http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/chrysler-announces-new-job-cuts-cancels-pt-convertible-magnum/

Wow... i didn't beleive it when the rumour first came out... I mean, I can understand why the other cars were cut, but the Magnum?!?!

I thought that car was a hit. There are so many of them. Can't believe it's gone.

damn.... that doesnt make sense...just like when GM got rid of the monte carlo

Hahaha - personally I put the Monte Carlo right up there with the Pontiac Aztek...

Seriously, I hope GM has flushed the folks responsible, but whatever gets ya down the road...

The PT Conv looked like a bathtub to me. It totally left the gangsta look of the original sedan. But the Magnum? What are they thinking?

The Magnum is a station wagon. Come on, those went out of style in the 80's. I hardly see any of them here in Chicago. I see alot of Chargers though.

I say Chrysler is gone by 2015.

I say Chrysler is gone by 2015.

I hope not... But Lee Iacocca is getting a tad long in the tooth & bringing them back from the dead may be beyond even him...

Crossfire i was surprised about

and about the Monte Carlo its all vehicle class
why have 2 2 door cars with 4 seats?
answer is, in this day and age you DONT so you kill the MC and bring back the Camaro.

Crossfire i was surprised about

I am not. It's the the equivalent of building a Mazda Miata on a Mazda 3 platform. Looks like a sports car, but moves like an economy car.


and about the Monte Carlo its all vehicle class
why have 2 2 door cars with 4 seats?
answer is, in this day and age you DONT so you kill the MC and bring back the Camaro.

:yeah:

Just not enough people who want a big 2-door anymore. They were popular in the 70's and 80's, now, unless you want a sports car, it is more practical to have 4-doors. The doors are lighter, and open wider in tight places.

I would replace my Aerostar tomorrow with a Magnum if I had the discretionary funds. It would be perfect for towing my boat and/or hauling gear to the lake etc.
Lots of companies use them as service vehicles too. I guess the soccer moms are sticking with the minivans and SUVs. So why dump the Pacifica?

i loved my monte carlo, personally id rather have a coupe than a sedan, because of the two doors

My dad's dream car is (or atleast was) the Magnum, equipped with the Hemi. It's good looking, powerful, fast, versatile, reasonably luxurious and fun to drive. He had a 2.7L Magnum as a rental for a while, and he loved how that car, except for the doggish 2.7L.

As far as the Monte Carlo is concerned, that thing washed up in '73.

As far as the Monte Carlo is concerned, that thing washed up in '73.

The early 80's MC SS were pretty cool actually. I think with the stock 305, they ran mid-upper 15's.

My dad dropped a beefed up Chevy 350 crate motor in his 86 Monte SS. He runs mid 13's. On the bottle he ran a 12.8. He has a shift kit, so when it 1-2 shifts it snaps your neck. Awesome car. I wish I had pictures.

As far as the Monte Carlo is concerned, that thing washed up in '73.You watch your mouth, you twerp! The '83-'88 Monte Carlo SS was absolutely bad ass. Don't talk smack about my first love!

Don't mind TBJS Chad. He is still pissed they axed the SHO.

Back in '86 my father took me car shopping as he looked for a new family car. I begged and pleaded he get a MC SS. He said it had to be a 4 door. We ended up getting a Chevy Celebrity. :(

But he promised me that if they ever made a 4 door MC SS, he'd get one. Well, in '95 he got a Lumina LS with the 3.4 DOHC V6. And it was the Monte Carlo, except with 4 doors. And performance-wise, it was close to the '80s SS. But it just wasn't the same...

3.4 DOHC V6.

Wasn't that the worst engine GM ever made? They recalled alot of those. My cousin had a Z34. I don't remember it being a very good car.

It wasn't.

Jim is off his meds again.

Wasn't that the worst engine GM ever made? They recalled alot of those. My cousin had a Z34. I don't remember it being a very good car.

Yep...probably one of their worst V6's

The early 80's MC SS were pretty cool actually. I think with the stock 305, they ran mid-upper 15's.

Yeah, I guess after the 454 SS 1970 and 71, the 83-87 MC SS is probably the second coolest M-C ever, especially the '87s, when they went to the one piece headlights.

You watch your mouth, you twerp! The '83-'88 Monte Carlo SS was absolutely bad ass. Don't talk smack about my first love!

Meh, it was ok for it's time, but as far as hi-po G bodies go, the Grand National and 442 IMO are better, especially the GN.


But he promised me that if they ever made a 4 door MC SS, he'd get one. Well, in '95 he got a Lumina LS with the 3.4 DOHC V6. And it was the Monte Carlo, except with 4 doors. And performance-wise, it was close to the '80s SS. But it just wasn't the same...

Yeah, from what I can remember, the 3.4 DOHC Luminas and Montes were a good mid 15 second car, which would make them quicker than the 305 Montes, but man for problems....

If I was in the market for a '95-'99 Monte/Lumina, I would definitely hold out for a post '97 (I think that was the year they switched...1998) Z34/LTZ with the 3800...sure, it might have not been as quite as quick as the X motor (3.4), but damnit it was a whole lot more reliable!

Yeah, from what I can remember, the 3.4 DOHC Luminas and Montes were a good mid 15 second car

Until the engine blew :lol:

Remember the "attacking" seat belts? Gotta miss the early 90's...

Along with the 4 vehicles, they're also slashing 8,500-10,000 hourly jobs, 1,000 salaried jobs, and 37% of the contractor jobs.

Chrysler isn't going anywhere any time soon. This news isn't all that shocking.

Chrysler needed to scale back in order to regain it's footing. They aren't in any position to be expanding right now and they needed to free up some LX manufacturing capacity to make room for the Challenger - which BTW, despite some naysayers, is going to sell like hotcakes.

Wagons are a niche... sure it was a cool ride but it made no sense to have a dedicated model. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if it came back but just under the Charger name.

I'm not surprised by the Crossfire either. I loved the looks of it, but hated the fact that it was nothing more than an outdated Mercedes... and I think the new owners hated that too. The (inevitable) decision to drop the Crossfire leads me to think one of two things. Chrysler needs a "halo" car... the Crossfire could and should have been it if it were properly executed and marketed.

I think in the next couple of years we're going to see either a production Firepower (Viper + Chrysler styling + upscale interior + Hemi power) or a new V8-powered Prowler (which it should have been all along) a la the new SR 392 SEMA concept.

What shocks me the most is that they cut the Pacifica and are in the process of cutting the PT Cruiser. I like the Pacifica for what it is, it's not only a nice crossover but basically helped to kick off the whole segment. The ultimate demise of the PT just proves to highlight Detroit's biggest problem - a total disregard for brand equity. I don't like the PT as I'm sure many of you don't, but A LOT of people do and they still sell really well. Letting the PT just stagnate and slip away is as big a mistake as when they dropped the Neon. They should have never dropped the Neon... had it made it into the it's 3rd generation it most definitely would have continued to evolve into a legitimate compact import fighter... they were cheap, fairly reliable, and many who bought the original went on to buy the second gen. Detroit needs to stop alienating loyal customers... build a product and continue to build it while refining it with each subsequent generation - how the hell do they think a car like the Camry or the Accord has become what they are today.

Then there's the fact that they didn't cut the Aspen or the Compass, which together hold the title as Chrysler's most useless, redundant vehicles in the lineup - really stupid if you ask me.

So yeah... there's my Chrysler rant of the day...

(Jesda - is this a little more what you're accustomed to?? :) )

Chrysler isn't going anywhere any time soon. This news isn't all that shocking.

Chrysler needed to scale back in order to regain it's footing. They aren't in any position to be expanding right now and they needed to free up some LX manufacturing capacity to make room for the Challenger - which BTW, despite some naysayers, is going to sell like hotcakes.

Wagons are a niche... sure it was a cool ride but it made no sense to have a dedicated model. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if it came back but just under the Charger name.

I'm not surprised by the Crossfire either. I loved the looks of it, but hated the fact that it was nothing more than an outdated Mercedes... and I think the new owners hated that too. The (inevitable) decision to drop the Crossfire leads me to think one of two things. Chrysler needs a "halo" car... the Crossfire could and should have been it if it were properly executed and marketed.

I think in the next couple of years we're going to see either a production Firepower (Viper + Chrysler styling + upscale interior + Hemi power) or a new V8-powered Prowler (which it should have been all along) a la the new SR 392 SEMA concept.

What shocks me the most is that they cut the Pacifica and are in the process of cutting the PT Cruiser. I like the Pacifica for what it is, it's not only a nice crossover but basically helped to kick off the whole segment. The ultimate demise of the PT just proves to highlight Detroit's biggest problem - a total disregard for brand equity. I don't like the PT as I'm sure many of you don't, but A LOT of people do and they still sell really well. Letting the PT just stagnate and slip away is as big a mistake as when they dropped the Neon. They should have never dropped the Neon... had it made it into the it's 3rd generation it most definitely would have continued to evolve into a legitimate compact import fighter... they were cheap, fairly reliable, and many who bought the original went on to buy the second gen. Detroit needs to stop alienating loyal customers... build a product and continue to build it while refining it with each subsequent generation - how the hell do they think a car like the Camry or the Accord has become what they are today.

Then there's the fact that they didn't cut the Aspen or the Compass, which together hold the title as Chrysler's most useless, redundant vehicles in the lineup - really stupid if you ask me.

So yeah... there's my Chrysler rant of the day...

(Jesda - is this a little more what you're accustomed to?? :) )
Well, the Magnum appealed to a lot of younger people I think. Mainly upper 20s lower 30s.

And the PT Crusier isn't being discontinued; only the convertible is.

Well, the Magnum appealed to a lot of younger people I think. Mainly upper 20s lower 30s.

And the PT Crusier isn't being discontinued; only the convertible is.

The convertible is only phase 1... Chrysler has no planned replacement for the PT Cruiser in the pipeline whatsoever... it's going to happen and happen soon.

As far as the Magnum goes... it was widely popular when first introduced although I wonder how well it's been selling recently. I know I don't see very many around these parts compared to Chargers and 300s which seem to be everywhere.

The fact remains, it's a station wagon. Any initial success would have been from it's novelty seeing as how Dodge hadn't offered a station wagon since they killed the Colt back in the early 90s.

They're betting on the Challenger and are making room for it. They are saying that '08 is the last year for the Magnum.. while "capping" the Challenger at 5K units for '08.. then in '09 the Challenger's numbers are bumped up to 30-35K.

Coincidence?

I'd say it's the right move. Once they're in a position to expand manufacturing there's always the possibility of bringing the Magnum back... although probably as a Charger wagon.

Here is my dad's Monte SS. Wish I had a full picture.


http://cooleywire.com/jimmyh/pics/cars/monte.jpg

Here is my dad's Monte SS. Wish I had a full picture.


http://cooleywire.com/jimmyh/pics/cars/monte.jpg
Ahhh, back when they were still cool.

I keep telling him to get some cheater slicks. If he could get traction, he would be in the 12's without the juice.

How big is the Challenger supposed to be compared to the Charger. The look is sweet as long as it's not a compact...

awsome car! im looking to get an 87 MC SS

Ahhh, back when they were still cool.Oh yeah? Well, if they're so uncool now, why do you have to pay through the nose to purchase one?

Meh, it was ok for it's time, but as far as hi-po G bodies go, the Grand National and 442 IMO are better, especially the GN.
442? Jeesh. The GN, of course...

I think the Magnum went because the Charger took it's place which I think was the plan all along. The Pacifica went because the Aspen showed up and the Town & Country got a pretty nice update. The PT convertable, well how many different variations of the same car can you have? That car sells well enough being that it's a trend car like the VW Beetle. The Crossfire I liked though, I thought it was a nicer, meaner looking alternative to the ever so played out Civic coupe or a Corolla. The Crossfire wasn't bad, I'd have kept it around....

What I don't understand about the Magnum, is that the car is already tooled. All of the fixed cost required to make it is already sunk. I can see reducing production, emphasizing orders more than dealer inventory, etc. -- especially to make room for the Challenger. But the only think I liked less about the Magnum was that I preferred the Charger's nose.

The Pacifica was probably one of their best vehicles, it was just too expensive.

Chrysler really is a joke -- they run a car for a few years and then drop it. How many name changes have they gone through w/their horrible mid size cars?

I had every intention of ordering a 2008 Crossfire the end of this month (November).

Now What ? Is it dropped immediately ?

I do not know if there is a 2008 brochure on it, but it's pictured on page 2 & 3 of every

2008 Chrysler brand sales brochure in a group picture

You love old platforms, don't you Sandy? I think the only chassis older than the Crossfire is the Fox. Just kidding. Although not by much...


I guess the Crossfire is a love or hate type car. I hate it! I think the front end is goofy with it's bugeye headlights and mismatching "classic" ribbed hood. The back end makes it look like a BMW 318ti, which was chopped just to make it a smaller car. Everytime I see it, I want to see what a Freightliner looks like in its rear end.

Sorry, but I don't hold back on this car. A friend of mine bought an SRT-6 and I didn't like that. The chassis is just horrible. They got the handling down but in order to that, they had to make it ride like a truck.

I think the Magnum went because the Charger took it's place which I think was the plan all along. The Pacifica went because the Aspen showed up and the Town & Country got a pretty nice update. The PT convertable, well how many different variations of the same car can you have? That car sells well enough being that it's a trend car like the VW Beetle. The Crossfire I liked though, I thought it was a nicer, meaner looking alternative to the ever so played out Civic coupe or a Corolla. The Crossfire wasn't bad, I'd have kept it around....I don't think the Aspen had anything to do with the Pacifica. The Pacifica was decent but didn't sell well. The retooling of the Grand Caravan I think deemed the Pacifica expendable. The Aspen is a large body on frame SUV. The Pacifica is a smaller, lighter unibody.

And thank goodness I won't have to see any ugly mug PT Crappers rolling off dealer lots.

Oh yeah? Well, if they're so uncool now, why do you have to pay through the nose to purchase one?

One of my employees just bought one in June, I think, and he said he got it for under invoice.

One of my employees just bought one in June, I think, and he said he got it for under invoice.No, no, no. I'm talking a MC SS like your dad's. Try to find a nice one for under $6G. A really nice one? $8-10G.

No, no, no. I'm talking a MC SS like your dad's. Try to find a nice one for under $6G. A really nice one? $8-10G.

Oh, gotchya. You are probably right. They were fairly limited production to begin with. I know my dad has gotten offers for over $20k on his. Although his built up.

I am sure you can find one cheap in crappy condition if you are willing to restore it.

I think Jon meant that gen of MC was still cool, where as this last generation was pretty lame. Of course my dad has an 03 (02 or 04 maybe, I dunno exactly) Monte Carlo SS as his daily driver. It was the last year the SS still had a V6. I gotta say, it is a pretty hot looking car. He says it's a sled though.

I thought about a new Monte Carlo after the last redesign, but they just went too NASCAR for my taste. I can watch a race, but I don't want to look like I'm trying to live one...

The Magnum was the best car on that platform in my opinion. The Charger is mean looking, but after having an Impala SS, I'm not too thrilled about anything sold as a cop car (no matter how good it is, it will look dated fast). The 300C... meh. But the Magnum... it was a great idea and very useful.
If I can ever find a reasonably priced SRT-8 version, it will become our next shop car. Vinyl wrapped with our logo and flames! (not unlike JimmyH's avatar :D )Muahahhahaaa! ...and enough hauling room that I have an excuse to get rid of our POS Venture van (which has that infamous 3.4L no less!).
Seriously, I've wanted one for work use since they were announced.

I'm not too thrilled about anything sold as a cop car (no matter how good it is, it will look dated fast).

I don't know where you live, but here in Chicago, get on any of the expressways or tollways with a white Impala, Crown Vic, or Caprice with one of those spotlights on the a-pillar, and you would be surprised how fast everyone gets the F**K out of your way.

They didnt make a white Impala SS (Caprice based) or I would have bought one :sneaky:

.and enough hauling room that I have an excuse to get rid of our POS Venture van (which has that infamous 3.4L no less!).


Actually, the 3.4L used in the Ventures was a decent motor...the only thing you really had to watch for on those was a leaking intake manifold gasket, otherwise they're a pretty darn good V6. That DOHC 3.4 was a nightmare though....

if you drive a venture/siloette/montana/uplander/terraza/relay for 100 miles you will never drive one again unless there is a gun to your head , and even then you have to think about it ...

seriosly , the worst minivans ever made ...Even the last of the astros was a beatter van then those things ....

Challenger is being built on the same platform as the 300/charger, it will have the same wheelbase as them, wont be a compact

Astro > any FWD GM Minivan.

Challenger is being built on the same platform as the 300/charger, it will have the same wheelbase as them, wont be a compact

Hallelujah chorus sings....