Tinted windshields

[Jeremiah]

Now that Daimler Chrysler has a new CEO, I'd like to ask him why Dodge trucks are being shipped without tinted windshields. My truck stickered at more than 44 grand and I've already spent a couple of thousand more on aftermarket accessories. Saving a buck or two on windshield tinting may help the bottom line a bit but it gives the impression that little things don't matter much.

 

[Casey Balvert]

I wondered why mine didn't have a tinted windshield as well. And the exposed wiring from the roof to the auto dimming review mirror is a bit tacky as well.



Casey

 

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by CBalvert

I wondered why mine didn't have a tinted windshield as well. And the exposed wiring from the roof to the auto dimming review mirror is a bit tacky as well.



Casey

It certainly is. My 99 Audi, built by Germans (DC CEO is a German), was supremely built and had the wiring you speak of enclosed in a pop-off shield.



Another example of shoddy workmanship is the flimsy plastic lever that allows the seat to recline. Feels like it was made by Mattel Industries.



I think Dodge is coasting on the Cummins reputation (hence, the popularity of the TDR), but in the final analysis it's truck quality that people have to live with.



Quite frankly, I would have bought a Ford if it had the Cummins engine in it.

 

[Kraut67M]

I checked out the new 03's last weekend along with the GMC. I bought an 01 because the interior "feel" felt better not cheap, plus the seats were excellent compared to FORD. There was no choice in diesel for the chevy or GMC. Now the chevy/GMC "feels" like a much better interior. The rear seat is much more comfortable on the extended cab. Overall I am not that impressed with the 03 Dodge, except of course for that beloved Cummins.



Kraut

 

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by Kraut67M

I checked out the new 03's last weekend along with the GMC. I bought an 01 because the interior "feel" felt better not cheap, plus the seats were excellent compared to FORD. There was no choice in diesel for the chevy or GMC. Now the chevy/GMC "feels" like a much better interior. The rear seat is much more comfortable on the extended cab. Overall I am not that impressed with the 03 Dodge, except of course for that beloved Cummins.



Kraut

Yup. I think DC is aware of the problem. Dieter what's-his-name (the CEO) said a couple of years ago the company had a ways to go before it caught up to Ford and Chevy.



The problem with American cars and trucks is that it takes years to turn things like quality and workmanship around. Honda can do it in a few months.



I hope the powers-that-be are reading these posts. I'll bet Ford and Chevy monitor them too.

 

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by Jeremiah

Now that Daimler Chrysler has a new CEO, I'd like to ask him why Dodge trucks are being shipped without tinted windshields. My truck stickered at more than 44 grand and I've already spent a couple of thousand more on aftermarket accessories. Saving a buck or two on windshield tinting may help the bottom line a bit but it gives the impression that little things don't matter much.

I'm afraid I must apologize to Daimler Chrysler for part of what I said. I visited a dealer today to get my headlights aimed correctly and discovered the entire windshield is tinted slightly, not just the top portion.



On the headlight issue, I drove 50 miles last night with my lights on bright and not a single driver blinked at me. So I came to the conclusion that my lights aren't bright enough. The dealer told me the headlights are meant to "diffuse" the light and not aim a beam down the highway where deer or people can be seen in time to avoid hitting them.



Incidentally, the 2500/3500 headlights are set manually by shining them against a wall 25' from the front bumper. My, my, isn't progress wonderful?