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.

Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Magnum Could Get Ax Today

A few weeks back, we told you about rumors circulating that Chrysler would cease production of a number of models. Today, the board of Chrysler is meeting to decide the fate of a number of models, and The Detroit News is reporting that the Chrysler Pacifica, PT Cruiser and Dodge Magnum will assuredly be getting the ax, and the Jeep Commander will be on the table as well.

While we don’t mind seeing the PT Cruiser go, both the Pacifica and Magnum were unlike anything else on the market for their time and deserve a second chance. We’d guess the new Dodge Journey will get a Chrysler spinoff to replace the Pacifica, otherwise Chrysler might be missing the boat and losing some loyal fans of the crossover. Again we poll you, our readers, to see if this is the right batch to kill off. And we’ll get confirmation as soon as possible on which models are indeed no longer for this world.

Chrysler to Dump Three Slow-Sellers (The Detroit News)

Reader Review of the Week: 2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8

This week’s winner of our award-less praise owns not one Dodge Magnum, but two. The author drives a 2007 Magnum SRT8, while his wife drives a Magnum R/T AWD. If you’re that fanatical about a car model, you’re going to win this week’s nod hands down. So here’s to Trotime from Newport, R.I.

Cars.com Reviews 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe

We’re not sure why it took so long, but we finally got our thoughts to virtual paper on the redesigned 2007 Santa Fe. Another latecomer is the 2007 Dodge Magnum, which gets a thorough examination now before a mild refresh for the 2008 model year.

We’ve also reformatted the Expert Reviews page so you can sort reviews by your favorite Cars.com reviewer.

Related
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Expert Review (Cars.com)
2007 Dodge Magnum Expert Review (Cars.com)
Suburban Dad: 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (KickingTires)
The Urban DINK: Car Shopping List Update 2 (KickingTires)

Friday Fleet Notes

We get a lot of cars to test at the Cars.com offices, and often many of our staff — besides the lead reviewer — get to test-drive vehicles. We wanted to give them a place to add their thoughts on cars we’ve already reviewed. Friday Fleet Notes is a new feature we’re thinking of bringing back. Tell us what you think in the comments to help determine its fate.

2007 Dodge Nitro SXT 4WD

The only explanation I can come up with for out-there styling like the Dodge Nitro’s is that it must be aimed at a particular niche. That, of course, is thinly veiled code for “I think it’s ugly,” but the truth is somebody must like it if it made it to production. For Dodge’s sake, I hope the group of buyers meant to appreciate the Nitro’s aesthetics doesn’t include many of my stature. Which is to say, short.

Suburban Dad: 2007 Dodge Magnum R/T AWD

For the life of me, I can’t figure out why the Magnum exists.

Yeah, it’s got a big Hemi engine, creature comforts and admirable space in the backseat, but I can get all of that in an SUV, plus I get to sit up higher.

There’s plenty of storage space in the back (more than plenty, actually – with the backseat dropped, there’s a ton of space!), and it’s got a nice low entry so people can get their dogs into the back easily. Except for me, of course; I have a corgi and no car is low enough for him.

So despite all those positives, why am I so negative? Because I sense the Magnum lacks a purpose.

How to Spend $1,500 Cash Back

We get a lot of rebate information here at Cars.com. We report on sales and incentives, we juggle numbers, we stare at window stickers. It gets almost tedious after a while, but we know how important the information is to car shoppers. So some days it’s nice to take a sunny afternoon drive in the physical equivalent of $1,500 cash back — especially when that $1,500 comes on a 425-hp, Hemi-powered station wagon like the 2007 Dodge Magnum.

Interestingly enough, we got this particular 400-mile-old 2007 Magnum just six months ahead of the 2008 coming out. There are few changes to the new model, most noticeably a snarling hood scoop. That means the remaining SRT8s might be had for a deal until the new ones show up, and buyers won’t be missing out on much. Chrysler has officially put $1,500 on the hood to help sell the remaining SRT8s, and it’s one of the few times I’ve ever been excited to sit down and bust out a blog on incentives.

2007 Detroit Auto Show: 2008 Dodge Magnum and Magnum SRT8

We’re not even bothering to give these two models separate blog posts; changes to the 2008s are so minimal it makes us wonder why they needed a big public unveiling in Detroit. Nothing has changed to the engines, suspension, etc. What you’ll actually notice are smaller headlights.

Some of us like them, some of us don’t, but we all agree on the fact that there isn’t a major change for the model, and the 2008s probably won’t bring a rush of new buyers into showrooms. For the record, there are some more minimal changes to the exterior and interior other than the headlights, but they were so minute we couldn’t really tell from the photos of the Magnum R/T and 425-hp SRT8 you’ll find below.