Fiat Chrysler May Move Away From Hockey Puck Shifters Because Consumer Reports Can't Understand Them

Consumer Reports recently slammed the rotary shifter found in several FCA vehicles, and now it appears as if the automaker may be reversing course on the design. In an official response to the report, shared by Automotive News, the automaker acknowledged the negative review of its shifters. “FCA US acknowledges the observations of Consumer Reports and is reviewing its shifter strategy." This comes hot on the heels of an NHTSA investigation into 1 million FCA cars.

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TheSteve - 3/9/2017 4:23:01 PM

+4 Boost

Some people say "change is good." Bull!

Change for the sake of change isn't necessarily good.

Change, for the sake of being "different" or marketing something as "new," while making it worse, is definitely *NOT* good. This is especially true when something becomes unintuitive, awkward to use, or the opposite of the norm (e.g., Audi's top button locks the door, bottom unlocks it -- the exact opposite of the old-style by-your-shoulder manual plunger that generations have grown accustomed to.)

GOOD change, is good! Please remember that, automakers :-/

Dexter1 - 3/10/2017 2:33:44 PM

+2 Boost

Didn't Jaguar start this dumb, gimmicky rotary pop-up idea back in 2012? FCA was even dumber to follow suit.

Tiberius1701A - 3/9/2017 5:18:58 PM

-1 Boost

CR is an abject joke..a publication aimed at the Lowest Common Denominator. The 'Hockey Puck' shift knob is probably the easiest to use. Wonder if those morons have ever said anything regarding the way the German makes have totally FUBARed automatic shift gear.

MrEE - 3/9/2017 6:02:01 PM

+2 Boost

CR is the one publication all auto makers pay attention to, but in this case, the recall costs likely coming from a NHTSA recall, is forcing their hand. CR is just schooling them on design basics.

jeffgall - 3/9/2017 6:26:12 PM

+1 Boost

I rented a Chrysler 200 once and found it hard to get used to. I'm sure if I owned the car, after a few weeks, it would be natural. With that said, I could see this turning people off during a test drive.

MDarringer - 3/9/2017 8:28:57 PM

0 Boost

The standard stalk is the best solution. It is automatistic to most drivers.

TomM - 3/10/2017 9:27:23 AM

+4 Boost

Push buttons worked okay too. What they need is something the has DEFINITE detents at each position. The problem with the FCA design is that it does not have that. You turn the know right or left until your desired range is lit. The should be a Park position - with a detent - and a position and detent for each range after that. I have a Chrysler Mini-van that has a stalk coming out of the Dash - and that works fine too - and leaves the space between the from seat for a removable storage bin.

garysandiego - 3/13/2017 6:31:31 PM

+1 Boost

Whatever happened to push buttons? Thinking about my dad's 1964 Chrysler Newport....

MDarringer - 3/13/2017 7:24:54 PM

+1 Boost

Check out Lincoln if you like push buttons.

bw5011 - 3/14/2017 4:52:44 PM

+1 Boost

This feature in the Jag F-Pace was one of my cons when comparing vehicles... I actually like something to rest my hand on as being able to shift without looking down, which would come with time. Not having the option to sport shift if you don't want to use the paddles suck too, but we are talking about FCA.. I don't even know if paddles or sport shift was even options.