2013 Dodge Dart

Compact dimensions give midsized sedan big fuel economy

By Nina Russin

2013 Dodge Dart

Dodge is resurrecting its popular nameplate from the 1960s and 70s for its first sedan based on Fiat architecture. The all-new Dart which rolls into dealerships at the end of the second quarter is, like its namesake, both thrifty and fun.

Although the EPA classifies the Dart as a midsized sedan because of the car’s interior volume, its compact exterior dimensions are comparable to a Toyota Corolla or Chevrolet Cruze. This is a boon for buyers in urban areas who need to park on the street, and its relatively light curb weight (3200-3300 pounds) stretches fuel economy beyond what many drivers might expect.

The sedan is based off the Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform. It’s wider and longer than the Alfa hatchback, with distinctively American styling and three engines which combine the best of both worlds: a 2-liter naturally-aspirated Tigershark engine rated at 160 horsepower, 1.4-liter, 160 horsepower multi-air block, and a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine which produces 184 horsepower and 171 foot-pounds of torque.

Buyers can also choose from three transmissions, two of which are available at rollout: a six-speed automatic and six-speed wide ratio manual. A dual clutch automatic arrives in the third quarter.

Base price for the SE grade with the two-liter naturally-aspirated block and six-speed automatic is $15,995, excluding the $795 destination charge. Buyers of the slightly pricier SXT can choose between the two and 1.4-liter blocks. The turbocharged engine comes with the six-speed manual transmission. Both engine combinations are also available on the sporty Rallye, priced from $$18,995 and upscale Limited ($19,995).

The high-performance R/T with the 2.4-liter engine rolls out this fall. Read the rest of this entry »

2013 Dodge Dart

Chrysler unveils Fiat-based compact with classic nameplate

By Nina Russin

2013 Dodge Dart

Chrysler announced yesterday that it’s expanding the company’s small car offerings in North America with an all-new Dart compact sedan, to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. The new Dart takes its name from Dodge’s midsized model of the late 1960s and early 70s, whose variants included some rather sedate four-door cars, but also the track-happy GTS.

The new Dart follows on the heels of the Fiat 500: the Italian automaker’s first North American model in several decades. Based on the Alfa Romeo Guilietta, the 2013 Dart comes with a choice of three engines: the same 1.4-liter Fiat block which powers the 500, and two new four-cylinder blocks with 2 and 2.4-liter displacement respectively. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Dodge Caravan Mainstreet

Minivan is a best value for active families

By Nina Russin

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

In this challenging economic environment, families trying to maximize their  budgets should re-familiarize themselves with minivans. Few other vehicles with a seven-passenger capacity can match their value-pricing or fuel economy. The Dodge Caravan Mainstreet which I drove this past week is a case in point.

Base price for the Mainstreet with fold-in-floor seating is $25,995, not including the $835 destination charge. The Mainstreet is not a base-level vehicle: convenience features include tri-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, a six-speaker MP3 compatible audio system, 12-volt power points front and rear, and power windows, mirrors and door locks. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Dodge and Chrysler Roll-Out

Reinvigorated brands introduce all-new Charger, Durango and Chrysler 200

By Nina Russin

2011 Dodge Charger

Almost twelve months to the day after its merger with Fiat, Chrysler emerges as a leaner, meaner and more profitable machine. For 2011, Dodge rolls out an all-new Charger mid-sized sedan and Durango sport-utility vehicle, while the 2011 Chrysler 200 replaces the outgoing Sebring.

In addition, the Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan and Challenger get mid-cycle facelifts, as does the Chrysler Town & Country minivan. At a recent northern California media event, execs stressed the far-reaching effects of the new corporate environment, which impacts everything from the way designers and engineers develop new product to the brand umbrellas. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Dodge Challenger SE

Sports coupe with retro styling and a fuel-efficient V-6

By Nina Russin

2010 Dodge Challenger

Back in the day, there was no sheetmetal greater than that born in Detroit. The 2010 Dodge Challenger pays homage to the classic Mopar with retro styling, and the high-performance R/T and SRT8 models.

The SE is a more affordable version for buyers who don’t want the hemi V-8 engines. Priced from $22,735, the Challenger SE gets power from a 3.5-liter V-6, and five-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection. Average fuel economy is 20 miles-per-gallon, according to EPA estimates.

A Rallye package adds dual hood and rear decklid stripes, a chrome fuel filler cap, eighteen-inch wheels and a rear spoiler.

Other options on the test car include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, audio upgrade, satellite radio, power sunroof, navigation and Bluetooth interface, bringing the total price to $31,175. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Dodge Caravan SXT

Minivan is a living room on wheels for active families

By Nina Russin

2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

The minivan seems poised for a resurgence. The do-everything car Chrysler invented twenty five years ago is finding new fans in young, active families who appreciate its versatility. Because a minivan’s exterior is more aerodynamic than the typical, two-box sport-utility vehicle, it tends to get better fuel economy, reducing the cost of ownership.

Chrysler has dominated the ALV awards in the minivan category since introducing the current models two years ago. Athletes are impressed by Chrysler’s combination of excellent road manners and unique interior options.

The newest of these is called Swivel ‘n Go seating. Second-row seats swivel to face the third row. A pop-up table in between turns the back of the minivan into a family room. The seats meet all federal safety regulations in both front and rear-facing positions, and the table meets similar standards once deployed.

A rear DVD player, satellite television and a 115-volt outlet for plugging in games give kids a myriad of entertainment options. Built-in child booster seats are a stand-alone option.

This week, I spent time behind the wheel of the Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. The SXT is more upscale of two Dodge minivans. Three rows of seating hold up to seven passengers. Power comes from a 4-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Base price is $26,730, not including an $820 delivery charge. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Ram 3500 Laramie Crew Cab

Heavy-duty pickup truck goes the distance

By Nina Russin

2010 Ram 3500

I’ll admit it: the thought of driving a truck that’s fourteen feet long and weighs three and a half tons makes me a little nervous. The Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup is not a truck for everyone. But buyers needing its off-road and towing capabilities will be surprised at how easy and fun the new Ram is to drive.

The test truck is the Laramie crew cab: an upscale grade with seating for up to five passengers. Base price is $49,945, not including a $950 delivery charge. Options on the test truck include leather trim ($500), special paint ($225), automatic transmission ($1575), a power sunroof ($850), upgraded audio and navigation system with satellite radio ($800), a rearview camera ($200), and a back seat entertainment system ($1695).

Power comes from a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to having an abundance of low-end torque, the engine gets pretty good gas mileage, thanks to its exhaust-driven blower. I averaged 17.3 miles-per-gallon on my 150-mile drive, which included a significant elevation gain. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

Modern-day muscle car takes no prisoners

By Nina Russin

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger is not a car for everyone. Based on the classic Mopar of the 1970s, the Challenger is a large, brash, noisy hunk of Detroit iron. The front end has the demeanor of a defensive tackle: a wide, grinning grille with beady round headlamps, flared fenders and huge tires. The large hood scoop takes a periscope to see over. The 376-horsepower hemi engine is very big, very loud, and has enough low end torque to strip pavement off the highway.

The Challenger reminds me of the cars I grew up with more than anything else on the road today. I love its pistol grip shift lever, chrome gas cap and dual exhausts. I love the fact that it stands out in a crowd. In a world of cars designed by committee, the Challenger’s bold design is a breath of fresh air.

Options on the test car upgrade the standard 18-inch rims to 20-inch chrome wheels, and add the R/T hood-to-fender stripes. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Dodge Nitro SLT 4X4

Mid-sized sport-utility vehicle is an athlete’s tool box

By Nina Russin

2009 Dodge Nitro SLT

Two years ago, the Dodge Nitro won our ALV of the year award in the best value, off-road category. Jurors were impressed with the sport-utility vehicle’s combination of off-road capability and cargo features, including a sliding load floor that holds up to 400 pounds.

For 2009, Dodge refines the Nitro with some chassis enhancements, and additional convenience features. A four-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all models with the base 3.7-liter engine. Stiffer rear axle shafts, a re-tuned suspension and steering components improve the car’s handling. Revised brake calipers and a re-tuned booster produce better braking response.

The Nitro’s roster of convenience features now includes standard floor mats, a rear dome lamp, and automatic door unlock when the driver shifts into park. Express-down front windows are standard equipment on the upscale SLT and R/T models. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Dodge Avenger R/T

Mid-sized sport sedan appeals to active lifestyles

By Nina Russin

2009 Dodge Avenger R/T

Two years ago, the Avenger replaced the Stratus as Dodge’s mid-sized entry. Mid-sized sedans are the auto industry’s bread and butter: they account for a third of all new car sales. 

Having said that, it’s no surprise that the segment includes some best sellers:  the Toyota Camry and  Nissan  Altima among them.  While annual sales of 1.9 million units sounds like a big number, gaining market share within the mid-sized segment is a formidable challenge.

Dodge’s strategy is to play up its strengths: stand-out styling and exceptional interior packaging. From its crosshair grille to the fat rear spoiler, the Avenger is not a face to get lost in the crowd. Unique comfort and convenience features such heated and cooled cupholders, stain-resistant fabric, Mygig infotainment system and rear seat DVD set the Avenger apart from the crowd.

While sedans lag behind crossovers and sport-utility vehicles in terms of cargo capability, a rear pass-through and available fold-flat front passenger seat give the Avenger the type of versatility buyers with active lifestyles look for. Read the rest of this entry »