Arguably the most likeable car in the current Dodge lineup, the Challenger will live on in the new Dodge car brand, receiving only a minor refresh in 2011.
The Dodge Caliber, on the other hand, will dead by 2012 (new interior notwithstanding apparently). It will be replaced by a compact Fiat-based sedan and a small B-segment car produced by Fiat and imported to the U.S. A Fiat-based C-segment sedan is also in the works.
The Dodge Avenger will get a new interior and an engine of unspecified size and horsepower (though just about anything would be better than the current offerings) in the fourth quarter of 2010. Exterior styling will be made less offensive, and there will be better NVH control in the cabin. However, this is a just a stopgap, as a new D-segment sedan will replace it sometime in 2012 or 2013.
Even more important is the refresh coming for the Dodge Grand Caravan, which is still one of the most recognizable nameplates in the Dodge brand. The DGC gets a new interior, a refreshed exterior, a retuned suspension, a new engine and improved NVH control.
Finally, an all-new 7-passenger crossover is coming, too, and it will exist along side the Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey.
Reporting by Dan Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
altimadude00 says:
09:29 AM, 11/ 4/09
In my opinion, the Avenger is acceptable looking. The ugly duckling is the Chrysler Sebring. Please tell me that they are going to make it "less offensive."
Give the Caliber a better interior and a new drivetrain and I bet it would become a winner.
cr_driver says:
10:11 AM, 11/ 4/09
I agree with all the decisions.
f1ndler says:
10:46 AM, 11/ 4/09
Good decision about the Caliber. When this car came out I thought that it was designed for the Transformers movie fans. As for the Avenger, I had to look it up online because I had no idea what the hell is it. It's another GM car which is a part of a line-up but not seen on a road.
I like the news about the FIAT.
bimmerjay says:
11:11 AM, 11/ 4/09
Purging crappiness is always a good thing. Good riddance Caliber, what a turd.
efinils2 says:
02:18 PM, 11/ 4/09
It's a celebration! Caliber no more! Now, all that's left is that freaking Sebring/Avenger duo...you know, back in late 90s early 00s, the Avenger was a fairly compelling vehicle, sharing the platform with the then Mitsu Eclipse. Now, that car is more irrelevant than Mercury.
cptmatt says:
04:35 PM, 11/ 4/09
Uh, where's the Charger?