Comments on: Four Simple Steps to Success for Detroit

By: Nick

Nick — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 23:52:45 +0000

Unfortunately, the Fusion is not selling all that well, so I don’t think it is that break through product that Ford thought it would be. But I do agree about the interiors of the Chrysler products. With the Ram I can let it go because it is a truck, I could care less, but the 300 is priced almost entry luxury, why does it have worse interior materials than a Kia?

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:22:45 +0000

I just can’t get over the styling, doesn’t sit well. The Sebring convertible looks great, but not the sedan. Chrysler just really needs a breakthrough product and those are not it. Hyundai was able to do it with the Sonota and Ford is winning alot of praise for the Fusion. Another thing about those cars, the interior materials are so cut rate it looks like it will fall apart at any moment. Screw lighted cupholders and cooled gloveboxes. I want soft touch materials and dials/knobs that sound like they will last forever.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:33:50 +0000

Personally I like the look of both and think the real problem is in powertrain. The base engine is tuned for high paper numbers but for most drivers feels sluggish; the 3.5 sucks down fuel and doesn’t come close to Camry or several other competitors. Marketing has been minimal on both as far as I can tell. The 2.7 seems nice but again, gas mileage and acceleration are middle of the pack, and nothing distinguishes the cars other than styling. The Sonata is much nicer in ride and feel…the Camry in acceleration…

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:03:15 +0000

Yeah, the fleet sales are a double edged knife though. They are both keeping The Big 3 afloat (especially Chrysler) but also hurting perception and resale. I read an article on AOL early last week about how almost 75% or more (forgive me for not having the correct #’s but it was very high) of Dodge Avengers are being sold directly to fleet. Unfortunatly, it looks like Chrysler is going to have to shrink before it can start to grow again. IMHO though, the Avenger and Sebring are downright ugly, I don’t know who designed them but he/she should be worried about their job security; the rental car companies are the only people who seem to want to buy either of those vehicles.