It's Official: Chrysler Cuts Four Models

Chrysler announced today it will cut four models from its lineup: The Chrysler Crossfire, Pacifica and PT Cruiser convertible, and the Dodge Magnum. The automaker also announced plans to cut some 9,000 jobs at assembly plants that produce a number of other models: the Chrysler 300 and Sebring; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Charger and Nitro; and the Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot. Though those 11 models – as well as the regular PT Cruiser – will still be sold, expect production to be scaled back. For shoppers, that likely translates to fewer cars with massive discounts clogging showroom floors.

The decision has been coming for several weeks now, with rumors brewing that Chrysler could cut up to five models. The Crossfire and Pacifica have trailed the competition for years, but it’s a shame to see the Magnum go. With the Hemi V-8, it was one fun cruiser. If they’d asked us, we probably would have advised canning the latest Sebring instead – or at the very least taking it back to the drawing board.

Chrysler spokesman David Barnas told us 2008 would be the last year for all four models. That means in about a year’s time there should be some steep discounts to clear the last of them off the lots.

Some SUVs Don't Hold Up in Side Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s latest round of crash tests focused on midsize SUVs, and most of the vehicles tested didn’t do nearly as well as sedans and similarly sized crossover SUVs. The results will no doubt spark more debate among the bigger-is-safer and the get-your-land-yachts-off-the-road segments of the population.

The common thought is that the bigger the vehicle you’re in, the safer you are in an accident. There have been various studies to back that up that compare the number of road casualties to the types of vehicles involved. What IIHS discovered is that many popular midsize SUVs, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X, rate Marginal side-impact scores. The two Nissan's did earn Good scores when equipped with optianl side airbags. The others came standard with side airbags. Most of the SUVs tested also didn’t do well in rear crash tests, and none earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS.

Interestingly enough, the vehicles tested were truck-based. Car-based crossover SUVs, including the Ford Edge, Subaru Tribeca and Honda Pilot, have gotten IIHS’ Top Safety Pick nod. Check out the full crash results below.

Jeep Recalls SUVs Due to Faulty Brakes

Jeep is recalling 28,755 Commanders and Grand Cherokees from the 2007 and 2008 model years to replace front-brake parts that can fail. Both SUVs could have brakes made of the wrong type of metal, which can fracture, making the time it takes to stop increase to an unsafe rate. No accidents or injuries have been reported.

The Jeeps included in the recall were made between May 17 and July 13 of this year. Brakes will be replaced at no cost, and concerned owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information.

This follows on the heels of last week’s recall of more than 156,000 Grand Cherokees and Commanders for other brake issues.

Chrysler Recalls Jeep SUVs to Replace Brake Parts (Bloomberg)

Nearly 300,000 Dodge, Jeep SUVs Recalled

Chrysler announced today that it’s recalling almost 300,000 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years due to potential brake problems. This includes more than 156,000 2006 and 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUVs, more than 90,000 2007 Jeep Wranglers and almost 50,000 2007 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

There have been 20 complaints about the SUVs’ brakes, which suffer from a delay in braking while going uphill. Chrysler will reprogram the computer that controls the antilock braking system.

The company is also recalling more than 72,000 2008 Dodge Avenger sedans and Chrysler Sebring convertibles due to faulty front door latches and locks. There were no reported incidents from that recall.

Notices will be mailed out in coming weeks, but owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information.

Chrysler Recalls Nearly 300,000 SUVs to Fix Brake Problem (The Detroit News)

Friday Fleet Notes: 05.18.07

This week we get some feedback from the staff on the recently reviewed 2007 Kia Rondo, as well as a summertime treat in the Pontiac Solstice GXP. Two of our staffers turned out to have radically different impressions of the little roadster.

2007 Kia Rondo

One of the Rondo's most impressive features is how open and airy the cabin feels; visibility is exceptional in all directions. The flipside, though, is that after driving the Rondo for a while you begin to feel like you're piloting a giant fish bowl because pedestrians have an equally good view inside the car. Subaru's Forester provides a similar experience, but it's one we're seeing on relatively few new cars these days.

• Mike Hanley, Cars.com reviewer

New York Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For 2008, Jeep wants to change the first impression people get of the Grand Cherokee. The front end gets new, round headlights that significantly change the look of the SUV, even though it’s relatively unchanged from last year’s model in every other regard.

The company says the interior is updated as well, but it hadn’t provided any visual proof by press time. If the past is any indication, we’re guessing the interior changes won’t be immediately noticeable to the average car shopper.

Most important about the 2008 Grand Cherokee is the array of engine choices. There are five, including a diesel V-6. The rest are:

• 3.7-liter V-6 – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
• 4.7-liter V-8 – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
• 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi – available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland
• 6.1-liter V-8 Hemi – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

The 4.7-liter V-8 is new for 2008 and makes 24% more horsepower while remaining flex-fuel capable.

We can’t get too excited about the Grand Cherokee. The SUV has been a slow seller recently, but maybe the available diesel power plant and new V-8 will make it more appealing. More pictures, including a comparison between the 2008 and the 2005 models (the last redesign), are below.