The dealers know better than the factory, but the factory often doesn't listen.
Years ago (Daimler era), I was talking with the parts manager, and bemoaning that my Daytona was slowly disintegrating, and I would love to replace it with something new, but that there was nothing at all from Chrysler in that category - sportiness, flexible cargo capacity, good fuel economy. He offered, "There's the Caliber." To which I gave him a "really?" look, as if to say they are nothing alike; and I said I have to wait until the offering gets better.
"They're not getting better," he sighed, as he turned and walked away.
The Dart held promise for awhile, but had significant problems. So they've never really filled that gap.