Dodge's "Major Product Intervention"

Just how widespread are the problems with many current Chrysler products? It’s to the point where the company itself declared Wednesday that they will have a "Major Product Intervention" across the Dodge lineup. Many of these changes also affect their platform-mates in the Chrysler and Jeep brands.

That includes:

• A previously announced "all-new" interior for the 2010 Caliber, whose current interior one of us likened to "sitting in an Igloo cooler." It looks like the Caliber continues until 2012 when a new compact sedan comes on line; its Patriot and Compass platform-mates move to a Fiat-based platform in 2013.
• The Avenger midsized sedan also gets an all-new interior, a new engine, and better attention to noise and vibration isolation. That all happens later in 2010 with a new Fiat-based sedan coming in 2013.
• The Journey three-row SUV gets the same treatment as the Avenger in 2010, but it soldiers on through 2014.
• The Grand Caravan gets a whole new interior, a new engine, a complete suspension retune--with claimed "best-in-class" ride and handling--and more attention to noise, comfort, and features. A redesign comes for 2014. The Town and Country will see similar changes.
• The Charger claims to be "all new" with a "class-leading" interior, "class-leading" features, a new engine and "lifestyle oriented packaging." That comes in 2010.
• The 300 also gets a major update.
• The Nitro sees a "major modification" for 2011, but its future is uncertain beyond that. Its Liberty platform-mate will get a new platform and shed 600 lbs in 2013.

What do we take from this?

• Chrysler is pinning a lot on their new 3.6-liter "Pentastar" V6 engine, which replaces an array of other V6s across a wide variety of products and platforms.
• 2013 is a long time to wait for a new midsized sedan. Despite substantial modifications, the Avenger/Sebring sedans platform has limited potential. The cars are narrow and changing the roofline enough to improve visibility, a major complaint with those cars, is likely to be too expensive for an interim step.
• If you design interiors for Chrysler, you’re very, very busy right now.
• Chrysler once ruled the minivan segment, but they have their work cut out for them to beat the agility of the Honda Odyssey and the quietness and ride of the Toyota Sienna.
• Most of these products score near the bottom of our Ratings in their particular classes. While any improvements would be welcome, it’s very rare that even a major freshening transforms a design enough to propel it to the top of its class. The Ram was an exception to this rule.
• Finally, keep in mind that the competition isn’t standing still, either.

—Tom Mutchler

Also read: Chrysler's business plan: The Fiat platforms

Comments

[George E Greenlee]

Back in 1964 at the worlds fair my new bride and I where thrilled at the Chrysler pavilion with the display of the projected Chrysler Turbine. I was the owner of a New Yorker 4dr hardtop at the time.

Now I see that Chrysler is waffling on the ENVI technology. I currently own a Chrysler T & C. With the way things are going at Chrysler it will most likely be my last Chrysler vehicle. Time and certainly technology is passing them by. I'll watch GM vehicles with the Chevy Volt technology.