As Chrysler settles into life with its new business partner, Fiat, and dives into work on its future model lineup, the current model line has dwindled. While that new partnership is promising, it'll be at least a year or two before any Italian-American collaborations actually get delivered to Chrysler dealerships. So for now, that leaves them with only four of their recent steadfast models: the full-size 300 sedan, the PT Cruiser compact wagon, the midsize Sebring sedan and convertible, and the Town & Country minivan. The number of trim levels has been reduced on all but the Town & Country, and each model will get a unique special edition sometime in early 2010.
Page 2Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 offers classically strong V8 performance and surprising luxury in a full-size sedan with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. An underwhelming V6 powers the lowest trim level, but a larger V6 (250 hp) and two exhilarating V8s (with 359 hp and 425 hp) are also available. The 300C trim receives rear parking sensors and keyless ignition for 2010, and all 300s get side curtain airbags, but curiously lose front seat-mounted side airbags.
MSRP: $27,260 – $44,865
Base engine: 2.7-liter V6 with 178 hp
Base EPA mpg: 18 city/26 hwy/21 cmb
Competition: Hyundai Genesis, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon
Model Highlights
Optional rear-seat entertainment system with satellite TV
Standard 8-way adjustable power driver seat
Excellent front-impact crash safety ratings
Extended wheelbase version available
Page 2Chrysler PT Cruiser
One of the first production cars to appear with a modern take on retro styling, the once-popular PT Cruiser continues for 2010 in basically the same compact wagon shape. As this will likely be its last year of production, it's now offered in only one relatively decontented trim called the Classic (at least until the special edition comes out), and the turbocharged model is no longer available.
MSRP: $18,275
Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 150 hp
EPA mpg: 21 city/26 hwy/23 cmb
Competition: Chevrolet HHR, Scion xB, Toyota Matrix
Model Highlights
Roomy and versatile interior
Up to 63 cu. ft. of cargo space with rear seats removed
Comfortable, smooth ride
Standard 16-inch alloy wheels
Page 2Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler's midsize entry is offered in both sedan and convertible body styles with a choice of three engines: the base 4-cylinder, a 189-hp V6 or a 235-hp V6. Convertible buyers can then choose from three different roof types: a vinyl or cloth soft top, or a noise-reducing retractable hardtop. All Sebrings feature a spacious interior, and the convertible retains a good amount of trunk space even with the retractable hardtop stowed.
MSRP: $20,120 – $34,705
Base engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 173 hp
Base EPA mpg: 21 city/30 hwy/24 cmb
Competition: Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Ford Mustang convertible
Model Highlights
Top IIHS scores for frontal and side impact crash safety
Available all-wheel drive on sedan
Smooth, compliant ride
Optional uconnect multimedia system
Page 2Chrysler Town & Country
The Town & Country minivan boasts some of the most innovative family-friendly features in the segment, though it could use some nicer interior materials. The standard Stow 'n Go seats completely fold away into the floor for 140 cu. ft. of space, while the optional second-row Swivel 'n Go captain's chairs can spin around to face the third row and include a foldaway table. Active front-seat headrests become standard equipment for 2010.
MSRP: $25,175 – $35,060
Base engine: 3.3-liter V6 with 175 hp
Base EPA mpg: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb
Competition: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona
Model Highlights
Superb safety scores for frontal and side impact crashes
Choice of three available V6 engines
Stain-repellent cloth upholstery
Available rear entertainment system with satellite TV
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