Chrysler dropping AWD on Avenger, Sebring and Caliber
If you didn't know all-wheel drive was an available option for the Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Caliber, you're not alone. Only 1.5% of Avenger buyers checked the AWD option box, and the Sebring take rate was an abysmal .7%. The Caliber fared only slightly better at 4.4% for the 2008 model, but that's not nearly enough to keep Chrysler from canceling the option for the 2009 model year. AWD was fast becoming a mainstream option when those models were being developed, but the ability to move all four wheels at once drives down fuel economy. The MSRP goes up, too, and Chrysler and Dodge dealers are having enough trouble selling less expensive base models, much less a $35,000 Sebring with AWD.
While Chrysler may be struggling to sell AWD as an option on its cars, Ford is reporting take rates of up to 20% for the option on the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. The Blue Oval says AWD is popular in northern climes, and it probably helps that the automaker actually advertises its midsize offerings' AWD capability. Chrysler is quick to point out that its Borg Warner-sourced AWD system isn't the problem, though, as it's also available on the Dodge Journey, which has a 20% take rate for AWD.
[Source: Wards Automotive]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Menice 9:35AM (10/20/2008)
chrysler dropping.... been hearing that a lot lately.
caliber i assumed was offered all wheel, didnt know the sebring did... and couldnt care less about the avenger.
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That One Person 5:14PM (10/20/2008)
I would rather take the Avenger. It has a more "put together" look compared to the frumpy Sebring...especially in R/T form (which is the only Avenger I would buy).
I kind of wish Dodge stuck to the same formula as the last Avenger....sleek.
Anyways, I had no clue the Avenger and Sebring were offered with AWD. I never really had interest in them so I never scouted the Chrysler and Dodge websites to even look.
Talisman 9:49AM (10/20/2008)
Ford isnt having a problem selling Fusion and Milan AWD's because its a much better car and value. Many owners actually find worth in these vehicles.
Nobody wants to spend EXTRA money on a subpar car. The Stratus and Seabring are point A to B transportation for when you couldnt afford something better, work at Chrysler so you have to buy one, or car nothing at all about the car you purchase beside it continuing to run.
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stevereportdotcom 9:48AM (10/20/2008)
Does anyone buy these cars anyways?
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Gabagool 1:10PM (10/20/2008)
In August of 2008 Honda and Toyota sold just under 50K of Accords and Camrys, Chrysler sold just over 6K of Avengers and Sebrings combined.
TJ 9:52AM (10/20/2008)
20% take rate for AWD on an SUV? I think that is the most astonishing revelation in the article.
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Tourian 9:56AM (10/20/2008)
I think calling the Caliber an SUV is a bit of a stretch. Crossover/wagon is more like it. Its not too much more SUVish then a PT Cruiser or Matrix.
TJ 10:06AM (10/20/2008)
Um, reading comprehension?
"Chrysler is quick to point out that its Borg Warner-sourced AWD system isn't the problem, though, as it's also available on the Dodge Journey, which has a 20% take rate for AWD."
try again.
Tourian 11:10AM (10/20/2008)
Oh my God. I'm so embarrassed. Dear TJ please forgive me. I will try again one day soon sir. /sarcasm&rolleyes
Tourian 11:16AM (10/20/2008)
BTW the Journey is just a tall wagon/crossover as well and my point still stands.
The Luigiian 11:42AM (10/20/2008)
I personally want to know the AWD take rate for a Jeep Patriot.
TJ 3:21PM (10/20/2008)
Tourian, you really want to argue that CUV's aren't classified the same as SUV's? Better let Motor Trend know, they just gave the SUV of the year to the 'tall wagon/crossover' Subaru Forrester. Also strange that the Journey was part of the competition for this award.
Hershey Lover 9:59AM (10/20/2008)
That's news to me. I didn't know it had all wheel drive.
Now that there canceling it, I want it.
Just kidding. I couldn't see myself wasting money on a Avenger or Sebring.
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hatchbacks are cool 10:00AM (10/20/2008)
don't most cars have AWD as an option ?
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Mark 11:19AM (10/20/2008)
No
BigMcLargeHuge 10:17AM (10/20/2008)
Most luxury sedans do. Other than that, only a handful of mainstream brands offer them on sedans/coupes.
Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti, Cadillac, Audi, Acura, Volvo offer AWD on several models.
Subaru and Ford (and Chrysler up until now) I think were only a few of the mainstream brands that offered it on volume-selling cars.
I do not think Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda offer a lot of models outside of SUVs w/ AWD.
Talisman 10:17AM (10/20/2008)
No.Especially not midsize Family Sedans.
BigMcLargeHuge 10:35AM (10/20/2008)
@ Talisman,
would you not consider the:
3-series, C-class, S40, G35, A4, Legacy, Fusion, IS-series, and CTS
'mid-size family cars?'
There are plenty that come with, but for the most part they are marketed to people with the money to pay for the option.
They just don't come on a lot of entry-level mid-size sedans.
Talisman 11:03AM (10/20/2008)
@BigMcLargeHouse
To me, all of those minus the Fusion and Legacy are luxury cars.
I was thinking more along the lines of Accord, Camry, Malibu, Aura, Altima, Sonata, etc
Tourian 11:15AM (10/20/2008)
Yeah, but the thing is with Subaru its not an option, its the only way you'll get them in this country. Everybody else offers their non-luxury mainstream sedans in FWD only. Except Ford. But as someone already said, Ford makes a much better car. It would be interesting to see what would happen if GM offered the Malibu or Aura in AWD. The 300 and Charger are offered in AWD too. I wonder how they're doing.