Automotive Reviews
Posts tagged Dodge
North American International Auto Show 2012
Jan 16th
It’s practically a tradition that the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is accompanied by the worst weather of the season. The second week in January in Detroit is rarely a pleasant place, but this year’s show was preceded by unseasonably warm and sunny weather. All thoughts of global warming aside, it seemed to indicate a subtle change in the climate of the automotive industry as well. No-shows included Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Jaguar/Land Rover, but all of the major industry players were present.
Several years of economic hardship (and more than a few casualties) have left the auto industry cautious; the wild abandon that characterized auto shows past is long gone. In its place, there’s a pragmatic realism–but for 2012, that realistic outlook is also optimistic. In addition to the upcoming products that are useful refinements of existing vehicles, Detroit also saw the debut of some honest-to-goodness concept cars, showing that the industry may have scaled back on the wildest flights of fancy, but it hasn’t forgotten how to dream. More >
2012 Dodge Charger R/T
Nov 28th
If you’re one of those drivers who’s just not happy unless you’re at the wheel of a big, rear-drive American sedan (and there are quite a lot of you) then the Dodge Charger is right up your alley. The Charger’s low and wide, driven by the “proper” wheels, and it’s got a choice of six or eight cylinders under the hood. For additional cool points, it’s also largely inherited the cop-car mantle passed on when the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor bit the dust. When it was first introduced, critics slammed the Charger for taking the name of a classic muscle coupe and having the audacity to sport four doors, but this car has grown into its name nicely.
(2011 Charger pictured)
For 2011 the Charger received a handsome facelift and some new option packages. Bigger news is on the way for 2012, when an all-new eight-speed transmission arrives to improve gas mileage and drivability. New option packages are also available. The improvements keep the Charger high on the desirable-family-car list. More >
2011 Dodge Durango
Oct 5th
You might not have noticed, but Dodge’s Ram pickup trucks recently became a separate brand. The split is quietly indicative of what’s going on with Dodge’s mid-size SUV. In the past, the Durango was one of the truckiest sport-utes out there, carrying design cues and sharing engines with the pickups. Now, as if freed of the need to try and impress big brother Ram, the Durango is all-new for 2011 and seems to have finally come into its own as a suburban SUV that’s still tough enough to work hard. 
A platform change puts the Durango onto the same chassis as the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and as far as relatives go, being related to a Jeep is a Good Thing. The Durango’s now on a unibody platform, and its three-row seating has been improved. More >