Chrysler Drops AWD from Some Models

Hardly anyone who bought a Chrysler Sebring actually sprung for the all-wheel-drive option. Only .7% of Sebring buyers opted for AWD, likely because it jacks up the sticker price and decreases fuel economy.

This has led Chrysler to announce that it will drop AWD for the Sebring and two other vehicles, the Dodge Avenger and Dodge Caliber, which roped only 1.5% and 4.4% of buyers into adding the option, respectively. The change goes into effect for 2009 model year.

Dealers were having trouble moving AWD models starting at $26,000, but Chrysler is probably wrong that the number of drivers who consider AWD a “must-have” is negligible. Subaru’s all-AWD lineup is seeing record sales and AWD crossovers are still popular. 

Chrysler Dropping AWD on Avenger, Sebring and Caliber (Autoblog)

Comments

Maybe it might be that consumers who want AWD systems trust manufactures like Subaru more with building more sound AWD systems than Chrysler, and besides, I've seen Chrysler jack up the cost of AWD vehicles to the point where consumers would might want to buy other AWD vehicles with better quality and reliablity, etc.

I did not even know they offered those models with AWD. Not only do they need to be cheaper...they also need better marketing skills.

yeah, i think the big three needs to spend less money advertising their ridiculous discount gimmicks and more time advertising the qualities of the vehicles they sell

100% agree with Nic!!!

Why would anyone fork over $35K for a Sebring with AWD over $35-40K for a RWD Mercedes C-Class? Oh...now I see why they did not advertise this...LOL!

In my opinion, all wheel drive is overrated anyway, and is unnecessary as an option on front wheel drive vehicles. It costs more, cuts mpg and adds complexity. It also can give you a false sense of security in snowy conditions because you get going real well only to find out you can't stop when you need to. Every winter I see a lot of four wheel drive trucks and SUVs off the road. On the other hand AWD makes a lot of sense on vehicles like the Rear wheel drive Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

Hybrit's point about the false sense of security cannot be stressed enough. however, i know that in Boston, where most people seem to park on the street, my wife's Forester easily gets over big snow/ice piles into and out of parking spots that other FWD cars avoid. it's unstoppable and really helpful in finding that precious parking spot. my Mazda6 with snow tires still has trouble sometimes. other than that, i totally agree with Hybrit.

It costs more, cuts mpg and adds complexity. It also can give you a false sense of security in snowy conditions because you get going real well only to find out you can't stop when you need to. Every winter I see a lot of four wheel drive trucks and SUVs off the road. On the other hand AWD makes a lot of sense on vehicles like the Rear wheel drive Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.