. This paved the way for FCA’s recent merge with European giant Groupe PSA, crafting Stellantis, now standing as the world’s fourth-largest car manufacturer in 2021.
In its relatively brief existence of six years and beyond, FCA had ample time to imprint lasting memories, be they positive or negative. Let’s delve into both realms, commencing with the aspects we prefer to cherish: the vehicles that ignited joy in people’s hearts.
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Stellantis
The Roar of Hellcats, Pickups, and Jeeps
Overall, FCA’s flagship models witnessed remarkable improvements in vital aspects crucial to their clientele. While the introduction of a hybrid variant to Jeep’s Wrangler remains significant, the availability of diesel engines for the first time in the American market and the reemergence of the V8 option after a 40-year hiatus evidently stole the limelight. These upgrades seamlessly transitioned to the Wrangler’s derivative, the Gladiator pickup, positioning it as a strong contender despite not reigning as the pinnacle of FCA-era trucks.
However, this distinction falls upon the expanding range of Rams, now more substantial, fiercer, opulent, and capable than ever before. Notably more potent too, with the 702-horsepower TRX not only flaunting its impressive power output but also showcasing its resilience with awe-inspiring jumps fit for the big screen. Such feats are only achievable due to the TRX’s supercharged, 6.2-liter V8—the name “Hellcat” synonymous with cutting-edge auto engineering speaks volumes in the industry today.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX, Stellantis
This 700-plus-horsepower powertrain propels a diverse array of blazing fast vehicles, ranging from full-sized family transporters like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat to Dodge’s muscle car icons, the Charger and Challenger—some boasting over 800 horsepower. Despite the focus on crafting exhilarating adult toys, FCA hasn’t overlooked pragmatism; the Chrysler Pacifica maintains its reign as the benchmark in minivan excellence even today.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle, Stellantis
Dimming Pentastars
Regrettably, the Pacifica stands as the lone beacon in the Chrysler roster. Since the discontinuation of the 200, the Pacifica has had only the dated 300C for company, a former sensation in its own right that, though kin to the still-popular Charger, has been somewhat neglected of late. The rationale behind investing in revitalizing the 300C’s antiquated platform dwindles, given its lineage tracing back to the Daimler-Chrysler epoch.
Chrysler isn’t the solo (formerly) FCA marque facing existential challenges. Once-proud Lancia now peddles a solitary rebranded Fiat in its native Italian market, Maserati endeavors to redefine its course with the MC20 supercar anew, and while Alfa Romeo enjoys a tug at its past glory days, it too has started to falter, evident in the ongoingachieved some of the lowest dependability ratings in the sector.
The prosperous outcomes observed at FCA were not without consequences. The aforementioned Wrangler is still rumored to have precarious instability, and while lucrative, trucks inflated FCA’s fleet emissions averages to the extent that purchasing emissions credits from Tesla became necessary, boosting the finances of arguably the most overestimated company since Theranos. In addition to that, the Viper has also exited the scene.
2020 Peugeot Landtrek, Stellantis
The Stellantis Era
The repercussions of FCA’s numerous tough choices (and occasional misjudgments) will be evident during the initial years of its Stellantis era. However, these challenges will eventually be mitigated by brand revivals and a stream of new vehicles, including an expected revamp of the Charger and Challenger as well as former PSA products making their way from Europe. While these may not arrive as Peugeots as originally envisioned, there is an array of cars to anticipate, sparking excitement for what lies ahead—participate in our discussion to delve deeper into them.
2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye, Stellantis
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