2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

The “Stow ‘N Go” allows the captain’s chair to fold upon itself, and disappear into the Grand Caravan’s floor—an easily executed maneuver.

I hauled all kinds of cargo the week I drove the Grand Caravan. Newspapers from the printer for distribution at the post office, boxes of patriotic materials for the 4th of July celebration and parade for my wife’s chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution parade float. But the most important cargo was the grandchildren that I took to a Texas Rangers baseball game.

I want to just mention a few of the safety features found on the Dodge Caravan that helped contribute to the government’s Four-Star rating for front and side crashes.

Enhanced crush zone – Designed with strengthened front rails and an enhanced crush zone between the front bumper and the windshield.
Safety cage – High-strength steel is employed to form a protective shell safety range around the cabin occupants.Integrated child seat – The available booster seat to perfectly fill the gap between the child seat and three-point seat belt.
Standard side-curtain airbags.
Standard antilock brake system.
Tire pressure monitoring system.
Rain-sensing wipers.
Blind spot detection system – While traveling in forward gears, this system activates an audible warning to drivers that another vehicle is beside them.

Caravan instrument panel (Courtesy of Chrysler Dodge Media)

The Grand Caravan I drove also had the Rear Cross Path System that warns the driver of traffic moving toward the vehicle with an illumination icon in the side mirror and an audible chime.

The base price for the Grand Caravan, which gets 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg in the country, is $28,325. The 4.0-liter V6 SOHC engine provides plenty of vitality for the 6-speed automatic 62TE transmission.

But my SXT Caravan was loaded with all kinds of features. The Electronic Vehicle Information Center with the new Evic System allowed me to receive 128 distinct and programmable functions. Unconnect phone is a voice activated communication system that allows you to talk on the Bluetooth-compatible phone virtually hands free. Steering wheel-mounted control allows an easy interface with volume, radio channel selection, CDs and DVDs. Sirius satellite radio is the facilitator of this great communication center.

The 9-inch video screen entertained the grandkids from the time we left the crowded parking lot until we arrived home. Halo lights provided lighting that was not invasive to the kids, yet allowed me to check their activities in the back area.

The Dodge Caravan comes with a 36,000-mile basic warranty, but with a lifetime limited warranty, plus a 3-year or 36,000 mile 24-hour road side assistance policy.

These added features brings the price to around $40,000. But no price is set in stone anymore. Dealers want to sell their vehicles to reduce their inventory, so price negotiation is a lively sport.

Spy Shots: 2010 Ram R/T Gets Bigger Rims, Removable Soft Tonneau

Chrysler hasn't yet announced any changes to the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, but this spy shot of an instrumented test truck appears to give away two revisions intended for the performance-oriented, two-wheel-drive Ram R/T model, says spy photographer Brenda Priddy.

The 22-inch, five-spoke painted aluminum wheels with low-profile Goodyear Fortera P285/45R22 tires are new (the 2009 Ram R/T's rolling stock was 20-inch, five-spoke polished aluminum wheels with P275/60R20 Goodyear Wrangler HPs). The second update appears to be the addition of a removable soft tonneau cover. The R/T's 4.10 rear axle and "loose" torque converter, along with its 390 HP, 407 lb-ft torque 5.7-liter Hemi V8, helps the muscle truck do zero-to-60 in just under six seconds.

Using a tonneau cover to smooth out airflow over the cargo box could help the 2010 R/T gain back some of the fuel efficiency sacrificed for its strong off-the-line performance.

Dodge Trucks 2009

Dodge, a subsidiary company of Chrysler, LLC, has produced some of America's favorite cars and trucks ever since the Dodge line was founded. Dodge trucks are especially popular, and are known for their durability and reliability. Every since Dodge's founding in 1900, they have stood for their superior trucks and cares. Today is no different - there are millions of Dodge trucks on the road, and thousands more are produced every day.
Perhaps the most popular Dodge truck is the Dodge Ram. The Ram comes in a 1500, 2500, and 3500 engine size, and there are also variants around the cab size. The typical Ram seats 2 or 3, but there is a Crew cab which can easily seat 4, and a Quad cab which could hold 5 without discomfort. The Dodge Ram MSRP's in the upper $20,000's, but the price depends greatly upon the specifics of the truck.
Another popular Dodge truck is the Dakota. The Dakota was first released in 1987, and ever since then it has been the favorite of many. In fact, the Dodge Dakota won the prestigious North American Truck of the Year Award in 2000. The Dakota is a larger truck, and even the smaller versions can seat 4 easily. These Dodge trucks are more for the "family contractor" than anyone else. This truck is ideal for someone who needs the towing power and storage space to move large loads, but also needs to transport people often. In early 2005 the Dakota got a bit of a make-over. The older versions had been somewhat disappointing as far as aesthetics, but now, the Dakota is one of the most stylish trucks on the road. It is nice to see a healthy balance between performance and looks.

The Ultimate Dodge Cummins Performance Package

Today's late-model performance aftermarket is filled with a wide range of options consumers can invest in to add more power to their trucks. There is little doubt that when it comes to late model pickups, including the popular diesel models, air intakes, power Programmers and Tuned Exhaust Systems lead the pack in popularity. These are three of the easiest ways to get more ponies from your engine, most of the time each being a total bolt-on application as well as largely being emissions legal.

Over the last few years diesel powerplants have become extremely popular. For Starters they come fresh out of the box with impressive torque and horsepower numbers as well as generally getting decent fuel mileage too! Another aspect which makes diesel powertrains so popular these days is that consumers are developing an understanding that these engines have the inherent ability to produce much, much greater power numbers with a few specific performance additions. In some cases and when combined with the right components, it is not uncommon for diesel engine owners to experience an increase of torque figures by the hundreds while greatly increasing horsepower too.



But it should be said in this day and age of record high fuel prices which includes diesel fuel too, fuel economy is becoming just as important as making more power. Generally when we talk about adding performance related products such as an air intake system, power programming modules or exhaust systems, we relate to the power increases from such products. Today we seek to not only discuss the increase in performance, but how these products can also increase the miles you can get out of a tank of fuel. This in turn means you get your performance fix while saving money every time you fill up your tank.

To address the issue of finding out just how to "hot rod" your diesel engine while providing a system which can increase fuel economy, the brains at Flowmaster Mufflers teamed up with K&N Engineering and Edge Products Inc. to put together what can be considered the "ultimate power package" for the big three diesel trucks. The trio of technical forces gathered at Flowmaster's R&D center in Hayden, Idaho where three 2006 model diesel trucks were tested. Those included the Dodge Cummins, Ford Powerstroke and Chevy Duramax. For this installation we will address the 2006 Dodge Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel.

Flowmaster built a very high-tech research facility that features the best testing equipment and dyno on the market. The goal was to document the installation of Flowmaster's American Thunder Exhaust Systems four-inch cat back, featuring the new Hushpower muffler, along with a AirCharger Performance Kit as well as the popular Edge Products Juice w/ Attitude power programmer. Each of these kits by themselves have proven to be extremely popular with consumers as well as each product by itself being capable of notable to substantial power and economy increases. The goal was to give the consumers cold, hard facts in terms of power enhancements if these three key ingredients were combined into a performance package.

In the following photos you will see how each kit was installed. This is the part of the article where we show you how you can install the products yourself should you feel the urge to do so. Each is really that easy to install. Prior to the installations the 2006 Dodge Quad-Cab 4x4 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel was tested on Flowmaster's SuperFlow dyno to get a baseline average of the stock power and torque figures. After several runs the average stock power was 249 hp/525 lb-ft torque. Max power achieved was 294hp/546 lb-ft. torque. After the installations of the Flowmaster American Thunder cat-back exhaust, K&N AirCharger intake system and Edge Juice w/ Attitude programmer, the Dodge was driven around town for a while to let the computer learn about its new products. Then the truck was secured back onto the SuperFlow dyno where more than a dozen test runs were made with the Edge Attitude "on the fly" adjustable power level was set to level 3 which is the most commonly used level by consumers.

After compiling the data the Average results from the runs produced an average of 329hp/656 lb.-ft torque, which translates into an increase of 74 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft torque! The maximum horsepower achieved was 350hp/739 lb.-ft torque, which translates to a 55 horsepower and 193 lb.-ft torque increase from the maximum baseline stock numbers. The dyno graph shown will give you a visual as to the power increase the Cummins delivered when benefiting from this new combination power package, the black lines showing the stock average baseline figures as compared to the red average power package figures. The dyno graph itself speaks volumes for the power increase this trio package produces.

But there is a catch. You could get better fuel mileage too! With more power available from the Cummins engine, that translates into the potential to save a lot of money on fuel since the engine is actually working more efficiently. There are plans for this kit to be marketed in the near future exclusively through several major retailers. But you don't have to wait since we have laid all of the kits and information out here for you. So if you are looking to greatly increase the performance of your 2006 Dodge Cummins engine while trying to squeeze a few more miles out of every gallon of gas, this could be the aftermarket upgrade package you have been looking for. After seeing the dyno runs in person, I hardly doubt you would be disappointed.

2009 Dodge Dakota

According to Dodge, the Dakota features the greatest interior room of any midsize truck.

The 2009 Dodge Dakota, a pickup straddling the line separating the compact and midsize segments, doesn’t need a complete redesign to set itself apart from its competitors.

Offered in two body styles, Extended Cab and Crew Cab, and four trim levels — ST, Big Horn, TRX4 and Laramie — the Dodge Dakota is a truck for buyers who have the occasional big job/something to tow/haul but don’t need the biggest pickup in the world to do it.

Here’s what Dodge has to say when it touts the Dakota’s advantages: the only V8 engine in its class; best-in-class towing capability of up to 7,050 pounds; the only available full-time four-wheel-drive in its class; the greatest interior room of any midsize truck, with 30 cubic feet of interior space in Extended Cab models and 37.1 cubic feet for Crew Cab; the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6.4 feet in the Extended Cab (5.3 feet in the Crew Cab) and — a clever under-seat storage system in the Crew Cab — a first for the Dakota — that includes Crate ’N Go, a collapsible and removable cargo management system.

There’s a lot of versatility here, particularly with our Crew Cab tester.

The Dakota is going strong, thanks to its two engines: the standard 210- hp Magnum 3.7-liter V6 or the optional 4.7-liter V8 that puts out 302 hp and is E85 ethanol compatible. The V6 is tied to a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 gets a five-speed automatic.

In terms of safety, there are 25 related safety/security features in the Dakota, and it’s earned five-star frontal and four-star crash ratings.

Outside, the Dakota utilizes the drop-fendered signature look for Dodge trucks and includes a dual position tailgate and four-pin connector/trailer tow wiring.

Laramies come with a bedliner as standard equipment. The spacious Crew Cab version seats up to six, through four conventional doors. Headroom and legroom are in good supply, as are such creature comforts as heated and folding seats, overhead and floor consoles and stain-repellant fabric.

Prices start at $23,300 and go up to $32,370, plus $740 destination charge.

2009 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab Lone Star

This truck is very well equipped, including heavy-duty suspension and trailer towing equipment. -Photo © Chrysler Motors LLC.

T.Q. Jones 22.JUL.09

Despite the photo, the truck we tested was a Crew Cab Dakota with the Lone Star package, essentially a Dodge Dakota SXT with a couple of "Lone Star" badges for Texas bragging rights. (Dodge actually did this to a Dodge sedan back in the mid-1950s, selling a "Dodge Texan," though nobody we talked to outside of Texas believed us when we told them about it.)

What Dodge now calls a "mid-size" truck is about the size large American pickups were ten years ago or less. Still, it offers another option for those who need a truck and a family car as well, and the Dakota as tested is a great deal less expensive than the big trucks we've tested. It does, of course, have less equipment on it as well: no four-wheel drive, no leather seats and no DVD player in back, for instance.

On the other hand, all of those things are no doubt available for just a bit more money if you just have to have them. But at $29,810, this truck was very well equipped, including heavy-duty suspension, trailer towing equipment, 3.7-liter V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, limited slip rear differential, heavy-duty suspension and the usual cruise, tilt, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and remote start, plus the almost mandatory satellite radio system.

In other words, this truck is comfortable, but not pampering; ready for work, but not intended for heavy hauling, which makes it a very good compromise for those who need a truck and a car but can only justify buying one. And, let's face it; a truck makes a better car than a car does a truck.

This is, as the Dakota has always been, a three-quarter-size pickup truck. It's just a bit larger than the small trucks, but just a bit smaller than the really big pickups. And it is really only larger because everything else in its market has gotten larger, a not uncommon trait for vehicles sold in the United States, no matter where they are designed and built.

Well, everything is a compromise, and this is a pretty good one. For starters, you don't need a ladder to get into it, particularly in two-wheel drive configuration. And it's a good bit easier to maneuver in a parking lot or while driving through an area in which the road is under construction. Yet it still has four doors and reasonably comfortable space for three adults in the back seat.

The Dakota Crew Cab is comfortable on the road as well. The four-door configuration and the truck bed at the rear mean the wheelbase is fairly long, improving the ride under most circumstances. There is space for adults in front or in back, and aside from not being able to recline the rear seats they are as comfortable as the fronts.

We question the wisdom of leather seats in a work truck, so we think the cloth seats (treated against both stain and odor) make sense in a multi-purpose vehicle. Visibility is better than in most sedans and coupes, and as the driver and passengers ride a little higher than in cars they have a better view of the road without the Dakota feeling top-heavy.

Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 15 miles per gallon in town and 20 mpg on the highway, but we didn't get to make a good mileage check, as we had no highway trips to make that week. Past history with both Dodge and the new (as of 2008) EPA numbers lead us to think 17 mpg in town and 22 mpg on the highway is probably conservative. The Dakota did come equipped with a 22-gallon fuel tank, so range shouldn't be much of a problem.

Dodge does have one major advantage with the Dakota, of course: no one else makes a three-quarter-size pickup, though that could change in the next few years. A lot of things might change, and the future of the large pickup might well look like a Dakota if we get a little smarter about things.

Still, the Dodge Dakota is here now, and makes a pretty good four-door sedan with a truck bed behind it at about the price of a well-equipped four-door sedan. We also happen to like the fact that a Dodge pickup doesn't look like all the other trucks on the market, but that's a personal thing

2009 Dodge Dakota: A venerable pick-up capable of doing big and small jobs

According to Dodge, the Dakota features the greatest interior room of any midsize truck.

The 2009 Dodge Dakota, a pickup straddling the line separating the compact and midsize segments, doesn’t need a complete redesign to set itself apart from its competitors.

Offered in two body styles, Extended Cab and Crew Cab, and four trim levels — ST, Big Horn, TRX4 and Laramie — the Dodge Dakota is a truck for buyers who have the occasional big job/something to tow/haul but don’t need the biggest pickup in the world to do it.

Here’s what Dodge has to say when it touts the Dakota’s advantages: the only V8 engine in its class; best-in-class towing capability of up to 7,050 pounds; the only available full-time four-wheel-drive in its class; the greatest interior room of any midsize truck, with 30 cubic feet of interior space in Extended Cab models and 37.1 cubic feet for Crew Cab; the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6.4 feet in the Extended Cab (5.3 feet in the Crew Cab) and — a clever under-seat storage system in the Crew Cab — a first for the Dakota — that includes Crate ’N Go, a collapsible and removable cargo management system.

There’s a lot of versatility here, particularly with our Crew Cab tester.

The Dakota is going strong, thanks to its two engines: the standard 210- hp Magnum 3.7-liter V6 or the optional 4.7-liter V8 that puts out 302 hp and is E85 ethanol compatible. The V6 is tied to a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 gets a five-speed automatic.

In terms of safety, there are 25 related safety/security features in the Dakota, and it’s earned five-star frontal and four-star crash ratings.

Outside, the Dakota utilizes the drop-fendered signature look for Dodge trucks and includes a dual position tailgate and four-pin connector/trailer tow wiring.

Laramies come with a bedliner as standard equipment. The spacious Crew Cab version seats up to six, through four conventional doors. Headroom and legroom are in good supply, as are such creature comforts as heated and folding seats, overhead and floor consoles and stain-repellant fabric.

Prices start at $23,300 and go up to $32,370, plus $740 destination charge.

Spied! Is This the 2010 Dodge Ram R/T?

Photo by: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Company

Chrysler has yet to announce whether there are any changes to the Dodge Ram 1500 for 2010, but this spy shot of an instrumented test truck appears to give away two revisions intended for the performance-oriented, two-wheel-drive Ram R/T model.

First up: New 22-inch five-spoke painted aluminum wheels with low-profile Goodyear Fortera P285/45R22 tires. The 2009 Ram R/T's rolling stock (see picture below) was 20-inch five-spoke chrome wheels with P275/60R20 Goodyear Wrangler HPs.

The second update to the R/T looks to be the addition of a removable soft tonneau cover. That's not surprising considering the R/T has a 4.10 rear axle and it uses a "loose" torque converter for strong off-the-line performance from its 390-horsepower, 407-pounds-feet-of-torque 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The R/T can do zero to 60 in just under 6 seconds. The trade-off for a short rear axle and loose torque converter is usually a hit to fuel economy. Using a tonneau cover to smooth out airflow over the cargo box could help the 2010 R/T marginally improve its gas mileage over the 2009 R/T.

One thing we think we can say with certainty if this is indeed the 2010 Dodge Ram R/T: It looks like we'd have no problem getting (another) ticket driving this aggressive-looking pickup.

Spied! 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

We’ve already introduced Dodge’s revamped line of 2010 Ram heavy-duty pickups, but one special edition has remained in hiding -- until now. Our spies have finally caught the Hemi-powered Dodge Ram Power Wagon uber off-road pickup.

How do we know it’s the Power Wagon? Big "Power Wagon" lettering across the rear tailgate, an integrated winch in the front bumper and its hallmark solid front axle give it away. The purpose-built Power Wagon is the only 2010 Ram HD model with a 4.56 rear axle, locking front and rear differentials, and electric sway bar disconnect for maximum articulation off-road. It looks like the 2010 Ram Power Wagon will carry over its BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO LT285x70R17 33-inch tires and 17-inch aluminum wheels from the 2005-09 model.

In the picture, you’ll notice the Power Wagon test truck’s rear end is squatting low. Dodge engineers have placed metal ballast in the cargo box for testing.

1946 Dodge Power Wagon

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon got you excited about Chrysler's continued commitment to building extremely capable off-road pickups, you may want to strap yourself down for this truck: a fully-restored 1946 Dodge Power Wagon.

1946 was the first year a civilian version of the Power Wagon was available, though it still looked ready to support troops on the battlefield, just as its military-spec cousins had done during World War II.

The regular cab pickup with an 8-foot cargo box was based on Dodge's three-quarter-ton WC chassis. It rode on a 126-inch wheelbase and featured a 94-horsepower, Mopar 230-cubic-inch flathead six-cylinder gasoline engine, a two-speed transfer case, a four-speed manual transmission with dual power take off (that could send power to the front and back of the truck for operating auxiliary equipment) and big 9.00-16 eight-ply farm tires mounted on 16x6.50-inch five-stud wheels. Rear axle choice was limited to either a 5.83 or 4.89 final drive ratio — perfect for hauling heavy loads or pulling a plow through the field, but a handicap on the highway, where the top speed was only about 50 mph. The one-ton Power Wagon's maximum gross vehicle weight rating was 8,700 pounds. Its maximum payload was 3,000 pounds.

The rugged four-wheel-drive Power Wagon cost $1,627 when it went on sale, about $550 more than a regular two-wheel-drive one-ton Dodge truck. It was originally marketed as a three-passenger pickup, but the floor-mounted gear and transfer case shifters in the center of the cab made it practical for only two people.

Dennis Midyett of Fanatic Automobile Restoration in Azusa, Calif., rebuilt the Power Wagon for its latest caretaker, Chris Lofthouse. Lofthouse is president of Phoenix Decorating Company, the largest builder of floats for the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

Midyett said the Power Wagon served dual roles as a family-hauler and tow truck before it was purchased by Lofthouse.

The Power Wagon was on display Sunday at the 2009 Art Center Car Classic at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, from which many of the automotive industry's leading designers have graduated. It was one of only two pickup trucks on the field amid an incredible collection of rare and high-end production cars and one-of-a-kind concept and custom vehicles. Among these priceless collectibles, the Power Wagon's hulking green figure and 10,000-pound winch looked strong enough to single-handedly yank the U.S. out of its multi-trillion-dollar recession.

The 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon has some big shoes to fill.

Dodge - SRT-8 Charger

2006 Dodge - SRT-8 Charger
6.1 Hemi,425HP,
Headers, Electronic Cutouts, Cold Air Box,
Custom Paint, Shaved Door Handles with Solenoid Locks,
22" Wheels, Cross Drilled Rotors,
Toyo Proxes, Alcantara Headliner,
Symco White Face Gauges, Aluminum Pedals,
Tint,Grip Racing Body Kit,
Ram Air Hood, Blacked Out Rear Fascia,
14K miles.
Over $60k invested.
Price: Asking $34,900 Or Best Offer
Information call Dave at 520-977-4541

Dodge R/T

2006 Dodge R/T
5.7 Hemi,Headers with Electronic Cutouts,
Cold Air Box,Custom Paint with Ghosted Checkered Flag,
22" Wheels,Toyo Proxes,
Cross Drilled Rotors, Lowered, SRT Suspension,
Grip Racing Body Kit,
Shaved Door Handles with Solenoid Door Locks,
Custom Interior,White Face Symco Gauges,
Aluminum Pedals.
12k miles,
Over $60k invested.
Price: Asking $24,900 Or Best Offer
Information call Dave at 520-977-4541

2009 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab Lone Star

This truck is very well equipped, including heavy-duty suspension and trailer towing equipment. -Photo © Chrysler Motors LLC.

Despite the photo, the truck we tested was a Crew Cab Dakota with the Lone Star package, essentially a Dodge Dakota SXT with a couple of "Lone Star" badges for Texas bragging rights. (Dodge actually did this to a Dodge sedan back in the mid-1950s, selling a "Dodge Texan," though nobody we talked to outside of Texas believed us when we told them about it.)

What Dodge now calls a "mid-size" truck is about the size large American pickups were ten years ago or less. Still, it offers another option for those who need a truck and a family car as well, and the Dakota as tested is a great deal less expensive than the big trucks we've tested. It does, of course, have less equipment on it as well: no four-wheel drive, no leather seats and no DVD player in back, for instance.

On the other hand, all of those things are no doubt available for just a bit more money if you just have to have them. But at $29,810, this truck was very well equipped, including heavy-duty suspension, trailer towing equipment, 3.7-liter V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, limited slip rear differential, heavy-duty suspension and the usual cruise, tilt, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and remote start, plus the almost mandatory satellite radio system.

In other words, this truck is comfortable, but not pampering; ready for work, but not intended for heavy hauling, which makes it a very good compromise for those who need a truck and a car but can only justify buying one. And, let's face it; a truck makes a better car than a car does a truck.

This is, as the Dakota has always been, a three-quarter-size pickup truck. It's just a bit larger than the small trucks, but just a bit smaller than the really big pickups. And it is really only larger because everything else in its market has gotten larger, a not uncommon trait for vehicles sold in the United States, no matter where they are designed and built.

Well, everything is a compromise, and this is a pretty good one. For starters, you don't need a ladder to get into it, particularly in two-wheel drive configuration. And it's a good bit easier to maneuver in a parking lot or while driving through an area in which the road is under construction. Yet it still has four doors and reasonably comfortable space for three adults in the back seat.

The Dakota Crew Cab is comfortable on the road as well. The four-door configuration and the truck bed at the rear mean the wheelbase is fairly long, improving the ride under most circumstances. There is space for adults in front or in back, and aside from not being able to recline the rear seats they are as comfortable as the fronts.

We question the wisdom of leather seats in a work truck, so we think the cloth seats (treated against both stain and odor) make sense in a multi-purpose vehicle. Visibility is better than in most sedans and coupes, and as the driver and passengers ride a little higher than in cars they have a better view of the road without the Dakota feeling top-heavy.

Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 15 miles per gallon in town and 20 mpg on the highway, but we didn't get to make a good mileage check, as we had no highway trips to make that week. Past history with both Dodge and the new (as of 2008) EPA numbers lead us to think 17 mpg in town and 22 mpg on the highway is probably conservative. The Dakota did come equipped with a 22-gallon fuel tank, so range shouldn't be much of a problem.

Dodge does have one major advantage with the Dakota, of course: no one else makes a three-quarter-size pickup, though that could change in the next few years. A lot of things might change, and the future of the large pickup might well look like a Dakota if we get a little smarter about things.

Still, the Dodge Dakota is here now, and makes a pretty good four-door sedan with a truck bed behind it at about the price of a well-equipped four-door sedan. We also happen to like the fact that a Dodge pickup doesn't look like all the other trucks on the market, but that's a personal thing.

2009 Dodge Challenger

The 2009 Dodge Challenger prototype was spied on public roads in camo. While most of the car is black, a deep red is visible peeking out at the edges of the camo. The 2009 Dodge Challenger will make a debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

2009 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab 4x2

The 2009 Dakota Crew Cab 4x2 by Dodge.

The 2009 Dakota Crew Cab is suitable for those truck fanatics that like to travel with large group of friends and family. Ultimately it accomodates up to six passengers in the most comfortable fashion. And for 2009 Dodge launches the Dakota Crew Cab with more potential and convenience than ever before.

And depending on the amount of luxury or style you crave for, the Dakota Crew Cab comes in three forms: Bighorn-Lonestar; Laramie; and the ST which comes with a manual transmission.

On account of a 6-cylinder, 3.7L engine you'll achieve up to 210 horsepower to take on any type of terrain. You'll always have the option to upgrade to an 8-cylinder, 4.7-liter engine that achieves up to 302 horsepower in case the standard engine just isn't enough for your high demands for power.

You'll find that the Dakota Crew Cab comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive, however you can always switch to a 4-speed automatic transmission likewise with overdrive.

Additionally due to a fully garnished and completely sturdy exterior the Dakota Crew Cab 4x2 will take you to places you'd otherwise be deprived of. Plus outside you'll find chrome headlamp bezels with chrome trim; a corporate 8.25 rear axle; deep tint sunscreen glass; an exclusive Dakota and Dodge Badge; Dual Position Tailgate; front Stabilizer Bar; front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers; front Door Tinted Glass; a fixed long mast antenna; Halogen Headlamps; and Goodyear Brand Tires.

And regardless of the trim you select each Dakota Crew Cab comes available with driver-friendly and passenger-friendly featurees like bucket seats; advanced multistage front airbags; aid conditioning; driver assist handle; front seat carpet; passenger assist handles; passenger side sun visors with mirrors; a rear 60/40 Folding Seat; and a key in ignition and seat belt warning buzzer.

Of course this is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Dakota Crew Cab 4x2. Stay tuned and learn about what each different trim level has to offer.

Winding Road picks their 12 favorite autos, including the Dodge Sprinter?!

When Winding Road picked their 12 favorite cars of 2008, they went out of their way to diversify. Their "Dynamic Dozen" includes vehicles as inexpensive as the $14,000 Honda Fit up to the $114,000 Audi R8, with everything from the Ford Mustang to the Porsche Cayman/Boxster in between. There are some gaping omissions like the Nissan GT-R and perhaps the Pontiac G8 GT, but Winding Road's criteria stipulated that the majority of the staff had to drive the vehicles in order for them to be nominated, which might explain why some vehicles don't appear.
The list is filled with great vehicles, with one really big (literally) surprise: the Dodge Sprinter. The $37,000 people/cargo hauler doesn't crank through the twisties and it couldn't beat a pack mule in a quarter mile, but WR loves the German-born hauler for its distinct personality and core competencies. It can haul people or things in great quantities, it has very solid interior, has a great service record, and WR claims it's a lot of fun to drive, too.
As surprising as the nod to the Sprinter was, we almost reserved as much shock for the lack of a BMW 3-Series. We were beginning to think that the best-selling BMW was a requirement for any "best" list. They did outline why they chose the 1-Series, though, so that's probably close enough. Hit the read link below to catch Winding Road's top 12 from beginning to end.

2009 Dodge Mopar Drift Challenger

The new car Mopar has just unveiled its new 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas. Also, the two-time Formula Drift champion Samuel Hubinette, who will steer the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger during the 2009 season, will participate in this event. The most-anticipated Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at SEMA continues Mopar’s long commitment to the rising motorsport of drifting.

“The debut of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger solidifies the Mopar theme — if you can dream it, you can build it with Mopar,” said Steve Shugg, Director of Sales and Marketing – Mopar, Chrysler LLC. “Mopar is reaching out to today’s car enthusiast by combining its storied racing heritage with a variety of performance and accessory products that allow customers to make a personal statement with their vehicle.”

The creation of this car was no easy task for Carlson and his NuFormz Racing crew.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Recalls Challengers of the Past

Chrysler has unveiled the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic, which pays homage to the original Challengers.

The Challenger R/T Classic is based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and is powered by the 5.7L V8 mated to either a Tremec six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. A performance tuned exhaust provides even more "throatiness". The dual hood scoops are also functional.

The exterior of the R/T Classic features dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes, 'Challenger' fender badging in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage 'R/T' badge, body-color rear spoiler and chromed fuel-filler door.

The Dodge Challenger R/T Classic starts at $34,005 and is available now.

Dodge Challenger SRT8: Pork Goes Vertical

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a big, heavy beast of a car, but that didn't stop it from getting a little hang time as evidenced in the picture below the jump.

2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4X2

Many consider the Dodge Aries K and Dodge Caravan the most important Chryslers of the past 30 years. We agree those two vehicles were a huge part of keeping the Pentastar in business, but we'd add the 1994 Dodge Ram to the list, as well. Dodge wasn't even competitive in the lucrative full-size truck market until the bold-faced '94 model hit dealerships, and Chrysler's light-duty pickup has held on to 3rd place in truck sales ever since. The Ram constantly finished in the money until the all-new Toyota Tundra hit the scene. Toyota's first serious try at a full-size pickup, coupled with the hot-selling Tacoma, outsold the Ram and Dakota combined for the first time in 2008.
Luckily for Team Pentastar, Dodge had an answer to the Tundra waiting in the wings. The 2009 Dodge Ram brings more power, more refinement and plenty of gadgets to the pickup truck party. The Ram looks like a real man's truck, with a forward-leaning front grille that's as big as a Toyota Yaris, and a unique coil spring suspension that enables this 5,000 pound truck to drive more like a sedan on regular roads than a rough-and-tumble work truck. There is no question that the 2009 Dodge Ram is far better than the model it replaces, but does it have what it takes to compete with the Tundra, Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150? We took a loaded Laramie Quad Cab into the Autoblog Garage to find out.

Our 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4x2 in Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat came loaded with a $44,140 price tag. It came equipped with four full doors, leather seats, navigation, moon roof, and the innovative RamBox among its many options. The most expensive option was the crew cab configuration itself, which allows seating for five very full-sized adults.

Before we go any further, we want you to know that we didn't tow anything with our Ram, and the closest we got to testing payload was a set of golf clubs, six folding chairs and a wood table. We did, however, test the Ram as an everyday driver, keeping a keen eye on comfort, performance and style.

The '94 Dodge Ram carved its niche in the pickup truck market with big rig styling. For 2009, the exterior design gets aggressive and more sophisticated at the same time. Looking at the Ram head-on is like staring down the class bully after tossing your chocolate milk at him. Our Laramie tester came with a standard chrome bumper to match the massive chrome cross-hair grille. Lording over the grille is the largest Ram's head to ever take the lead on a Dodge pickup. The Ram's new hood is more shapely than the model it replaces, too, with a large power dome framing up that forward leaning grille and a second scoop that adds more space for the HEMI V8 below. The Ram's headlamps are stamped into sheetmetal that flows into the bulging front wheel wells, adding to an already athletic appearance.

The 2009 Ram also adds an industry first optional storage space on each side of the bed. Dodge calls this clever storage space RamBox, and it's lockable, weather-proof and large enough to fit a set of golf clubs. RamBox is a nifty feature, but we're guessing it won't be as popular as we originally thought. First off, it costs $1,895, which is a steep price to pay for covered storage. The RamBox also takes up the usable bed space underneath the rails. That may not be a big deal for the Ram owner that doesn't use his or her truck for work, but many use every square inch of their truck bed.

Dodge engineers did a great job of making their bread and butter pickup truck look as good or better than any full-size truck on the market. It's on the inside, though, where the new Ram really shines. The Ram bucks Chrysler's trend of 'cheaper is better' interior design with high quality materials, well thought-out ergonomics and seats fit for a king. A big and tall king. Stepping into the Ram for the first time, we were shocked at how well put together this pickup truck really is. Could this interior possibly come from the same company that also gave us the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Caliber? The dash materials are soft and supple, even besting the look and feel of competitors like the Ford F-150.

As good as the Ram interior is, it's not without its drawbacks. For one, Ford out-packaged the new Ram by adding a completely flat floor in front of the F-150's second row of seats. The Ram makes due with lumpier, more traditional flooring that inhibits the ability to haul large objects away from the elements. Getting into our Laramie tester was a challenge, too. Without a sidestep, we had to leverage the Ram's steering wheel for entry. The sidestep is available as an option, so we suggest checking that box if you're in the market for a new Ram. The Ram also falls behind with a smallish navigation screen that's dwarfed by some of the new screens nestled in the center stacks of the competition. The nav system is intuitive to use, however, so function counts for something.

Chrysler marketing is known for its clever naming schemes like RamBox and Sto 'N Go. For the new Ram, we'd like to suggest Sho N' Go because it looks damn good and, thanks to a greatly improved HEMI V8, it goes pretty well, too. The 5.7L HEMI engine gains 45 horsepower for 2009, bumping the power quotient to 390 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. The power was increased through the use of stronger cylinder heads and variable valve timing. We were thrilled with the Ram's straight-line acceleration, and the roar of the legendary HEMI caused us to test its limits often. The Ram's five-speed automatic falls one cog short of the competition, but we really didn't want for an extra gear. The automatic provided smooth, predictable shifts, and when pushed hard cut through gears plenty fast enough for any sporty pickup. The 5.7L V8 also has Chrysler's MDS system, which shuts off four cylinders at highway speeds. The system is pretty aggressive and the fuel-saving tech kicked in at speeds of up to 75 miles-per-hour.

Dodge takes pride in the fact that its Ram is faster than the domestic competition. Dodge even claims better fuel economy when towing 5,000 pounds while still reaching 60 mph in less time. The Ram doesn't keep up with Ford and Chevy in one category, though: towing. The Ram can haul 9,100 lbs in its strongest configuration, which is over 1,000 pounds less than the competition. The Ram also falls far short of the F-150 in payload with an 1,850 lb capacity that falls far short of Ford's 3,030 lb capacity.

The culprit for the deficiency in capability is, in part, the Ram's unique multi-link coil spring suspension. The single stage suspension setup was chosen by Dodge to give the new Ram superior ride and handling on the road. On that front, we say "Mission accomplished." The Ram drives like a well-heeled wagon, soaking up bumps in the road and delivering a glassy-smooth ride reminiscent of a Lincoln Town Car. Driving the Ram is almost like playing a racing game with the rumble function turned off; it's gaming room smooth. That's great for the casual truck driver that just wants something big, bedded and cozy. But we're guessing the hard-core truck buyer who makes money with his pickup would prefer a stronger suspension to a smoother ride.

The 2009 Dodge Ram is still a very strong entry from the guys and gals in Auburn Hills. It looks great, performs like a track car on growth hormones and drives like a well mannered SUV. While it appears the new Ram was developed more for the boat-towing, camper-hauling types, we don't think this Dodge would be out of place on a construction site. It doesn't have the job-site credentials of the Silverado or F-150, but you should probably be looking at heavy duty pickups if you're regularly towing more than 9,100 lbs, and Dodge has a new heavy duty 2500 on the way. Now, if we can just get the team responsible for the Ram's interior to give a makeover to the rest of Chrysler's lineup, Team Pentastar may be on to something.