I think it's hit or miss. They cost less up front for a reason. If one gets lucky they are ahead--if not, the money saved can be spent on repairs, and with luck, still be ahead. I've thought the Pentastar, with 6AT FWD or 8AT RWD, by all accounts, was well received.
All makers have bad spells. It's just that, for Chrysler, it started in the Malaise era, and by all accounts, didn't stop until recently.
2001 Civic was junk, we had one, couldn't keep a/c in it, and it's the only vehicle that can rust out a CV axle that I've heard of.