Is the Chrysler Gas Deal Really a Deal?

Say what you will about Chrysler, but you can’t fault its marketing department. In a world staring down an impending $4 gallon of gas, Chrysler’s latest incentive program — in which the automaker offers to pay any cost over $2.99 a gallon for gas over three years — is a brilliant marketing strategy. It sounds great, right? Cheaper gas! But is it actually a deal?

Turns out, the answer is yes only when compared to Chrysler’s own newly reduced incentives. Given the choice of the gas deal or $1,000 cash back on new 2008 models, consumers would be wise to select the gas. If Chrysler had kept its old incentives, however — which featured up to $2,500 cash back on selected car models — Let’s Refuel America wouldn’t come close.

The math is slightly convoluted, but let’s do it anyway.

Chrysler Execs Phone Your Home

Starting next week, Chrysler is going to get serious about quality.

That's when each of its top 300 executives will get on the phone and call a customer who recently bought a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle and ask a simple question: "Having any problems?"

This won’t just be one call to one person, then a toss of the cell phone into the drawer, either. Those 300 executives are going to call one customer a day every day until Chrysler chairman and chief executive officer Bob Nardelli is satisfied that if his customers have troubles, their problems will be fixed. Nardelli, by the way, is going to make the calls, too.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

This might be the first review Cars.com has ever run of a car that is completely sold out. If you haven’t already put down money on a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, you probably won’t be able to find one – without a huge markup, anyway. Still, senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder’s review is a great read right from the start, and the car will remain virtually unchanged for 2009. And yes, you can sign up for a 2009 now and expect delivery in the fall.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Expert Review

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Dodge Journey

I had the tough task of reviewing Dodge’s new crossover, the 2009 Journey. Why was it so hard? Well, for one, this thing crosses over a lot of segments for a single vehicle. Due to its low introductory price and available third row, it can compete with everything from a Chevy Equinox to a Toyota Highlander. There was a lot to like about the Journey, but I also had quite a few gripes, too. Check out the full review with video to find out more about Dodge’s all-new Journey.

2009 Dodge Journey Expert Review

Best Cash-Back Finds: 4.25.08

Cars.com launched its new, comprehensive rebate and incentives page earlier this month, but just having the raw figures isn’t always enough. Often there are some real gems getting a significant amount of money off that aren’t heavily advertised or thought about. This time out we’ve found some interesting deals on a pair of luxury nameplates, a brand-new model and a fuel-sipping compact. 

2009 Dodge Journey
MSRP: $19,360
Cash back: $1,000
Percent off MSRP: 5.2%    
Expires: 4/30
5-Year Ownership Costs

The new Dodge Journey was just released, and Dodge is hoping that by offering a small incentive, $1,000, folks will be more inclined to give it a shot. That’s because the Journey competes with the popular Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe when equipped with two rows of seats, or the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander when equipped with the optional third row. Still, the Journey’s starting MSRP is significantly less than the competition, even before the $1,000 cash back.

2008 Challenger SRT8s Officially Sold Out

Chrysler says all 6,400 copies of its Dodge Challenger that will be built and sold for the 2008 model year have been spoken for: The return of the '70s muscle car is totally sold out.

Now that the 2008s have all been snarfed up, it's time to get in line to get your hands on a 2009 model, which will arrive this fall.

If you're dying for a 2008, though, and don't mind shopping on eBay, 28 of those 6,400 sold-out 2008 SRT8 Challengers just happen to have come out of hiding and are listed for sale — 24 of them by dealers — on the site.

Chrysler, Nissan Team Up on Trucks, Small Cars

Chrysler builds a good truck — the Ram. Nissan builds a good small car — the Versa. The two companies are now acknowledging their own strengths and tapping the other’s to boost their respective lineups.

In an agreement announced yesterday, Chrysler will build a full-size pickup for Nissan at its Mexico assembly plant. The resulting Nissan truck will replace the current Titan and go into production in 2011.

In exchange, Nissan will build an all-new (“all-new” meaning “not based on the current Versa”) fuel-efficient small car that is based on a “unique Chrysler concept.” It will be sold in North America and will hit the streets in 2010. Just because the agreement says “Chrysler” does not mean the small car will be branded a Chrysler; it could be a Dodge or Jeep.

Currently, Chrysler is still working with Chinese automaker Chery on a global small car. There’s no word on how the Nissan agreement may impact that deal or if the two models will overlap. Check out a number of recent Chrysler small car concepts below and let us know which one you’d like to see make it into production.

Midsize Cars Improve in Side Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently concluded crash tests on seven midsize sedans and discovered that while they had improved in side crash tests, they still lacked enough head protection to earn top marks in rear crash tests.

Tested were the 2008 model year Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Infiniti G35, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi Galant (which was updated for the 2009 model year on sale now), Nissan Altima and Saturn Aura.

Only the Kia Optima did not earn the top score of “good” for side impact crash tests – it received the second highest nod, “acceptable.” However, the Optima was the only car in the test to receive a “good” score in rear crash tests.

The difficulty in scoring the top rank in rear tests involves head and neck protection for those rear-end collisions that produce whiplash. The IIHS claims that those types of accidents and injuries lead to losses of $8.5 billion annually. Most vehicles need to equip active head restraints to pass this test.

The Audi A3, A4, Honda Accord, Saab 9-3 and Subaru Legacy – with optional stability control – earned good ratings in all tests previously and earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick designation for midsize cars. 

A full chart of how the cars scored is below.

Chrysler Dishes Out New Features for 2009 Models

Minivans and cars with all-wheel drive are two of the most popular topics over at Ask.cars.com. In keeping with the popularity of both, Chrysler is adding two new safety systems to its 2009 minivans, the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, as well as adding a fuel-saving feature on the all-wheel-drive 2009 Chrysler 300C.

Two new detection systems, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Path, will keep Chrysler minivan drivers aware of what’s happening outside their vehicle. Blind spot detectors are commonly found on luxury and near-luxury cars, not necessarily minivans. Like the current systems available, Chrysler’s will warn drivers with an icon that illuminates in the side-view mirrors when a passing vehicle enters their blind spot.

Dodge's Largest Web Campaign Launches New Journey

Dodge is allocating nearly a third of its advertising dollars for the new Dodge Journey compact SUV to the interwebs. Starting today, web surfers will be bombarded with advertisements spouting the new tagline “If you can dream it, do it.” Sounds like someone is mixing MLK and Michael Jordan metaphors, but we’ve heard much worse.

The idea is that the Journey is so functional it can do just about anything. We’re not sure how much different the Journey is compared to others in its segment, but perhaps homepage takeovers of AOL (today), Yahoo! (Friday) and MSN (Saturday) will tell us.

The rest of the advertising pie is heading to traditional media, like TV and print, along with hands-on efforts across the country, including three NASCAR races. The Journey went on sale quietly last month and sold nearly as well as the full-size Durango. And that was before a major ad blitz.

More Dodge Journey News (KickingTires)

Recall Alert: 2007-08 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler is recalling its two new midsize sedans, the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, due to defective electrical connectors. Nearly 181,000 2007- and 2008-model-year cars are involved in the recall, but the company says there have been no accidents involving the faulty equipment.

The bad connectors are part of the tire pressure monitoring system and can corrode and short out, leading to various electrical problems, including stalled engines, dead batteries and failing cruise control systems.

Owners will receive a notice from Chrysler regarding the problem, and dealers will fix it.

Chrysler recalling 181,000 Avengers and Sebrings (Motor Trend)

Some Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Incentives Beat Employee Deals

We’ve been covering the rollout of April incentives this week, and so far the deals coming from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep are the most jaw-dropping. The weak economy and double-digit sales slump in March spurred major incentive spending from Ford, while GM has kept incentives about even for the past few months. Chrysler, however, has incentives so large that, in some regions, they even beat the radical employee discount sale from the summer of 2006.

Not surprisingly, the biggest numbers are on large trucks and SUVs, with the Dodge Ram half-ton sporting a $5,500 cash-back offer. The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen have $2,500-$3,000 cash back, while the Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee have between $3,500 and $4,000 cash back. Those prices don’t quite match the 2006 employee pricing deals of $6,000 in some cases, but they’re nothing to sneeze at.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive car, though, there is significant savings on the company’s lowest-priced models. The Chrysler PT Cruiser is seeing between $1,500 and $3,000 cash back, dropping the MSRP of $15,685 to $12,685 or 19% off. At the height of employee pricing, the PT saw just $1,084 off.

What’s that you say? The PT is an aging model? What about something newer, like the Dodge Caliber? That’s getting $1,000-$2,000 off, with added regional cash back of $1,000 in some areas. That drops MSRP from $14,580 to $11,580 or about 21% off.

Our ultimate pick, though, would have to be the Dodge Magnum, which is being discontinued. It’s still a lot of car for the money, especially with some regions seeing total cash back of $4,000, with $2,000 in additional regional cash-back. That drops the $24,120 MSRP to $18,120 or almost 25% off. 

There are a lot more cash-back offers on these brand’s entire lineups, broken down below, along with the fine print.

Cars.com Faceoff: Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest

While most requests we hear from families involve wanting a car that has all the capabilities of a minivan but isn’t actually a minivan, there are still minivan shoppers out there. Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder and Mike Hanley took on three popular models, including the newly redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan and slightly tweaked Honda Odyssey. Can the Nissan hold its own against such tough competition? Check out the Faceoff to find out.

Cars.comparison: Family Workhorses

All-New Dodge Journey Gets Cash-Back Offer

Releasing incentives on a brand-new model could be considered an admission of market failure. No automaker wants to do it, but sometimes it makes sense to help spur sales. A quick glance at Dodge's incentives page reveals the ugly truth: It's kicked off the 2009 incentive season with $1,000 cash back on the Journey, its first three-row crossover.

This is usually the time when we'd mock an automaker for producing a dud, thus forcing itself to roll out incentives on a 2009 model in March 2008, but perhaps some of the blame belongs to the down economy. We’ve seen cash back on brand-new models before, but it never makes the automaker look good.

Dodge Incentives (Cars.com)
Dodge Journey Rockets to First in Incentives (Jalopnik)

Dodge Expects V-6 to Power Almost Half of Challengers

Spurred by high gas prices, Dodge unexpectedly sped the introduction of a V-6 version of the 2009 Challenger, a model that could account for 40% or more of Challenger sales. The Challenger SE, powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, joined the much-anticipated 2009 Challenger R/T — which uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 — on stage at the New York auto show. Come fall 2008, those versions will join the current Challenger SRT8, which has a 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V-8 and is the sole trim level available as a 2008.

While Dodge expects the R/T trim level to be the volume seller, Bryan Zvibelman, Chrysler Group's manager of car, minivan and truck product communications, says the model's appeal is broad enough to attract buyers who are less interested in speed. "The look of the car is a big part of its appeal, and people will be happy to have that for just over $20,000," he said. That rough price refers to the base SE trim level; the SRT8 stickers for $37,320.

Chrysler Tapping Customers for Feedback

While domestic automakers are reducing their employee ranks, Chrysler is looking for a few good men and women to join its company — 2,000 of them, to be exact, to serve on the industry's first Online Customer Advisory Board.

Chrysler spokeswoman Carrie McElwee said that while automakers spend lots of time and money on consumer focus groups to gather information about future products, "focus groups usually are used one time for one product.”

“The advisory board is for ongoing dialogue between the company and consumers, with members serving for several months at a time," she said.

Up Close: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE, R/T

If you're a fan of the Dodge Challenger's retro looks but are frightened by the SRT8's price tag and fuel-sucking ways, then your Challenger has arrived at the New York auto show. The 250-hp V-6 in the base SE might not have the burnout-ability of a Challenger SRT8, but it gets 18/25 mpg city/highway when teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it still looks the part of its more powerful big brother.

There's also a new R/T, which offers a blend of performance and gas mileage with its 375-hp V-8 and 15/23 mpg rating with the manual transmission. R/Ts with the automatic transmission feature cylinder-deactivation technology to save gas and gain 1 mpg in the city.

Official pricing hasn't been announced, but Dodge says its lineup of Challengers will start in the low-$20,000 range. That's a big discount from the 2008 SRT8's near-$40,000 price tag, really upping the coupe's accessibility for buyers on a budget. More photos of the newly introduced trims are below.

Related:
2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE, R/T

2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, SE

• Competes with: Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z
• Looks like: A less angry Dodge Challenger SRT8
• Drivetrain: 370-375 hp 5.7-liter V-8 with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, 250 hp 3.5-liter V-6 with four-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

It was just a month ago that Dodge rolled out the high-powered Challenger SRT8 production car. Since that car had been shown as a concept, Dodge has said it would keep the Challenger low-volume and V-8. We expected the R/T model’s 370 hp engine, but we’re surprised that the company is going to produce a less-powerful V-6 trim level, the SE. 

The good news is that the Challenger R/T will be the first of the modern day Hemi-powered muscle cars — Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger — that will sport a manual transmission. It will have a six-speed manual that bumps power to 375 hp from 370 with 0-60 mph times under six seconds. The Challenger SRT8 will get a six-speed manual for the 2009 model year, as well as a limited slip differential. 

The bad news? We’re disappointed that Dodge decided it had to produce a V-6 powered Challenger. The new SE will feature the same 250 hp V-6 found in the Avenger R/T. The problem is that the Challenger’s weight will bog down a pretty hum-drum powerplant and transmission.

The SRT8 will be out this spring while R/T and SE shoppers will have to wait until fall. There are more pictures below and only one of the SE. We’ll secure some more photos in person when the cars debut on the show floor in New York.

Chrysler Bolsters AWD Fuel Economy

All-wheel-drive vehicles’ fuel economy ratings typically begin about 1 mpg lower than their two-wheel-drive counterparts because of their design. According to the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler has devised a new drivetrain design to fix that, giving all-wheel-drive vehicles like the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger the same fuel ratings as their rear-drive counterparts.

All-wheel-drive vehicles lose some efficiency because their engines send power to the front axle even when it’s not necessary. Chrysler's new design will disconnect the front axle from the drivetrain under normal driving circumstances. Only when additional control is needed will the drivetrain reconnect.

This was just one of several new technologies Chrysler unveiled at its technical center in Auburn Hills, Mich., this past Friday and will be included in all AWD 2009 models.

Fuel Economy Boosted in All-Wheel-Drive Cars (Detroit Free Press)

Ram Buyers Want Hemi and Better Mileage: Get It for 2009

The No. 1 complaint among owners of full-size pickup trucks is bad fuel economy, said Joe Veltri, director of product marketing for Dodge.

"We tell them we can fix that so they get better mileage, but that they'll lose some performance when we do, and then they all say, 'No, don't do that,'" he said.

At a showing of the redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram pickup that's coming this fall, Veltri said that while all owners want better mileage, 62% of Ram buyers opt for the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine in their pickup, and another 3% take the 4.7-liter V-8. That means 65% of all buyers go for a V-8 instead of a V-6.

The 5.7-liter Hemi in the 2009 Ram will be tweaked to deliver 380 hp and 404 pounds-feet of torque this fall, up from 345 hp and 375 pounds-feet in the 2008 model.

All that said, though, thanks to different valve timing, dual exhausts, a higher compression ratio and the engine's ability to shut off four cylinders when they're not needed, the '09 Ram will get 5% better gas mileage than the '08, Veltri said. The outgoing, 2008 model is rated at 13/17 mpg city/highway with 2WD and 12/16 with 4WD.

Best Cash-Back Finds: 2.15.08

President’s Day is Monday and you’ve probably seen a lot of commercials about big car sales. Automakers had a pretty dismal January for car sales across the board and they’re looking to pick things up in February. Besides our full list of incentives you can find here, many are offering short-term incentives for just the weekend. Here are some of the best we’ve found in terms of quality, safety and value. Yes, there are three minivans.

2008 Kia Sedona

MSRP: $20,695
Cash back: $1,500
Percent off MSRP: 7.2%   
Expires: 3/3/08
5-Year Ownership Costs

Kia’s minivan has been an underachiever for some time, but still is one of only three minivans to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award. The interior isn’t the best in the class but the base price and long warranty are mighty alluring. Add up to $1,500 cash back depending on where you live and the Sedona seems mighty sensible.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: Best in Show

There’s absolutely no question that the Chicago Auto Show’s press days were overpowered by one car and one car alone — the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder aptly summed up why it won the nod as best in show: “Among all the downsizing and fuel-efficiency news of the day — necessary as it may be — it's nice to have something at the show to get the blood boiling.”

Amen. If you’ve already hit the Chicago Auto Show, let us know what impressed you most.

Related
Video: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
2008 Chicago Auto Show: Winners and Losers
Through Ian's Lens: 2008 Chicago Auto Show Muscle Cars

2008 Chicago Auto Show Video: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Unquestionably the biggest star of this year’s Chicago Auto Show was the Dodge Challenger SRT8. The muscle car begins its limited run later this year, but senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder spends some up-close time with the coupe in the first video to the left.

In the second video, Joe explains what makes the Challenger worthy of its SRT8 designation. Here’s a little hint: 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 that hits 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Yeah, fast. And if you get it in black, it looks realllly mean. Oh, and did we mention there are burnouts in the video? Don't forget, you can share both Video 1 and Video 2 via YouTube.

Related
2008 Chicago Auto Show Coverage (Cars.com)
Dodge Challenger News (KickingTires)

Through Ian's Lens: 2008 Chicago Auto Show Muscle Cars

So I started off this year's Chicago Auto Show with one goal in mind for this feature: Photograph the 2008 Dodge Challenger. That goal? It was achieved with smashing success. Dodge even put three different-colored models on the floor for us to crawl around in. After fighting off crowds of onlookers and pushing my way to the front of the pack of gawkers, I decided it was time to give the domestic car companies their due by producing a Through Ian's Lens post that highlights my three favorite modern muscle cars. So without boring you with more jibber jabber about design lines and aesthetic mumbo jumbo, here are the 2008 Dodge Challenger, the 2008 Ford Mustang GT500 KR, and the Chevrolet Camaro "Bumble Bee" concept. A full set of photos is below.

Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Brands to be Sold Under One Roof

How's this for astounding: Chrysler has announced a major initiative designed to eventually bring Chrysler’s three brands — Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep — into single storefront dealerships. The plan is called "Project Genesis," and was announced to dealers over the past few weeks.

We’re not sure where the company came up with the name Project Genesis, but if you saw "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," the Project Genesis in that movie destroyed a dead and lifeless planet and turned it into a lush new world. Do you see where we’re going with this?

This move is also reminiscent of GM’s recent decision to make all GMC, Pontiac and Buick dealers consolidate under one umbrella. The difference of course is scale. Those three brands are not GM’s biggest sellers, and offer varied types of vehicles, while Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep are significant brands. Getting dealers to agree to the move may prove difficult and it could take a lot of time.

It also makes us wonder at how closely-related products like the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot, or the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, will be sold under the same roof. Despite that, we think most shoppers won’t mind getting to see more vehicles during one stop on their car shopping trip.

Update: CNBC is reporting that Chrysler will slash half of its product line-up as part of the new plan.

Related
Chrysler Discounts, Adds Value to 12 Models, Starting Today (KickingTires)

2008 Dodge Challenger Not Sold Out, Yet

He who hesitates may have to wait a few years to get a 2008 Dodge Challenger, the hands-down hit of the Chicago Auto Show.

Fran Klegon, vice president of product development for Chrysler, said 4,300 Dodge Challengers have been sold and dealers have placed orders for 10,000 more.

That for a car of which only 6,400 will be produced the first year.

"Production is sold out, but sales aren't sold out," Klegon said. "While every one we can build is spoken for, not every one of those has a customer name on the order. Many of those 10,000 ordered by dealers are for display, so I don't want to discourage anyone from buying one. It's not a sales sell-out yet."

Up Close: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

The Challenger SRT8 looks terrific in person — I might even go so far as to say breathtaking in the metal-flake black paint, one of three colors offered. Each color brings out different elements of the car's exterior. For example, in the orange and silver models, the black rocker panels and bumper extensions make the car appear to ride higher than it does, recalling the classic Challenger. The black one looks lower and sleeker. If Dodge had only three colors to offer, I think it chose the right ones. From the panel gaps to the way the rectangular tailpipes fit into the bumper cutouts, it looks like Dodge has cut few, if any, corners.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

• Competes with: Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z
• Looks like: A 1970s muscle car
• Drivetrain: 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 with five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: SRT8 this spring, base Challengers in 2009

The production Dodge Challenger is so similar to the concept from last year that it certainly feels like we’ve seen this car before. The changes to the production model are significant, of course — different grille and taillight clusters — but the overwhelming sense of nostalgia applied to a design probably hasn’t been so extreme since Ford redid the Thunderbird in 2002.

This Challenger may face the same doomed existence as that convertible, too. While the exterior is certainly muscular and the engine will no doubt offer the same thrills we’ve enjoyed in other SRT8s, like the Dodge Charger and Magnum, the interior looks to leave a lot to be desired. It looks almost identical to the Charger and Magnum, and neither is our favorite to sit in.

At a sticker price of $37,995, the first year’s allotment of Challenger SRT8s has already been spoken for, but Dodge should still be worrying about its second year of production. That’s when the base model will have to compete with a new Chevy Camaro and revised Ford Mustang.

We’ll try to stay positive for a moment though and point out that the SRT8 comes in just three colors with racing stripes — orange, silver and black — and will hit 60 mph in the low five-second range. Take a look inside and out in the pictures below and let us know what you think of the Challenger.

Chrysler Discounts, Adds Value to 12 Models, Starting Today

Chrysler has had a number of big-name new model introductions over the past few years, including redesigned versions of big sellers like the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Grand Caravan. There’s just one problem: They’re not setting the world on fire. In a stagnant car market, some of the company’s models are at the bottom of the barrel. To help spark some interest, Chysler announced added content to many models across Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep while using a new ad campaign called "New Day" which will debut during the Super Bowl on Sunday.

When we first heard about this story, we made a joke in the office of “Free MyGigs for everyone!” and that actually seems to have come true, along with other options like Stow N’ Go being added standard to base model minivans. Below are the changes you’ll be seeing, copied directly from Chrysler’s press release. We normally don’t copy press materials because the language can often be misleading to consumers. You’ll just have to judge if the “value” numbers add up for you. If these features would make you consider heading into a dealership, let us know in the comments below.

Chrysler Updating 12 Models in February

Next week, Chrysler will launch a promotion called "New Day Celebration" in which 12 vehicles have been earmarked to get 56 new or upgraded features, ranging from optional equipment made standard to deeply discounted "value" option packages.

Chrysler wouldn't say which vehicles will get what changes. Those details will be announced next week, but vehicles with the new features and options will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show, which opens Feb. 8.

As an example, however, Stow ’n Go seats that weren't even offered in the base Dodge Grand Caravan SE minivan will now be standard. Also, the base Dodge Charger SE Plus will newly offer a package including a 3.5-liter V-6 upgrade from the 2.7-liter V-6 engine, plus Sirius Satellite Radio and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. The Charger will also get a new "cool vanilla" body color in response to customers who've asked for more subtle colors.

Chrysler also plans to upgrade the interior cabin materials in several of its vehicles over the next year. There have been reports that the Jeep Compass and Patriot, for example, will get softer armrests, but Chrysler wouldn't confirm that.

Auto Show Head-to-Head: 2009 Dodge Ram vs. Ford F-150

The 2008 Detroit auto show was the venue for two important redesigned-pickup-truck debuts: the 2009 Ford F-150 and the 2009 Dodge Ram. They are two of the best-selling vehicles in the country, and we've taken a look at what the new trucks have to offer, category by category.

Exterior
Both the Ram and F-150 sport tougher new looks — not that either really needed them. The F-150's hood is taller than before, and it's now offered with even more distinctive grille designs that help separate the various trims. There are also new headlights, and all of these elements give the F-150 a look that's more similar to its Super Duty big brothers.

The Ram also has new headlights and a new take on its trademark grille. Dodge has given the Ram's grille a forward lean for 2009 that's a radical styling element for a pickup, even though it's appeared on sporty cars before. The look is traditional yet stylistically interesting, and that's what gives the Dodge the edge in this category.
Advantage: Ram

F-150, Ram Get Much-Needed Safety Features

Brawny V-8s and inventive storage features aren’t the only improvements for two of Detroit’s best-selling pickups. When the redesigned Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram hit dealerships this fall, some important safety features will also be standard — namely, electronic stability systems to counteract skids and side curtain airbags to protect occupants in a collision.

The extra features mark a “huge development” for pickup trucks, said Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Pickups have generally trailed the market in safety features, with just 8 percent offering standard stability systems in 2007, according to IIHS. That same year, 58 percent of cars and 87 percent of SUVs were equipped with those systems standard. Worse yet, head- and chest-protecting side airbags were standard on just 7 percent of pickups in 2007, Rader said.

The outgoing Ram offered stability control and side airbags as options, but the F-150 – America’s best-selling vehicle — had neither. Despite the bravado-fueled perception that occupants in pickups are safer in crashes, Rader said they may actually need these features more than those riding in cars.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: 2009 Dodge Ram

Definitely the biggest news-generator from Detroit was the new Dodge Ram full-size pickup. The new model was changed quite a bit, from its rear suspension and upgraded interior to a cool storage box built right into the body of the truck. Cars.com’s Mike Hanley walks us through it all in this video.

Up Close: 2009 Dodge Ram

The current Ram is one of the more aggressively styled pickups on the market, and the redesigned 2009 model looks even tougher, thanks to its new grille. The dual tailpipes poking out from beneath the rear bumper are an unusual styling element for the truck segment, but Dodge manages to pull it off.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Dodge ZEO Concept

• Looks like: A Mazda RX-8 with Dodge crosshairs
• Defining characteristics: Mean fenders, glass roof and big, big wheels
• Ridiculous features: Lamborghini-like scissor doors in front and back
• Chance of being mass-produced: Absolutely none

Dodge’s contribution to Chrysler’s trio of green concept cars is called ZEO, for Zero Emissions Operation, meaning this is an all-electric car. It’s a small sports car, which is a good body style for such a concept, but we’re a big perplexed by the huge 23-inch wheels. In the real world of fuel-efficient cars, wheel size tends to be on the small size to help with weight and aerodynamics.

The same 200-kilowatt electric motor that’s in Chrysler’s ecoVoyager is under the hood here, but there’s no range extender like that concept and Jeep’s Renegade have. Somehow, though, this version has a range of 250 miles on a single charge. Oh, and it can hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds. Not only are we unimpressed with the concept’s green claims, we’ve seen too many small, sporty Dodge concepts on display over the years with none of them ever hitting the streets to believe the ZEO has a chance. Check out the photos below and let us know what you think. 

2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Dodge Ram

• Competes with: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra
• Looks like: Last year's Ram after bumping into the back of a semi-trailer
• Drivetrain: 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6, 310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 or 380-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with six-speed manual or four-speed automatic (V-6) or five-speed automatic (V-8); rear- or four-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

The Ram full-size pickup truck is the best-selling model in Dodge's lineup, and the truck has been redesigned for 2009. It has new styling inside and out, more standard safety features, a new crew cab body style and newly available features, like a RamBox storage system for the crew cab truck that consists of lockable bins built into the sides of the cargo box.

The biggest styling difference between the 2009 Ram and the previous model is up front, where the new truck has a forward-swept crosshair grille that replaces its predecessor's upright design. New headlights flank the grille, and the truck's hood is made of aluminum. Dodge says the Ram logo on the tailgate is 250% larger than before, and it is indeed one big badge. Three cargo box sizes are offered, and 17- or 20-inch wheels are available.

In a change from the previous Ram, the truck's rear suspension now features coil springs instead of leaf springs. Dodge says the design improves the truck's road manners and weighs less than a traditional setup. The truck's maximum towing capacity remains the same as last year at 9,100 pounds when properly equipped, which is less than a Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra can pull, all of which have maximum towing capacities of more than 10,000 pounds.

The new crew cab body style joins the regular cab and Quad Cab trucks (the Quad Cab's cabin is kind of like a three-fourths-scale crew cab's). The new cabin is an improvement, and the interior can get pretty luxurious if you step up to a higher trim level, like the Laramie, which has a two-tone dashboard with stitching and chrome trim. The Ram comes standard with antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system. Sirius Backseat TV and a DVD-based entertainment system are available. More photos below.

Dodge Journey Priced Under $20,000

Dodge’s all-new three-row crossover will go on sale in the first quarter of 2008 in a segment that is getting more and more competitive. Price will be one factor in buyers’ minds and Dodge hopes its base price of $19,360 will be an attractive point of entry.

That prices is for the base SE trim which comes with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine while SXT and R/T models come equipped with either a 2.7 liter engine or a 3.5 liter V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. All models come with stability control, four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and side airbags standard.

Full pricing below.

Recall Alert: 2001-2002 Dodge Durango, Dakota, Ram

More than 576,000 Dodge trucks, SUVs and vans are being recalled because of a faulty gearshift that could shift out of park without the key in the ignition. This is a serious defect because of the chance of children playing in parked cars. 

Vehicles included in the recall are all 2001- and 2002-model-year Dodge Durango SUVs, Dakota pickups, Dodge Ram vans and 2002-model-year Dodge Ram pickups.

The problem stems from a part that can wear out over time. Nine injuries have been reported. The company instructs owners to always use the parking brake and, obviously, to follow the recall notice for instructions on getting the vehicles serviced and fixed. 

Dodge Trucks Recalled (AP)