Media

Was Detroit News Editor Forced Out for Negative Chrysler Review?

Chrysler has high hopes for its newest model, the Chrysler 200.  After spending millions of dollars on a new “Imported from Detroit” Super Bowl advertising campaign and recruiting the help of Detroit-native rapper Eminem, the automaker is betting on consumers to respond positively.  Some speculate that it was these expectations and pressure from advertisers, however, that forced the resignation of Detroit News auto critic Scott Burgess Wednesday after he penned a negative review.

So how bad was the review?

“[T]he Chrysler 200 makes me angry,” Burgess wrote.  “No one is prouder of the Motor City, and I want every carmaker, foreign and domestic, to produce world-class cars and trucks. When that happens, consumers win. Regrettably, the 200 is still a dog. And I get mad as hell when anyone pumps out a car that forces me to recommend the Toyota Camry over it.”

Gawker’s Jalopnik reports:

Scott Burgess, who up until today was the auto critic at The Detroit News, called [the Chrysler 200] out for what it was in a review that ran in this past Thursday’s paper. We agreed so much with his assessment, we linked to it Thursday morning in our “Morning Shift.”

Apparently not everyone enjoyed it. Two sources at The Detroit News tell us that after receiving a phone call from an advertiser, changes were made to the online version of Burgess’ review. We still don’t know whether the advertiser in question was a Chrysler dealer or Chrysler itself. What we do know is that although the changes don’t go so far as to turn a negative review into a positive one, it was certainly enough to water it down. We called Sue Carney, the business editor for The Detroit News, but have not received a call back yet. Burgess, for his part, is unwilling to talk about why he left the newspaper but our assumption is this was it. Other editors at the 138-year-old newspaper only agreed to speak with us off the record.

Was Detroit News Editor Forced Out for Negative Chrysler Review?

A side-by-side comparison of Burgess‘ print review and the newspaper’s online version shows striking differences where editors “took out his criticism of the 200′s styling altogether and made it far softer than it was,” Jalopnik concludes.

“Yes, I resigned from The Detroit News as of today and I have been sending notes to carmakers announcing such,” Burgess told the blog site.  “It’s the best job I ever held. The resignation was not planned. I choose not to answer the reasons for the resignation.”

Comments (56)

1 2
  • pajamagram
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:19am

    I bought a new Dodge Caravan. The breaks were very soft. When I complained to the dealer, I was told, “That’s normal”. I argued, but it did no good. I complained to “Better Business”. I got an FU from them. I finally gave up and investigated myself. No break fluid in the front breaks. I filled the master cylinder and bled them myself. When it comes from the factory that way, what else do you do?

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:14am

    He’s lucky, Chrysler is owned by FIAT, of Italy. He may have awoken with a horses head in bed with him.

    Report Post »  
  • HemiOwner
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:12am

    Dodge’s best is the Challenger. Fast, great looking, big, huge trunk, nice interior. Buy one before they discontinue the model or the company tanks trying to sell Fiat micro cars.

    Report Post » HemiOwner  
  • EZDOZIT
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:01am

    On the Drudge Report: ” North Dakota Economy Booms, Population Grows.”
    Manufacturing and drilling for our own oil leads to lowest unemployment in america.
    No housing bust there. Maybe this is the answer to our problems?

    Report Post »  
  • EZDOZIT
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 9:48am

    If you go into any school or government parking lot you will see mostly foreign made cars.
    Now they put americans out of work that pay the taxes that pay their salaries and their benifit’s.
    America was in the black when we were a exporting nation.
    We now import way more than we export;now china owns us.
    We need americans with good jobs so we will have the taxes to support our military,check out their parking lots also.
    Someone please explain how GM was number one in sales, in the world for 55 years, if they made cars nobody wanted? Did somebody put a gun to their heads and make them buy them?
    We americans have the freedom to choose,but choices have consequences.
    Support needs to be both ways for it to work.

    Report Post »  
    • Red Bubba
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:34pm

      Unions. GM makes a profit in China to support its losses to the unions here. GM and Chrysler are social programs to provide voters and money to their politicians, cars are a byproduct.

      Report Post » Red Bubba  
  • Greyhound424
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 9:25am

    Chrysler has always built crap and always will! What’s so wrong about the review? I wouldn’t own a Chrysler crap box if one was offered to me for free! I drive Toyota and will continue to drive a Toyota.

    Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 9:22am

    Automobile manufacturing is dead in Detroit and in Michigan….between the unions and the government it isn’t coming back……

    Report Post »  
  • DevotedDad
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:18am

    Censorship at it’s finest.

    Report Post » DevotedDad  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:22am

    Its too bad that the government and UAW has SO much control. The government and the uaw still own parts of Chrystler and GM so nobody can speak out against either.. I hope this man gets hired someplace better than the Detriot news that rag has been worthless for years I do not read it ever. Buy FORD they did not take that bail out. I live in a GM town and would not but a GM car I know too many UAW works who get paid nearly 20 dollars and hour to sleep leave work slack off and otherwise skate by on my dine..

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • Danola
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:19am

    I have always bought American. I have even voiced my opinions to family and friends when they have purchased foreign cars. I would always choose the American label over any foreign label in all my purchases. But, now, seeing the Unions in bed with the Communist has me buying foreign brands. I see no difference. All Unions are in bed with the Communist. Until they change and speak out against the Communist, they will be one in the same. Shame on the Unions!

    Report Post »  
  • moonpeace
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 6:53am

    No matter what the car type, man, I cannot afford the gas…and I don’t even drive that much. It‘s just crazy that since the ’70s America still hasn’t done anything about that problem. We keep saying we’ve had enough, but then we do nothing and sure enough we go through it again…and again…and again.

    Report Post » moonpeace  
  • Pat Alexander
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 6:42am

    It’s hilarious seeing the way the car was filmed in the ad – a mean lean sexy machine..Then scrolling down & seeing what the car actually looks like. Another eco-turd…

    I thought the ad was riveting though & Eminem did a great job.

    Report Post »  
  • Red Bubba
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 5:56am

    Since Chrysler is a state entity, this is censorship.

    Report Post » Red Bubba  
  • quicker
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 5:54am

    Just one call from Washington.

    Report Post » quicker  
  • Apple Bite
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 5:43am

    Chrysler has to step their game up if they intend to play along with the Europeans and Asians. It’s not a bad looking car, but it’s far from being a challenger (no pun intended) to other makes, It should have shown some muscle to go along with those lines. As it is now, it’s almost reminds me of the skinny kid afraid to pull his shirt off around Lou Ferrigno.

    Report Post » Apple Bite  
  • Ledger
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 3:33am

    Having had all kinds of cars, foreign and domestic, I have no loyalty to any one brand. However, My 2001 Chrysler Town and Country has been a fantastic vehicle, and I think the new 200 looks great. I will do my homework and give it more than a fair shake when it is time to buy a new car. I very much hope that Detroit and Chrysler will make a successful comeback. They did it in the 1980′s and they can do it again! Also, I hope that my optimism gets me a free new car.

    Report Post » Ledger  
  • royalstar
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 2:06am

    Chrysler has always put out inferior crap. They have had to be bailed out twice. Gov. Motors isn’t far behind. I wouldn‘t own either and I used to be a chevy fan until I bought 2 new lemons back in the late 70’s. That commercial is really nothing but commie propoganda.

    Report Post »  
    • 11b40
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:03am

      Ditto. I bought a 79 camaro(in 1979) and it was a piece of crap. I have bought everything from F-150′s,F-250‘s to Cobra’s since. Screw GM and the Dodge-Chry brand. I have had 11 new Fords and several used hotrod Fords since 79 and never had a puddle of oil under them. To their credit GM discovered gasket sealer several years ago. Dodge-Chry still comes off as a ghetto car.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:47pm

      Dodge should split with Chrysler and remove Chrysler product from thier dealership. I believe Dodge might be salvagable but Chrysler has been dead for awhile it’s just no one has bothered to bury the body.

      Report Post »  
  • shepiggy
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:24am

    I cant stand that commercial! I could hardly stand to watch it. after all the communist icons used, who the hell cares about M&M or the car. Even my 7yr old said, ”look mommy, the communist fist!” I can’t believe Glenn never pointed this out. Diego Rivera paintings, that globalist commie statue. my jaw drops every time it comes on. The unions musta insisted the use of all that imagery.

    Report Post » shepiggy  
    • prepper1776
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:00am

      the fist is for joe louis the boxer, although it could be confused with the commie symbol.

      Report Post »  
  • marine249
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:56am

    I may have change my other post
    the obama admi is a lot like a edsel
    parts from allover the left

    Report Post »  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:48am

    Chrysler depended upon a good review to sell the car. PC sells cars; the truth doesn’t sell cars — well, not in this case.

    Report Post » Showtime  
  • mharry860
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:48am

    I personally find it to be one of the least attractive cars in it’s class. It’s also a Chrysler, see what Consumer Reports says about them in general. I love some of their cars from a styling perspective, but I wouldn’t buy one for half of what they cost. The Daimler-Chrysler merger destroyed both companies, all of the German Manufacturers except Porsche are rated below Ford and GM, not model specific, but across the whole line.

    Report Post » mharry860  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:47am

    Anything that Eminem is advertising will not be acceptable for me. I am not into the rapper hip-hop drug induced leftist entitlement society.

    Report Post »  
    • CaptGregg
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:59am

      Those are my thoughts as well. WTF was Chrysler thinking when they made Eminem a spokesman for the brand? Did they really believe he would appeal to the demographic comprised by their potential customers? It was like hiring Mel Gibson to sell kosher foods.

      Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:45am

    So tell the TRUTH .. and it gets changed to whatever Chrysler wants?! He showed real integrity by resigning .. I hope someone sees that this is an HONEST REPORTER and gives him a new and better job. I had a Chrysler Convertible and traded it in for a Toyota Solara Convertible .. much better car .. sorry Detroit — I grew up in Michigan and have a friend who works at Chrysler Proving Grounds . but I would not buy one of your cars .. especially NOW!

    Report Post »  
  • bullcrapbuster
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:44am

    I’ll pass on the chrysler 200

    Report Post » bullcrapbuster  
    • CowboyExpat
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:02am

      Butt a$$ ugly car…run of the mill…Chrysler sold out and is making the same crap that killed GM….But they will sell a lot of them if the price is as low as Hyundai and if the quality is as good. Go Challenger….

      Report Post » CowboyExpat  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:39am

    He was forced out because he couldn’t find cup holder or which side the gas tank was on. Not only that, he compared it with the Yugo and the Edsel. Definetely out of his mind.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:46am

      NO he has resigned because even Eminem and a “fancy” commerical and slogan can’t make up for a bad car. Detroit still apparently hasn’t learned that.

      Report Post »  
    • marine249
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:48am

      what wrong with a Edsel ???????
      if you had one it would go for big money today

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:53am

      The truth hurts….Maybe it is a dead car from a Dead city…another hole to throw money…

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:03am

      Bad car…bad unions…bad money lost…bad review…natural cycle of business.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:06am

      I wouldn’t buy anything that Eminem pimps for. Seriously, what does some kid from the streets of Detroit know about a brand new automobile? Zip, zero, nada!

      Besides the the last 2 years of the Dodge Challenger have been HOT!
      For any future purchaser of the new Challenger… once you buy the car you must do 3 things immediately.

      1. Take the vehicle to a shop and have the rear-end jacked-up 2.5 inches. Hint… don’t go cheap on this because you still want the car to handle well.
      2. Then have wider rubber put on the rear. And whatever you do, DO NOT buy low profile tires for this car. You will go to hell. Almost forgot… if you choose to have the white lettering turned out, don’t go with standard GoodYear or FireStone lettering. You can get them custom made to say things like “Obama Sucks”. WARNING: If you do this don’t park car in liberal or black neighborhoods!
      3. Buy and install chrome wheels of your choice. I suggest not too flashy, and PLEASE no spinners.

      If you do all the things listed above, I promise you will have the meanest looking pavement eater on the road.

      http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:17am

      Whatever company was not bailed out, I’m going to give extra consideration to.

      Report Post »  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:58am

      MARINE249
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:48am
      what wrong with a Edsel ???????
      if you had one it would go for big money today
      ______________________________________
      You‘re right about the big money but that doesn’t mean it was a good car .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:02am

      We all knew that the press was an accomplice to the communist transformation of america and with the Detroit news being so liberal as it was, to see this poor guy have to resign on principle, gives me hope

      Report Post »  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:23am

      The Detroit News is not the only progressive paper in Michigan. The Macomb Daily also only gives part of the news. Back when Obama’s Green Czar Van Jones resigned in the middle of some Friday night, our ever progressive paper made sure that they regurgitated an AP( they use to be the gold standard of truth in news) article. Not a word that Van Jones was hand picked by the Obama administration for his work in Oakland, CA communist (Storm). You would think that it’s trusted readers would have thought that was news worthy. But yet another example of how the press are accomplices to this crime against America.

      Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 11:12am

      @CatB
      Actually I would say that he was forced to leave because the demoncrats didn’t like someone telliing the truth about one of their pet projects.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 4:26pm

      The Chrysler 200, for when you can’t afford a 300. Less car for almost as much money.
      Terrible commercial. I am disappointed in Chrysler. I have driven Chrysler all my life, from a Roadrunner to now a Jeep GC. GM and Ford seem to be able to make something of themselves, but Chrysler is falling behind. At least their Challenger looks nice, but they should have used the Plymouth name of Barracuda, since it seems to be based on the design.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:04pm

      ……..
      Scott, Scott. Take this as an opportunity. Get out of that city before it smothers you.
      Detroit can’t be saved, you can.
      There are places where you won’t be fired for being honest.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love