FCA is the most interesting domestic automaker right now

Yes, I know that, by asserting that, currently, FCA is the most interesting domestic automaker, I could be setting myself up for some controversy right from the headline.

First, those who want to nit-pick factual nuances might question calling FCA, which of course is a conglomeration of U.S. and Italian automotive brands, a domestic automaker.

But all of what we have historically called “The Big Three”—GM, Ford, and Chrysler—are now in some way or another global. So the same question could be raised about any of them. So I think the distinction between FCA as domestic in contrast to automakers of more clearly non-U.S. origin, like Toyota, still holds.

Second, I also could be setting myself up for critique by others in the automotive media space who have commented on how old and tired the Dodge lineup has become—how long overdue the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger are for a major redesign, for example.

On this point, I’m a contrarian. From a design perspective, Charger and Challenger are more authentically linked to their heritage than are models of any other brand that might aspire to modern muscle-car cred.

Yes, they are old-school and retro. But that is a good thing in a world where it can be tough without the badging to distinguish the basic shape of a Buick Regal from that of a Hyundai Sonata.

But in saying that FCA is the most interesting domestic automaker, I’m also going beyond just the Dodge lineup, and that could raise even more questions. To me, it’s the full lineup across the Dodge, Chrysler, RAM, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Maserati brands that sets FCA apart from GM and Ford.

Since the beginning of the Fiat-Chrysler integration in 2009, FCA has been changing the North American automotive landscape in a greater variety of compelling ways than any other automaker. Clearly, not every model is to the taste of everyone. But in virtually every category, FCA has something to offer that stands apart from its peers in other brands.

Want an accessibly priced, fun roadster that combines Italian sports-car flair with the reliability of Japanese Bones? Fiat 124 Spider, affectionately known as the “Fiata.” Done.

Want a sedan with a more distinctive and classy vibe than anything else parked at your local Chick-Fil-A? Alfa Romeo Giulia. Done.

And consider this: before Fiat and Chrysler combined and formed a strategy to boost the presence of their Italian brand portfolio in the U.S., when was the last time you ever even thought about Alfa Romeo, unless perhaps you were watching reruns of some TV show from the 60s? But now, it’s not surprising to see someone loading plastic shopping bags into the trunk of a Giulia at Walmart.

Who would have ever thought?        

Want a more imaginative choice for a fast crossover than your doctor’s Porsche Cayenne? Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Done.

Want an Italian sports car that’s more exotic and prestigious than the Fiat 124 Spider? Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe or Spider. Done.

Want a modern way to check the same box that the Volkswagen Bug did in the 60s, capturing the imagination of the young or young-at-heart driver who wants to think small and think different? Fiat 500. Done.

And if you want to throw in some power and feisty, attention grabbling craziness that will make an enthusiast chuckle with every start of the engine, consider the Fiat 500 Abarth. No, it’s not for everyone, but it offers an unmatched combination of a wild exhaust note all its own and a quirky hot-small-car look. It’s hard to imagine a better contrarian choice.

Want a REAL SUV, built the old-school, truck-based, body-on-frame way that has the vibe of a true blue-collar workhorse rather than watered-down parking-lot queen at your neighborhood youth soccer game? Dodge Durango, especially the SRT. All day long.

Not convinced yet? Well, you tell me: what other family of automotive brands offers a menu this flavorful and distinctive, with something to appeal such a widely varying range of enthusiast palettes?

So, yes. I said it. FCA is the most interesting domestic automaker right now.