Sales: (877) 558-9420
- Service: (915) 231-4191
- Parts: (915) 231-4143
AutoWeek Magazine Review 2010 Ram HD
Senior Web Reporter Greg Migliore was equally impressed with the 3500. "As far as big rigs go-what a truck. I had this for an extended stint and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's comfortable, smooth to control and powerful in every aspect of its being."
Migliore praised the use and craftsmanship of the interior, as well as their design. "The controls are intuitive, and you get a spectacular view of the road," he wrote. Driving was "a hoot," according to Migliore, and "there is something intrinsically fun about rolling around in a big truck, and the Ram 3500 HD lives up to its initials-it's trucking in high definition."
Even with the dual wheels and a wide appearance, the vehicle simply didn't drive like a big truck, Migliore said. The vehicle has an almost surreal presence and is "more imposing than the Ford and Chevrolet heavy-duty trucks," Migliore wrote.
"Give Chrysler some credit here," Migliore said. "There are not many companies that have the resources and expertise to make big trucks and do it well. With the Ram 3500, the Auburn Hills automaker really flexes its muscles."
For the full article, please follow this link:
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100218/CARREVIEWS/100219904#ixzz0fuywAOS
Automobile Magazine Ranks Ram 1500
"2010 Automobile All-Star"
Dodge Ram 1500 | From meathead to egghead.
By Joe Lorio
The pickup market is among the most stagnant and resistant to change of any segment in the automotive arena. So when a new pickup has the fortitude to question established practices, it deserves to be recognized. The new half-ton Dodge Ram is that truck.
Cutting against the unquestioned trend of ever-more-ludicrous towing figures, towering "in-your-face" grilles, and absurdly jacked-up ride heights, Dodge engineers stepped back from the mindless braggadocio to create a vehicle that actually works smarter. Throwing out years of accepted wisdom, they scrapped the antediluvian leaf springs in favor of a well-located coil-sprung rear axle, dramatically improving the pickup's ride quality. They retreated from the cartoonish styling and instead shaped their truck in the wind tunnel, and consequently it uses less fuel. They also at long last addressed the issue of covered, secure cargo storage - which other makers of full-size trucks had consigned their buyers to add themselves or do without - and created the hugely innovative RamBox in-bedside storage compartments. Apparently also questioning the notion that a noisy truck is somehow acceptable where a noisy car is not, Dodge created a Ram that is astonishingly quiet to drive (although we are glad to still hear the Hemi V-8's distinct burble at start-up). In the suddenly competitive domain of interiors, the Ram sets the standard by living up to the radical idea that the cabin of a $40,000 truck should be as nice as that of a $40,000 car.
In all these changes, the Ram often had to go not just against its competitors, but also its own history. It surely was not easy. The Dodge Ram has gone from meathead to egghead, adding brains to its brawn. As a result, it surges to the front of the pack as the most livable yet still highly capable big pickup in the land.
Jeep® brand adds 3 new models
The Jeep® brand is broadening its vehicle lineup with the introduction of three new rugged, versatile and innovative vehicles that deliver classic Jeep design and capability.
The new 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade boasts a new premium, rugged appearance with standard class-leading capability features, while the Jeep Wrangler lineup is expanded with unique limited-edition models-Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain-that deliver high-impact visual appeal with outdoor fun-and-freedom themes.
"While clearly appealing to our core customers, these three new Jeep models will attract new customers to the Jeep dealer showroom," Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, said. "The new Liberty Renegade delivers renowned Jeep capability and an array of standard features in a stunning new rugged, premium design, while both Wrangler models expand the iconic anchor of the Jeep brand with unique, limited-edition versions that consumers have told us they want."
The new Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep Wrangler Islander edition will be available in Jeep showrooms in the first quarter of 2010. The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition will follow in the second quarter.
Jeep Liberty Renegade
The "Renegade" name returns to the Jeep® lineup for 2010. First used in 1964 on the inside door opening of the Jeep Wagoneer, the Renegade has always represented the rebellious heart and soul of the Jeep brand.
Positioned between Liberty's Sport and Limited models, the new Jeep Liberty Renegade expands the Jeep Liberty lineup, delivering renowned capability-highlighted by Jeep's Selec-Trac® II full-time, shift-on-the-fly, active four-wheel-drive system-in a unique, premium and rugged new design.
Jeep Liberty Renegade is offered in a new, Renegade-exclusive Salsa Red Pearl Coat exterior, as well as Natural Green Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.
Standard Liberty Renegade exterior features include painted Mineral Gray Keystone 16-inch wheels that wear new, rugged all-terrain P235/70R16 outline white letter (OWL); dark neutral metallic wheel flares, lower side sills, front and rear fascia, body side moldings and rear license plate bar; black headlamp bezel; Argent Silver accent on the lower fascia appliqué and roof rack; Satin Black vinyl hood graphics; deep-tint glass; fog lamps; skid plates and tow hooks.
Inside, standard appointments include new premium cloth seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, instrument panel grab handle and park-brake boot; new driftwood accent bezels; leather-wrapped center console and soft-door armrests; premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC); cruise control; security alarm; rear cargo cover and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.
Jeep Liberty Renegade's standard Selec-Trac II active four-wheel-drive system offers customers the benefit of a fully electronic two-speed active transfer case and Brake-traction Control System (BTCS). It instantly anticipates wheel slip and redirects torque accordingly, which is ideal for off-roading or when driving in inclement weather.
This premium system offers a "4WD Auto" mode that is ideal for full-time driving. When in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between front and rear axles based on real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with more responsive traction.
For added capability when traversing steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a "4WD Low" mode. This second-speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.
Electric shifting between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive auto and four-wheel drive low is accomplished with a console-mounted switch. A push-pin button is used to shift to neutral mode.
A 3.7-liter V-6 engine is standard on all Jeep Liberty models, including the new Renegade. The 3.7-liter engine produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N?m) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
All Jeep Liberty models offer customers an "only-in-a-Jeep" open-air experience, courtesy of Jeep's industry-exclusive Sky Slider? full-length open-canvas roof.
Jeep Wrangler Islander
After more than 20 years, the unique Islander theme returns to Jeep.
The limited-edition Jeep Wrangler Islander is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models. Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Islander's unique beach theme conveys open-air fun at first and every glance.
Jeep Wrangler Islander is featured in unique Surf Blue Pearl Coat and also is available in Stone White Clear Coat, Bright Sliver Metallic Clear Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.
Other exterior features include an Islander "Tiki Bob" decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the "Islander" theme of the vehicle, black side steps and popular Moab 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires.
Inside, Islander's seats are Dark Gray with Surf Blue inserts, blue stitching and an embroidered Islander "Tiki Bob" logo adorning the seat back. Blue stitching also has been added to the leather-wrapped steering wheel with Mopar® rubber floor mats completing the beach theme.
The Jeep Wrangler Islander option package is available at a U.S. manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,120.
Jeep Wrangler Mountain
Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand's reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.
The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package and is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.
Exterior features include a unique "Mountain" decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the "Mountain" theme of the vehicle; painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliques; tubular side steps; 32-inch tires; black tail lamp guards; and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.
Available exterior colors include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.
Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered "Mountain logo," and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.
The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available at a U.S. MSRP of $1,820.
Follow Jeep and Chrysler Group LLC news and video on:
Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
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Wrangler Rubicon named best 4×4 of decade
Four Wheeler magazine editors have named the Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon the Best 4×4 Vehicle of the Decade, while calling out the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as the decade's most significant 4×4 vehicle.
"Jeep vehicles have earned many awards in the almost 70-year history of the iconic brand, but few have been as prestigious as these accolades from the editors at Four Wheeler magazine," Mike Manley, President and CEO-Jeep Brand, said. "Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is clearly the most capable production vehicle on the planet and, in four-door Unlimited form, families can enjoy the combination of capability, freedom, space and comfort that only Jeep can provide."
In recognizing the 2007-present Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as the Best 4×4 of the Decade, Four Wheeler magazine editor Doug McColloch said, "The JK (current version) Wrangler represented a big step up in on-road ride and handling for Jeep's flagship ride, yet it's off-road capability wasn't compromised in the least. If anything, it was only enhanced. Considering how competent in the dirt the previous-generation TJ was, that was no small feat for Chrysler engineers to pull off. But somehow they managed to do it, creating the decade's best four-wheel drive in the process."
In calling the 2007-present Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon the Most Significant SUV of the Decade, editor Sean Holman said, " (The decision to produce a four-door Wrangler) will probably go down in history as one of the smartest product moves any automotive company has ever made. From a Jeep customer perspective, the four-door was pure genius, opening up the sport of 'Jeeping' to families. No longer would you have to choose your kids or your gear. It also made the Jeep brand accessible to people who have always loved the idea of a Wrangler, but never thought the vehicles were large enough or functional enough to fit their lifestyle and/or needs."
The full reports from the Four Wheeler editors can be viewed at www.fourwheeler.com or athttp://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6618471/editorials/the-decades-10-best-4×4s/index.html andhttp://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6592333/miscellaneous/we-pick-the-most-influential-4×4s-of-the-2000s/index.html.
The four-door Wrangler Unlimited model accounts for 59 percent of Wrangler sales.
Jeep brand boasts highest resale value among all domestic brands
Recognition from the editors at Four Wheeler magazine comes on the heels of Jeep being named the top domestic brand in Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com® 2010 Residual Value Study.
According to the study, the Jeep brand boasts the highest resale value among all domestic brands and its vehicles will maintain 35.7 percent of their original value after five years of ownership-more than 3 percent above the industry average.
The Jeep brand resale value improves for 2010 as the industry average declines.
"This achievement is a testament to the strength and heritage of the Jeep brand," James Bell, executive market analyst at Kelley Blue Book, said. "The word 'Jeep' has long stood for strength, portraying the vision of what a Jeep is, and what it can do. The Wrangler has, and continues to be the backbone of this marque, drawing a strong and loyal following, helping to maintain its value."
"We are pleased that the Jeep brand has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book for earning the highest resale value among domestic brands, and that Jeep has improved significantly in a difficult year that has seen the industry decline," Manley said. "The Jeep brand's high resale value is a testament to a legendary, iconic brand that provides consumers an array of SUVs that deliver a unique blend of freedom and adventure, capability, best-in-class claims and value."
Jeep ranks No. 1 in resale value
Jeep Ranks #1 in resale value!
When it comes to keeping its value, Jeep is the top brand according to Kelley Blue Book. he iconic Jeep brand ranks as the top domestic brand in
According Kelley Blue Book's annual kbb.com 2010 Residual Value Study, new 2010 Jeep brand vehicles will bring 35.7 percent of their original value after five years. that's more than three percent above the industry average.
"This achievement is a testament to the strength and heritage of the Jeep brand," said James Bell, an executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "The word 'Jeep' has long stood for strength, portraying the vision of what a Jeep is, and what it can do. The Wrangler has, and continues to be the backbone of this marque, drawing a strong and loyal following, helping to maintain its value."
Though eight of the top ten brands in the study declined when compared to their 2009 values and the industry average dropped 1.6 percent. Jeep's resale value improved 2.8 percent for 2010.
"We are pleased that the Jeep brand has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book for earning the highest resale value among domestic brands, and that Jeep has improved significantly in a difficult year that has seen the industry decline," said Mike Manley, President and CEO of theJeep brand. "The Jeep brand's high resale value is a testament to a legendary, iconic brand that provides consumers an array of SUVs that deliver a unique blend of freedom and adventure, capability, best-in-class claims and value."
Wrangler named 'Best New Car for Off-Roaders'
Another week and another award for the benchmark Jeep® Wrangler.
The 2010 Jeep Wrangler has earned the "Best New Car for Off-Roaders" Lifestyle Award from Cars.com.
In recognizing the 2010 Jeep Wrangler, Cars.com noted, "The legendary Jeep Wrangler tops our Off-Roaders picks again this year. ? Long on capability, the scrappy Wrangler Rubicon has 10.5 inches of ground clearance, as well as approach, departure and breakover angles its competitors can only envy. When the shortest distance between two points is an obstructed straight line, you'll want to be in a Wrangler."
"This prestigious award from Cars.com reinforces Jeep Wrangler's position as the benchmark off-road vehicle on the planet," Mike Manley, President and CEO-Jeep Brand, said. "It comes at an especially exciting time for customers looking for the ultimate off-roader, as Wrangler was recently named the Best 4×4 Vehicle of the Decade by Four Wheeler magazine, and as Jeep is introducing two all-new Wrangler models at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit."
Beyond ultimate capability, Jeep Wrangler offers a combination of numerous safety and convenience features, interior space, versatility and comfort, on-road refinement, and open-air fun as the only true 4×4 convertible. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Jeep brand is introducing two limited-edition models: the Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain editions.
Jeep Wrangler Islander
After more than 20 years, the unique Islander theme returns to Jeep.
The limited-edition Jeep Wrangler Islander is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models. Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Islander's unique beach theme conveys open-air fun at first and every glance.
Jeep Wrangler Islander is featured in unique Surf Blue Pearl Coat and is also available in Stone White Clear Coat, Bright Sliver Metallic Clear Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.
Other exterior features include an Islander "Tiki Bob" decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the "Islander" theme of the vehicle, black side steps and popular Moab 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires.
Inside, Islander's seats are Dark Gray with Surf Blue inserts, blue stitching and an embroidered Islander "Tiki Bob" logo adorning the seat back. Blue stitching also has been added to the leather-wrapped steering wheel, with Mopar® rubber floor mats completing the beach theme.
The Jeep Wrangler Islander option package is available at a U.S. manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,120.
Jeep Wrangler Mountain
Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand's reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.
The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package and is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.
Exterior features include a unique "Mountain" decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the "Mountain" theme of the vehicle; painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliqués; tubular side steps; 32-inch tires; black tail lamp guards; and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.
Available exterior colors include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.
Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered "Mountain" logo and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.
The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available at a U.S. MSRP of $1,820.
Jeep Wrangler accolades from Four Wheeler magazine editors
Editors at Four Wheeler magazine recently named the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as the Best 4×4 Vehicle of the Decade, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as the Most Significant 4×4 vehicle.
In referring to the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Four Wheeler magazine editor Sean Holman said the decision to produce a four-door Wrangler "will probably go down in history as one of the smartest product moves any automotive company has ever made ? pure genius, opening up the sport of 'Jeeping' to families."
Four Wheeler names Ram Power Wagon as top truck
Four Wheeler names Ram Power Wagon as 'top truck'
Four Wheeler magazine has named the 2010 Ram Power Wagon as the winner of its Pickup Truck of the Year award for 2010.
The in-depth street-and-trail test has been held annually since 1989, and the win marks the Dodge Ram brand's seventh overall in the competition, the magazine editors wrote on their Web site.
This year's competitors included four new pickup trucks: the Ram Power Wagon, Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Cummins, Ford SVT F-150 Raptor and Toyota Tundra 4.6, the magazine said. To qualify for the competition, a vehicle had to be entirely new or sport substantial mechanical revisions from a previous model year, the editors said.
"The new Power Wagon is quite nearly the best of all worlds," Four Wheeler Editor Douglas McColloch said in the story posted on their Web site. "Its tall stance and body-on-frame architecture don't get in the way of delivering a pleasant and relatively quiet highway ride. Its work-truck ethic is belied by its eight-lug axles and 10,000-pound tow rating. And once off the pavement, deep in the dirt, the Power Wagon can simply go places and do things that no other full-size truck on the planet can. Locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar and a 12,000-pound winch-delivered straight from the factory-will do that for you. All in all, the Power Wagon is a very worthy winner of our Pickup Truck of the Year competition."
The Ram handily won the Off-Road Ride and Drive category of the weeklong competition, which included mountain trails, desert sand dunes, stream crossings, Interstate highway and terrain varying in elevation from sea level to mountains in excess of 11,000 feet above sea level, the magazine reported. With a powerful 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI® engine and compliant coil-over suspension, locking front and rear differentials and electronic sway-bar disconnect, the Power Wagon excelled in virtually every sort of driving environment, the story said.
Now in its 48th year, Four Wheeler is published monthly by Source Interlink Media LLC and reaches more than 236,000 subscribers monthly. Complete test results and evaluations of all the competitors will be available in the March 2010 issue that goes on sale Jan. 22, the story said. (From FourWheeler.com)
Ram Ranked as Best Truck Ever
Ram Ranked as Best Truck Ever
The "best ever" - it's a trite phrase. But owners spoke up, and what they
said indicates that Chrysler Group LLC is headed in the right
direction.
The Dodge Ram scored the highest scored the highest Total
Quality score ever for a truck in the 15-year history of Strategic Vision Inc.'s
study. The Total Quality Index (TQI) surveys owners to rate all aspects of the
ownership experience from buying and owning to performance and
driving.
According to Strategic Vision; "Customers specifically noted
that the Ram has the best added storage capability along with the best truck
interior ever rated by customers. 'For truck buyers, the Dodge Ram has reclaimed
its perceived leadership in innovation, a corporate hallmark,' states Alexander
Edwards. 'We have tracked innovation as a critical dimension in success since
1979 and have shown that it has been the single most powerful factor in success
across categories, especially among automobiles'."
The strong show of
support put the Ram at the top of the pickup truck category in the annual
Strategic Vision study. The Ram also helped the Chrysler Group improve by 15
points in the study.
"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is rated by owners as
the best truck ever built," said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President - Quality,
Chrysler Group LLC. "It is a game-changing, class-leading truck that is second
to none. This award confirms that we are making significant changes and
improvements, which enhance the overall ownership experience and are being
recognized by our customers."
Thanks to all the owners out there who
participated in this study.
2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and 2010 Dodge Dakota Take Top Honors
2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Dakota Take Top Honors at the Texas Auto Writers Annual Texas Truck Rodeo
All-new 2010 Ram 3500 named "Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas," beating ¾- and one-ton competition 2010 Dodge Dakota named "Mid-size Truck of Texas"
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Dakota took top honors at the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Truck Rodeo outside of San Antonio, Texas this past weekend. TAWA members named the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 "Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas," giving Dodge top honors over ¾- and one-ton competitors. The 2010 Dodge Dakota also won "Mid-size Truck of Texas."
"We're very proud of these awards; they affirm our leadership in the truck market," said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer Dodge Ram Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "In a head-to-head competition, our all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty un-seated last year's winner, right in the pickup truck capital of the U.S. Ram is not only the best heavy-duty truck we've ever built; it's the best heavy-duty truck on the market, hands down. We're also proud that the Dodge Dakota won its category, affirming Dakota's capability and versatility."
Judging by the 40-plus TAWA members occurs over two full days of on- and off-road evaluation. Consideration is given to everything from exterior styling and off-road capability to the entrant's overall utility, value and fuel efficiency.
"Trucks are the work horses of Texas, said Harold Gunn, President of TAWA. "And the Truck Rodeo is the most comprehensive evaluation of new trucks and SUVs in the country. The wins for Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Dakota are significant because our Truck Rodeo offers journalists a chance to judge vehicles in side-by-side comparisons and these top awards were given based on individual impressions and by secret ballot."
About Ram Heavy Duty
The 2010 Ram Heavy Duty brings increased capability and innovate new features to the heavy-duty segment with all-new styling, an all-new crew-size cab and a pair of legendary engines: the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel with 350 horsepower, producing 650 lb-ft. of torque and the most powerful standard engine in the segment, the 383 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 with 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks offer "big rig" styling, power and capability. With an uncompromising attitude that remains the standard for all full-size heavy-duty pickups, Ram Heavy Duty delivers the performance and amenities customers demand.
About Dodge Dakota
Designed for customers with active lifestyles, the 2010 Dodge Dakota may be equipped for work or play.
Dodge Dakota features best-in-class towing of up to 7,250 pounds, the greatest interior room of any mid-size truck with 30 cubic feet of interior space in Extended Cab models and 37.1 cubic feet in Crew Cabs and the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-foot 6 inches in the Extended Cab.
Dodge Grand Caravan is the Most Dependable Van according to J.D. Power and Associates!
Dodge Grand Caravan ranked most Dependable Van By J.D. Powers
Nitro, Wrangler get top recommendations.
Nitro, Wrangler get top recommendations
Last modified on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 11:06 am.
Two Chrysler LLC vehicles are on AutoPacific's survey of the most highly recommended vehicles.
According to the survey released yesterday, owners of the Dodge Nitro and the Jeep® Wrangler enjoyed their vehicles enough that they would recommend them to a friend or relative.
"We are very pleased that the Dodge Nitro and the Jeep Wrangler have won high praise from their owners," Doug Betts, Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, said. "As this study shows, owners who have confidence in their vehicles and are pleased with their ownership experience will share that message with those around them. This is further evidence that the huge improvements in quality which we have made in the last year have not gone unnoticed by our customers."
The Nitro was the top recommended vehicle in the mid-size sport-utility segment. Since its introduction in 2007, the Nitro has ignited the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with its bold, aggressive styling and performance to match. Nitro offers all the mid-size SUV must-haves: space, functionality and flexibility.
The iconic Wrangler earned top honors in the compact SUV/off-road vehicle category. The two-door Wrangler is the brand icon, remaining true to its heritage as the original, extreme fun and freedom machine even after more than 65 years.
AutoPacific, an automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm which has provided automotive analysis to carmakers since 1986, based its findings on a just-completed comprehensive survey of more than 25,000 consumers who purchased or leased new cars or light trucks in the period from September to December 2008.
AutoPacific's research objectively measures owner recommendations with newly purchased or leased passenger cars or light trucks by ranking new owners' responses to the question, "Would you recommend your new vehicle to a friend or relative?" Scores are based on the responses, ranging from "Yes, definitely," "Yes, with reservations," or "No."
Ram beats Chevy, Ford, Toyota trucks in Edmunds test
Ram beats Chevy, Ford, Toyota trucks in Edmund's test
Last modified on Friday, May 8, 2009, 9:30 am.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 beat out the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra in a head-to-head competition conducted by Edmunds.com.
Edmunds said that with all the major automakers rolling out all-new trucks the past two years that it was time to test them in the real world against one another. In the end, the Ram bested the other three "big hitters" on the road, off the road and in towing.
"After all the points were tallied, the Dodge Ram takes the win with a very well-rounded performance," the publication said. "We knew from previous experience that the Ram's coil-spring rear suspension works well when the truck is unloaded, but this time we found it has the chops to handle a trailer, too. The superior lateral stiffness of a five-link rear axle and a rear antiroll bar keep things from getting all swimmy while towing, even when we're late for lunch and with a winding road between us and a burrito plate. Later, the burritos stayed down because the Ram 4×4 is best at smoothing out washboard tracks and putting the power down in sand, as you don't get the insistent rear-axle hammering of leaf-spring rear suspensions."
Edmunds praised the Ram's 5.7-liter V-8 engine, towing ability, axle ratio, fuel efficiency and the RamBox? cargo storage system. The publication also raved about the interior features like the heated and vented seats and the navigation system and rear-seat DVD. (Edmunds.com)
Ram wins Ward's 'Interior of the Year'
Ram wins Ward's Interior of the Year
Last modified on Wednesday, Apr 8, 2009, 8:19 am.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram earned a place on Ward's distinguished list of winners, taking home the "2009 Interior of the Year" award in the popular-priced truck category. The Ram has won 15 awards since its introduction last fall.
"From the big, chunky knobs on the dashboard to the in-floor storage bins and the folding second-row seats, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram reminds us that big trucks can be rugged, functional and cool, all at the same time," Tom Murphy, executive editor of Ward's AutoWorld magazine, said. "The editors find the Dodge Ram's new interior extremely comfortable and well-conceived. The saddle stitching on the seats and instrument panel make a wonderful styling statement, as do the upscale instrument gauges."
Ward's editors picked the winners after evaluating 35 vehicles in February and March. The winners will be honored May 21 at the Ward's Auto Interiors Conference in Dearborn Mich.
"When we designed our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, we re-thought the overall packaging of the interior as a comfortable living space and a functional work station," Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Design, said. "We incorporated much tighter build tolerances, better materials and graining techniques, truck appropriate ornamentation, segment-first creature comforts and utilized unused space with thoughtful storage solutions. We created a strong feel to the interior that communicates to owners that they are driving a high-quality vehicle."
The 2009 Ram was the first "graduate" of the company's new Advance Interior Design Studio. The Ram stands out with a renewed emphasis on craftsmanship expressed in premium interior appointments including six-ring instrumentation, redesigned controls, chromed accents, premium seating with improved bolsters and two-tone upholstery.
All Ram interiors are significantly upgraded with "soft-touch" materials that feature industry-first two-tone technology and premium fit and finish. Full-width contrasting stitching is offered on soft-touch instrument panels for Sport and Laramie models.
Ward's has covered the auto industry for more than 80 years and has many news, data and analysis products to meet virtually any information need. These include monthly magazines, Ward's AutoWorld and weekly and twice-monthly newsletters like Ward's Automotive Reports, Ward's Engine and Vehicle Technology Update, plus Ward's AutoInfoBank database and website WardsAuto.com.
The 2010 Dodge Journey Earns Highest Possible Rating From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
2010 Dodge Journey named Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2009 Top Safety Pick
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Sep 10, 2009 - Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the 2010 Dodge Journey has earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
"Another Top Safety Pick for Chrysler Group is not only a great achievement for the Dodge Journey but also for the company," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President-Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. "IIHS' recognition of our products demonstrates Chrysler's leadership in occupant protection and overall vehicle engineering capability."
The 2010 Dodge Journey incorporates a two-fold approach to safety: passive features, including pre-tensioning seat-belt retractors, supplemental side-curtain air bags and standard torso air bags, combined with accident-avoidance features, including standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
"The Dodge Journey is at the head of the class for safety," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "The Top Safety Pick designation is our highest award and only goes to vehicles affording the best overall crash protection, plus electronic stability control to help drivers avoid many crashes altogether."
Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Dodge Journey includes ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and ABS, driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags.
The 2010 Dodge Journey offers more than 20 safety features, including:
Active Head Restraints
Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
All-speed Traction Control
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Auto-reverse Sun Roof
Auto-reverse Window
BeltAlert
Brake Assist
Brake/Park Interlock
Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH)
Child-protection Rear Door Locks
Crumple Zones
Digressive Load-limiting Retractors
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Energy-absorbing Steering Column
Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts
Inside Emergency Release
Interior Head-impact Protection
Knee Bolsters
Safety Cage Body Structure
Seat-belt Pretensioners (both front seat belts)
Side Guard Door Beams
Side-curtain Air Bags
Chrysler Town & Country wins 9th Polk loyalty award
The Chrysler brand earned a top industry recognition at this year's 14th Annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards as the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country was named "Automotive Loyalty Award-Minivan" for the ninth year in a row.
"In the 14 years of the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, no other vehicle has earned as many awards as the Chrysler Town & Country," Stephen Polk, Chairman, President and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co., said. "The Chrysler Town & Country's ninth consecutive award is a true testament to loyalty at the highest level and Chrysler brand's understanding of customer needs in the minivan segment."
The awards recognize manufacturers for superior owner loyalty performance and are determined when a household that owns a new vehicle returns to market and purchases or leases another new vehicle of the same model or make.
"We are honored that our minivan customers continue to choose the Chrysler Town & Country over any other minivan for nearly a decade," Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand, said. "The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country continues to be the best vehicle to transport people and things with minivan-first second- and third-row fold-in-floor Stow 'n Go® seating , segment-exclusive Sirius Backseat TV with family-friendly programming and unsurpassed 17 city/25 highway mpg fuel economy with a 4.0-liter aluminum engine-a label unbeaten among minivans."