Great conversation guys (and ladies) the Cross is nothing more than an icon for Chrysler, something to put some shine back on the brand and take them out of the days of the Cordoba and New Yorker. DC has huge plans for the brand and wants to make it into their domestic luxury marque in the next 5-7 years. With some of the products on-line and in development, they could just do with enough cash to throw at it. Yeah the Cross isn't perfect but taking a radical concept to production in 24 months is major accomplishment for any manufacturer. It is nothing more than a practice run at things to come. Having had my share of Jags, Benz, Audi, Infinity and BMW's, they all have their quirks–particularly when it comes to new products. Kudos to DC for having the "nads" to push the envelope a bit. Afterall what awesome new products has GM or Ford launched lately?...the LaCrosse, Freestyle...eewww.