Auto News 5

Are people at Nissan aware of how far the Sentra has fallen? Such a cheap, bland interior just doesn't cut it in 2011. Neither does such an unrefined powertrain. CVT automatics may once have been a good way to achieve superior fuel economy numbers, but now competitors are achieving much better results with torque converter and dual-clutch transmissions that don't make the engine sound like a clogged shop vac.

Chrysler has refreshed its entire lineup for 2011, which sounds mighty impressive until you remember that the brand has been reduced to just four vehicles in recent years. Despite the small product portfolio, Chrysler's vehicles were in desperate need of updating and among the surviving nameplates, no Chrysler needed as much attention as the Sebring mid-size sedan. From the day it launched in 2007, the Sebring was a vehicle far less competent and compelling than the mid-size stalwarts, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, not to mention the rising class of mid-size cars from Ford, Chevrolet, and Hyundai. To catch up to the pack, Chrysler's designers, engineers, and product planners have given the Sebring a makeover so thorough that the company is giving the car a new name. The Sebring is now the Chrysler 200.