I don't care what anyone says. This was a great ride. If it wasn't for an electrical problem that couldn't be found I'd still be driving mine. It would be worth $60k+ to have another one. As long as they keep it the same as before and didn't plastic the heck out of it.

CoreyDL2008, the Durango hasn't been a good seller since the late '90s???  The Durango wasn't even introduced until MY98 and actually enjoyed decent sales until Mercedes redesigned it for MY2004 and puked up an ugly piece of junk.  That's when sales went south. 

 

The 2011 Durango is based off the same platform as the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee......and as the Mercedes ML.  That's pretty good company to be keeping.  And that WILL be the same state-of-the-art platform the Grand Wagoneer, if it comes to be, will be based on.

 

As for the Chrysler 200 vs. the Sebring, so far the reviews I've read have been unanimous that the interior is vastly improved and the entire vehicle very competitive.  Better than the Camry, that's for sure.  In addition, while you can still see glimpses of the Sebring in the 200, the entire car has been re-engineered for better handling, quieter ride, and with the availability of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic, is as state-of-the-art as they come.  

 

The Camry, Accord, Sonata, Altima, etc. can't match the horsepower of the Pentastar V6.  In fact, the Sonata doesn't even offer a V6.  The Accord still uses and antiquated and trouble-prone 5-speed automatic.  The Altima's V6 can't match the power and it only offers a CVT transmission which lacks the longevity and durability of a true multi-speed automatic.  And the Camry is, and always has been, underpowered.......a​nd don't dare stand in front of it if it decides to take off because the accelerator sticks. 

 

Considering that Chrysler had limited time and resources to produce the 200, I'd say the did pretty good.  It will surely allow them to sell more of them than Sebrings over the next 2-3 years while an even better version can be put into production. 

Your comment on the new 200's interior being "low rent" is further proof that you haven't even looked at the new car.  The new Chrysler interiors are a huge improvement share almost nothing with the outgoing models. 

@Insert,

 

That's incorrect.  I have looked at the new model.  There is nothing there that's innovative or new really - it's clearly a somewhat altered Sebring that they are selling under a new nameplate, because the Sebring had such a bad reputation.  The interior is full of cheap plastics and hard angles, and does not justify the price they are asking for it.  While the new interior is a "huge improvement" according to you, which is fine - it's still not even par with an Accord, or Camry.  And Chrysler is supposed to be a "luxury" marque.

 

Chrysler should not be creating all new cars that simply "hold a line," when their "line" the past few years has been completely downward in it's direction.  It's not a good idea for the brands reputation nor for their wallets.

 

You should also notice that I said the Durango hasn't been a good seller since the late 1990's - which is correct.

 

There's really no incentive to purchase a Chrysler product.  You can have a Chevy or a Ford, and it's going to be more reliable and probably better made - AND it's going to come from a company that is further away from a financial disaster.  That's all there is to it.

 

I'd rather have a Sonata than a Chrysler 200.  And that's saying something.

@TXMX-5EE,

 

I am not saying the 200 is a great car.  I am well aware that Chrysler still has a way to go.  The current improvements are a start and show that there is potential. 

 

My only point is that Corry is clearly basing his biased opinions on older models that aren't in production.  Based on the number of incorrect statements in his post, I would be willing to bet he hasn't even looked at any of the new Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep models at all, other then in pictures.

Insert,

I do think CoryDL2008 is somewhat correct on the Chrysler 200.  The interior may have improved, but overall it's still behind the competition.  The Pentastar engine is good, but it all it really does is give a V6 that just keeps up with other manufacturer's current offerings.  Plus, it doesn't make sense to sell the Avenger/200 as separate models when the 200 is barely more than a premium trim of the Avenger.

Let's not kid ourselves, the 200 as sold is little more than a bench warmer until a totally redesigned model is made available.  Maybe, just maybe, Chrysler can become a true luxury brand again and not just a de facto Dodge trim level.  It's not an easy road though, it took GM at least 10 years to get Cadillac back on track as a serious luxury car maker.