2012 Toyota Camry Earns Five-Star NHTSA Rating

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its first batch of 2012 model year ratings this month. Under the stricter guidelines, only three 2012 models — the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS and Toyota Camry — have earned five-star composite scores from the safety agency. In fact, as we previously reported, the Camaro is the only vehicle to earn a perfect rating across the board since the new guidelines took effect for the 2011 model year.

NHTSA’s composite scores are composed of five-star ratings for frontal, rollover and a combined side pole and barrier tests. The side pole test, which is new, simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

The redesigned 2012 Camry earned a five-star overall rating, getting four stars in the frontal test, five stars in the side-crash test and four stars in the rollover test.

Recall Alert: 2012 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Vehicles

Chrysler is recalling about 667 2012-model-year vehicles equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 over an engine issue that can lead to power loss, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2012 models included in the recall are the Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In the affected vehicles, which were built between Aug. 25 and Sept. 5, the engine blocks weren’t cleaned properly. The result is hard debris can damage the connecting rod, main bearings and crankshaft, leading to engine failure. If the engine seizes up while driving, the risk of a crash can increase.

The recall is expected to begin in early October. Chrysler dealerships will replace the engine, free of charge. If owners already have repaired the problem, Chrysler will reimburse the expense if it wasn’t covered by the warranty.  Owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

What's the Most Affordable Midsize Sedan?

The midsize sedan is by far the most popular car segment in the U.S., with more than 2 million sold so far this year. So it’s no surprise that some of the best-selling vehicles in the country are midsize family sedans, such as the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion. It’s also one of the most competitive markets, with over 20 moderately priced models on sale today.

Over the past few months, the market has heated up even more. Toyota is launching the all-new 2012 Camry this month, and it will boast more features, improved gas mileage and more-affordable pricing for midlevel trims. The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Passat is now a legitimate player in the moderately priced family sedan category, moving away from the premium category. Its starting price of $19,995 offers novel features, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, standard.

So which sedan is the best-equipped — and also the most affordable — car for the money? For this latest affordability study, we decided to pit the redesigned 2012 Camry and 2012 Passat against the 2012 Hyundai Sonata and the 2012 Fusion. All four have attractive pricing with lots of features.

2012 Chrysler 200, Dodge Journey, Dodge Avenger See Prices Drop

For the 2012 model year, both the 2012 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger see their starting prices drop to $18,995, which is a $250 decrease from last year. The 2012 Dodge Journey now starts at $20,995, which is a more dramatic $1,450 price drop. Those prices exclude a $750 destination charge for the sedans and an $800 charge for most Journey trims.

The price changes make the Avenger and 200 the most affordable midsize sedans on the market today, beating out value leaders like the Suzuki Kizashi ($18,999), Ford Fusion ($19,850) and Kia Optima ($19,200).

The Journey is now one of the most affordable midsize crossovers on the market, too, beating competitors like the Kia Sorento ($21,250) and Mazda CX-7 ($21,990). The Subaru Forester still beats the Journey, though, with its $20,495 entry price.

Continue reading below for more trim details.

Recall Alert: 11,351 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Vehicles

Chrysler Group is recalling 11,351 vehicles across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands over an incorrectly installed steering column, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Listed in the recall are 2011 models of the Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. The affected vehicles were built between April 13 and May 6.

In some of the vehicles, the steering column may have been improperly installed, with either a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. On vehicles where the rivet is out of sorts, the steering column can cause more physical harm to passengers in the event of a frontal crash.  

Chrysler dealers will inspect the rivet and the alignment of the steering column and make repairs if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger Get More Cash Back

Even though Chrysler’s redesigned midsize sedans are selling well without large incentives, the automaker has boosted cash-back offerings for both models in May. The 2011 Chrysler 200 now has $1,250 cash on the hood, while the refreshed 2011 Dodge Avenger gets $1,750 cash back. The Avenger also has a 60-month zero-percent financing option, though it can’t be combined with the cash back.

In April, the company sold 15,851 units of 200 and Avenger sedans combined. That’s 36.5% more than in April 2010. The 200 has been backed by a vigorous “Imported from Detroit” ad campaign.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 maintains its special lease rates from April: a $199-a-month rate for the Touring trim for 39 months and $1,999 cash down. The 200 convertible has a $299-a-month lease for the same amount of time and $2,999 cash down.

There also are special lease rates on the Chrysler Town & Country and 300 as well as special lease rates on many Dodge vehicles for the month.

Chrysler is continuing its Minivan Month, which is a 60-day money-back guarantee program. Along with the guarantee, some Dodge Grand Caravan models can get up to $2,000 cash back or zero-percent financing for 60 months.

Chrysler Details Future Upgrades to 2012 Jeep, Dodge, Fiat Vehicles

Along with announcing this week its first profit since emerging from bankruptcy, Chrysler also confirmed some new equipment and special-edition trims that should go on sale within the next 12 months.

In a presentation, Chrysler outlined three special editions: the Fiat 500 Gucci edition, Dodge Charger Super Bee and Jeep Wrangler Mojave.

Fiat already sells the 500 Gucci edition in other regions. The retro-looking trim features unique exterior coloring and striping, and unique wheels. Inside, there are glossy satin chromes and two-toned seats upholstered in high-end leather. 

Cars.com Reviews the 2011 Dodge Avenger

For the 2011 model year, the Dodge Avenger sports many new refinements — new engine, retuned suspension and improved interior — that almost make up for its predecessor’s lackluster performance. But is it "almost" good enough? Continue reading to find how Mike Hanley ranks the Avenger against competitors like the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Kia Optima.

2011 Dodge Avenger Review

Cars.com Podcast: 2011 Dodge Avenger, 2011 Toyota Camry, 2011 Kia Optima Turbo

Talking about three competitive models in one week is unusual, but in a segment jam-packed with quality contenders as the midsize sedan, it was bound to happen. From the highs of the Kia Optima turbo to the lows of the Dodge Avenger, and the Toyota Camry somewhere in between, editors Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and David Thomas discuss the trio’s recent stay at Cars.com headquarters.

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Chrysler Incentives Focus on Minivans

Chrysler has shifted around some of its incentives for the month of April, deemphasizing trucks but placing more cash on the hood of more models from Chrysler and Dodge.

Chrysler has decided to bring back its 60-day guarantee program for the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan and 2011 Chrysler Town & Country for April. The “Minivan Pledge” works the same way it has in the past — you can return your van back to the automaker within 60-days, no questions asked. While the program may alleviate some buyer’s remorse — few people ended up changing their minds during past promotions — the pledge doesn’t really offer much in terms of cash back or financing incentives compared with March. 2.9% financing for 60 months is the same as last month. Last month Chrysler offered $2,000 — $4,000 in lease bonus cash on its minivan pair, which helps to reduce the capitalized cost of the lease. Those lease deals might turn out to be a better compared with current lease offerings, depending on your credit worthiness.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible gets its first suit of incentives, just in time for the winter’s thaw. Chrysler is offering $1,500 cash back or $750 back and 2.9% financing for 60 months with Ally Financial on the drop top. The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango now has some retail customer cash on the hood: $1,000 on the base Express trim.

Continue reading below for all the highlighted deals available for April. Most deals expire on May 2nd.