Crest Auto World's Automotive Blog

How To Get Your Vehicle Ready For Summer

2013-03-05T16:36:00.002-05:00

Summer fun and sun are just around the corner, and it’s time for you to get your vehicle ready for those upcoming road trips. High temperatures, stop-and-go traffic and extended use of the air conditioner can all be tough on the mechanical components of your vehicle. Your cooling system will be working harder to keep the engine from overheating and your tires have to perform better under hotter conditions as well. It is just as important to get your car ready for summer as it is for winter. To insure that you cover everything, here are some good examples of what to check:

1. Tires & Brakes:
The tires on your vehicle can really take a beating during the winter months, especially for us here in New England. After all of the snow and ice has melted and the nice weather has come, check your tires and make sure that they are still in good shape. If you hit a few too many potholes over the winter months, it may be a good idea to have your tires realigned. If the treading is worn out, replace the tire. A simple way to check the proper depth of your tire tread is to insert a quarter down into the tread of the tire. If you can see all of George’s head, it is time for a new tire with deeper tread. Another option is to have a set of winter snow tires for the winter months and a set of summer tires that you can swap out when the weather is nicer.

    Consult your vehicle manual for recommended tire pressure, and keep all of your tires at the recommended level. If you can maintain the ideal tire pressure, you will save money at the pump and prolong the life of your tires. Poorly inflated tires force the engine to work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency and taxing the engine as a result.
    Corrosives, such as salt and sand, which are used on the roads during the winter months, can cause your brake pads to stick to the disks. A sticking brake caliper is more than just an annoyance. If ignored, it can lead to dangerous driving conditions and cause serious damage to other brake system components, such as excessive premature brake pad and rotor wear.
    To maintain your tires, always rotate them, and have them high-speed balanced every 5,000 miles. A tire rotation will allow us to inspect your tires to make sure that they haven’t been improperly aligned in the past. We also recommend a thorough inspection and cleaning of your brakes and calipers, at least once a year, after the snow and ice are gone. This could easily save you between $400 and $500 in brake repairs and replacements.

2. Engine Coolant:
    The cooling system of your vehicle is not to be confused with the air conditioning system. The cooling system is what keeps your vehicle’s engine at the correct operating temperature. Be sure to verify that your engine coolant is the right strength and in good condition. You need the proper amount of antifreeze to ensure your coolant doesn’t freeze and cause cracks. At the same time, too much antifreeze can prevent proper circulation and cause heating problems. Your antifreeze (the liquid that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car’s winter protection. Your vehicle contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, which helps protect against corrosion and is best for your engine and its cooling system. Make sure the level is full and that the mixture is close to 50/50.
    As time goes on, your car’s radiator builds solid deposits that can clog the cooling system. A quick, inexpensive radiator flush can keep your system in tip-top shape and will not only extend the life of your vehicle; it will also prevent major mechanical failure. It is important to change your antifreeze seasonally. You did remember to have your radiator flushed last spring, didn’t you?

3. Windshield Washer Fluid & Wipers:
Chances are your windshield wipers saw their fair share of snow, ice and rain this winter. Check the rubber on them to make sure that it is not worn out. Windshield wipers should be replaced once a year. Spring typically brings with it a lot of rain, so you will most likely need to use them often in the next few months. It’s an inexpensive maintenance that will drastically improve your driving safety during the rainy months.
You’ll also be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking a mess if you’re low on washer fluid. There are mainly two types of windshield washer fluid, one for everyday use, and one that works like a de-icer more used during the winter months. Using an everyday use washer fluid works great as long as the temperature is above 40F. Winter formulas are designed to work at temperatures as low as -25F.

4. Motor Oil:

For a typical driver, you generally change the oil every 3 or 4 months, which corresponds perfectly with the change in seasons. Once spring is here, get an oil change, which includes topping off all of your fluids. Proper fluid levels are critical for your vehicle’s best performance.

    In the past couple of years, most manufacturers suggest using 5W-20 in their cars. If your car was built in the USA and is older than two years old most suggest 5W-30. Mobil1 has a website, which helps you find the manufacturers recommendation for your car if in doubt.
5. Battery:
    On average, a battery will last anywhere from two to three years depending on its quality. If your battery is older than that, it’s only a matter of time before it leaves you stranded. Unfortunately, a battery gives little warning before it goes dead and it will likely do so when you least expect it.
    It’s important to have a reliable battery during both the cold winter months and the hot summer months. Did you know that hot weather can decrease battery energy and life nearly as much as cold weather? It just happens for different reasons.
    During hot weather, the inside of your battery can be damaged by a lack of fluid that often occurs because of the high temperatures causing evaporation. Dirt and grime on the top of the battery can actually conduct energy away from the battery that is needed for the ignition of your vehicle. Oxidization on the battery and its connections can insulate the battery and block the flow of current. Also, have the charge rate of your battery inspected. Many people assume that over-charging a car battery is helpful. However, it can be just as damaging as under-charging your battery.

6. Air Conditioning:
If you live in New England, chances are you haven’t used your air conditioning system much since last summer. Over time, your A/C can slowly leak refrigerant, which will cause the compressor to operate for longer periods than usual and put added strain on your engine. We recommend you have your vehicle air conditioning checked at least once each year, preferably before the summer months. Don’t wait until you have hot air blowing on your face when it’s 90 degrees outside to realize it’s time to have your air conditioning inspected.
An air conditioner that doesn’t work properly is not worth using, so if the air from the vent is not cold, it’s time to have some refrigerant added.

Crest Auto World in North Conway, New Hampshire can help you with all of these services. Just give us a call at 603-356-5401 to make an appointment. We’ll help make sure that you can drive safe all year long.

DART FEVER!

2013-02-12T09:36:00.001-05:00

2013 DODGE DART REVIEW

2013 BEST CAR TO BUY NOMINEE

Click Here To See All Nominees

The 2013 Dodge Dart has brought Chrysler back into the compact sedan game, and it does so with a winning combination of both attitude and world-class design. The Dart is a different kind of Dodge; it’s a front-wheel-drive sedan, which is based on an Italian hatchback. It starts with its basic structure, suspension and steering, which was borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta that is sold in Europe. And yet there’s plenty of classic Dodge flavor scattered throughout to make sure it fits in with its relatives but still stands out in a very competitive field. It’s bigger than the Alfa Romeo in almost every dimension, especially its extra foot of length. More importantly, it’s the biggest compact sedan on the market, with dimensions that exceed those of the Volkswagen Jetta. It is also especially wide, which provides more passenger space and creates the feeling that you’re driving something rather substantial. It really doesn’t feel like a compact car.

2013 Dodge Dart Limited - Front

Until now, Chrysler had yet to craft a competitive compact, even throughout all its years in existence. Chrysler has finally delivered a vehicle that is stylish, fun, fuel efficient, and above all else, priced to please. On the road, the new Dodge Dart is instantly exquisite; an affordable luxury that comes in a refreshing selection of bright colors and different trim materials. As we all look for relief from high gas prices, the Dart couldn’t have come at a better time.

The 2013 Dart is a rugged, elegantly handcrafted sedan that offers a wide range of customizing options. In the compact car market, it has earned Dodge some much-needed respect. Dodge will offer three engines, three gearboxes, several trim levels, and countless personalization options that all but guarantee no two Darts will be identical.

When you step inside the Dart, you’re sure to notice how distinct and modern the interior is designed. It features one of the nicest interiors in its class, and the interior only gets nicer as you move up the trim levels. The difference is in the details. Higher-spec Darts include additional soft touch plastics and a cleanly-stitched panel above the instrument cluster.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Front

The exterior styling of the Dart represents a new direction for Chrysler. There are some familiar signs, like a version of the Dodge crosshair grille and available “racetrack” LED taillights like the Charger, but the Dart has traded its rugged, sturdy lines, like the Charger and Avenger for a look that’s more sleek and intricate.

Think of the possibilities…

The 2013 Dodge Dart is available in six trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, AERO, Limited and GT. The GT, which Dodge originally said would be called R/T, will be a 2013 midyear addition.

2013 Dodge Dart SE - All Black Dashboard

The base SE models are at the beginning of the lineup, starting at an economical $15,995, but that sticker price doesn’t include air conditioning or power locks. The SE comes equipped with 16-inch wheels, power windows, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a folding rear seat and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Value Group Package adds power mirrors, power locks, keyless entry and air-conditioning.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT Dashboard

Next you’ll find the refined, well-crafted and powerful SXT models, which include all of the SE features above and starts at just $17,995. Also included on the SXT are 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a sliding front armrest, an upgraded instrument panel and a six-speaker sound system.

Following the SXT are the well-tailored Rallye models, which start at $18,995. The Rallye models put the fun back in functional and include a few extra bold styling touches, which include fog lamps, unique exterior and interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

Both the SXT and the Rallye are eligible for several different option packages. The Uconnect Voice Command Package adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a USB port. The Popular Equipment Group Package includes cruise control, active grille shutters, underbody aerodynamic enhancements, remote ignition (automatic transmission only) and an enhanced trip computer with an upgraded display and tire-pressure monitoring information. This package also includes automatic headlamps when you also opt for one of the below packages that includes the large touchscreen electronics interface. The Premium Audio Group Package adds the touchscreen, a rearview camera, a USB audio jack, an SD card slot and upgraded interior trim. The Uconnect Touch Multimedia Center Package includes those items plus an iPod interface and a single-CD player located under the center armrest between the front seats.

Next is the more efficient AERO, which starts at $19,295. The AERO will achieve at least 40-41 mpg on the highway due to its aerodynamic enhancements, low-rolling-resistance tires and a lighter weight resulting from low feature content. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 28 mpg in the city with the manual and 27 mpg in the city with the DDCT.

2013 Dodge Dart Limited - Upgraded Interior w/Sport Red Accents,
Nappa Leather Seats and Contrasting Red French Stitching

The Limited models are next, starting at $19,995, and include all of the above, plus a six-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment, Bluetooth (available separately on the SXT and Rallye) and chrome exterior trim.

Last, but certainly not least, is the GT. The GT is the most technologically advanced compact in its class and starts at $20,995. It is equipped similarly to the Limited, but also gets a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery and different exterior and interior trim.

Both the Limited and GT can be equipped with the Technology Group Package, which adds keyless ignition/entry, automatic wipers, automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors, a blind-spot warning system and a rear cross-path warning system. Also available on both trims is the Premium Group Package, which adds leather upholstery (Limited), heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control.

A Garmin-based navigation system with real-time traffic and satellite radio can be added to the Limited, GT and those models with the Uconnect Touch Multimedia Center Package.

The Dodge Dart redefines performance by giving you a choice of three gasoline engines and three advanced transmissions to get you where you need to go. Standard on all Darts (except the GT) is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder DOHC Tigershark engine, which is capable of producing 160 horsepower and 148 pounds-feet of torque. This engine has been fine-tuned to deliver an optimal balance of power and efficiency, with either the standard six-speed manual or the optional six-speed automatic.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT MultiAir Turbo Engine

Optional on all trims (except the GT) is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder MultiAir engine that retains the 2.0-liter’s 160 horsepower but increases the torque to 184 pounds-feet. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automated manual transmission (Dodge calls it the “DDCT”, or “Dual Dry Clutch Transmission”) is optional. The turbo and manual transmission combo was good for a 0-60-mph time of 8.3 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest cars in its class, according to Edmunds.com. The DDCT adds only 0.3 seconds to that time.

Lastly, the top-end GT models feature Chrysler’s 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, which displaces 2.4-liters and is capable of pumping out 184 horsepower and 171 pounds-feet of torque. This engine includes Fiat’s innovative MultiAir valve and cam timing technology to save fuel and improve response. It gets the same transmission choices as the 2.0-liter. Acceleration and fuel economy estimates were not yet available as of this writing.

All of the engines can run on regular gas, though the turbocharged prefers premium for maximum performance. The EPA gas mileage estimates are as follows:

2013 Dart Engine & Transmission	SE SXT Rallye Limited	SXT Rallye Limited	AERO	R/T



2.0L DOHC Tigershark™	25 City 36 Highway
160 Horsepower plus 148 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Manual Transmission
2.0L DOHC Tigershark™	24 City 34 Highway
160 Horsepower plus 148 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Automatic Transmission
1.4L Turbo w/ MultiAir®		27 City 39 Highway	28 City 41 Highway
160 Horsepower plus 184 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Manual Transmission
1.4L Turbo w/ MultiAir®		27 City 37 Highway	28 City 40 Highway
160 Horsepower plus 184 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) w/ AutoStick
2.4L Tigershark™ MultiAir® II				N/A
184 Horsepower plus 171 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Manual Transmission
2.4L Tigershark™ MultiAir® II				N/A
184 Horsepower plus 171 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Automatic Transmission

Each and every 2013 Dodge Dart comes equipped with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. A rearview camera is available, as are blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert.

According to a brake test, which was done by Edmunds.com, the Dart came to a stop from 60 mph in 118 feet, putting it among the best in the segment.

Click here to take a look at our exclusive Dodge Dart inventory.

Sources: Edmunds, Dodge, The Car Connection

Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter

2013-01-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

As the temps drop down into the single digits, we’re reminded that months of winter driving uncertainty has arrived. Your car needs extra preparation to make it through the winter, but getting ready is only half the battle. The extreme conditions that accompany a New England winter can do a great deal of damage to both the interior and exterior of your car. Winter driving conditions also mandate driving differently. Snow and ice need to be taken seriously and prepared for.

This winter, make sure your car is as prepared as you are with some tips on how to get your vehicle winter ready:

- Batteries are much weaker in cold weather, so keep your vehicle’s battery fully charged. A simple battery test can be performed by turning on your vehicle’s headlights before starting the engine. If you notice the lights get brighter once the engine is running, a more thorough battery test should be undertaken.

- Tires should have Mud & Snow or All Season tread and be in good condition. If the treads are worn, replace them. Better yet, exchange them for a set of snow tires, such as Bridgestone Blizzaks, which have treads that provide better traction and are equipped to handle extreme winter driving conditions.

- Check your tire pressure monthly during the winter. This is extremely important, especially when driving in winter conditions. Remember, your tire pressure will decrease faster in the cold weather.

Give us a call or stop in to learn more about winter tires.

- Swap out your carpeted floor mats with a set of water-resistant vinyl or rubber mats.

- Brakes should be checked and serviced if necessary. Even braking on all four wheels will lessen the chance of skids on slippery roads.

- Make sure your vehicle’s exhaust system has no leaks. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and can accumulate quickly in closed vehicles.

- Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and are working properly. Poor visibility is a major cause of accidents during the winter. Keep the windshield washer reservoir filled with antifreeze solvent and have a bottle of replacement fluid in your vehicle. Often in the winter, the windshield wiper fluid may freeze. Exchange the fluid with one made especially to spray in freezing conditions or with a deicing agent. Similarly, you may want to purchase winter wiper blades to cut through snow and ice instead of using regular ones throughout the year. Also, make sure to check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system. Sometimes, they get blocked by wax or debris. Use a needle or pin to clear blocked nozzles.

- Check the radiator, heater core and all hoses that carry anti-freeze solution to see that they are in good condition and free of leaks or wear. Visually inspect other fluid reservoirs in the engine compartment for leaks, as well, such as brakes, clutch, transmission fluid and oil.

- Check the coolant level, which may require looking at a marked level indicator on the overflow reservoir, or popping the radiator cap. Never check the coolant when the car is hot, as the cooling system operates under pressure and hot coolant will burn. A 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze is typically recommended for year-round driving, but check your owner’s manual for specifics. You can test the concentration of the coolant with a bulb gauge found at any auto parts store or have your mechanic do it.

- Make sure you have winter weight oil (usually 5W-30) in the engine.

- Make sure your headlights, taillights, back-up lights and signal lights (including your hazards) illuminate with a visual check.

- Road salt commonly used during winter can damage your car’s paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and coat of fresh wax will go a long way in preventing corrosion and keep your vehicle looking like new. Be sure to do the wash and wax before temps drop down below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A clean and freshly waxed car makes snow and ice easier to brush off.

- Keep the gas tank at least half full throughout the winter. This will reduce condensation, making your vehicle easier to start on cold mornings.

- Emergencies can happen when you least expect them, so be sure to carry a Winter Survival Kit in your vehicle. Your Winter Survival Kit should at least contain:

Several blankets and warm clothing, such as a jacket, boots, long underwear, heavy socks, mittens, ski mask and a winter hat.
A snow/ice scraper and a shovel.
Flares and/or a warning triangle.
A fire extinguisher, the 2 3/4-pound dry chemical type. The fire extinguisher should be kept in the front seat or in the glove compartment and not in the back, which is closer to the fuel tank.
A spare fuel can.
A light bulb kit and fuse range.
A first aid kit.
A source of heat, such as multiple wick candle can heater. It is best to also have matches to light your candle, because some lighters won’t work in extreme cold.
Water and a metal container suitable for melting ice or snow to be used for drinking water.
A radio and flashlight with an extra set of batteries.
Non-perishable snacks, such as granola bars, hard candy, jellybeans, raisins, nuts, candy bars, dehydrated fruit and jerky.
Something to read to help keep you awake.
A folding cup.
Toilet tissue.
Bright red or orange cloth and a whistle to signal help.
A cell phone, one for emergencies only.
Repair tools, such as pliers, wrenches, screw drivers and a pocket knife.
Tire chains, jumper cables, tow rope and gas line antifreeze.
For rear-wheel drive vehicles, you might want to keep a small bag of sand in your trunk to create traction under the tires if you get stuck. The bulk of a vehicle’s weight is the engine. If the car is driven by its rear wheels, instead of its front wheels, the heavy front end and light back end makes the car prone to slide around on ice or snow covered roads.

Even the best-maintained vehicles can break down or get involved in a slide-off, stranding or accident. A driver left stranded on the side of the road during warm months may be inconvenienced and frustrated, but safety is a serious concern in cold weather.

Stay warm and drive carefully!!

Used Car Buyers BEWARE!!

2013-01-08T12:58:00.000-05:00

"SHOW ME THE CARFAX!!!"

It is recommended that you always do your homework before buying ANY pre-owned vehicle - especially from a private seller. The first thing that you want to do is get a CARFAX report.

We subscribe to CARFAX to ensure that the vehicles for sale on our lot are all safe and reliable. We run a detailed CARFAX Vehicle History Report on each and every pre-owned vehicle to identify if the car has a salvage history, odometer fraud or flood damage. It helps us to keep undesirable vehicles out of our inventory and demonstrates that our cars are top notch. We offer free copies of the Vehicle History Reports - all you need to do is ask.

Hurricane Sandy-ravaged vehicles line the runways at Calverton Executive Airport on Long Island.

Taking the following extra precautions can help to save you both time and money when buying a used vehicle:

Buyers Beware! Most states require vehicle titles to indicate flood damage, however, some wholesalers may intentionally transfer titles to avoid having the damage noted and diminish the value of the car.
Looks can be deceiving. Although the car may look perfectly fine on the surface, there could be hidden defects that are not immediately noticable. Flood damage can compromise the car's computer and safety mechanisms, which can pose significant safety hazards to the new owner.
Do your own inspection. Take the time to inspect the car for yourself. Check the engine for a high water mark on the block or radiator and look for rust or corrosion on wires and other components under the hood. You should also be suspicious if the carpet smells damp and of mildew. These signs can be a clear indication that the car has been flooded.
Consider where you buy. Shop at a reputable dealership.
Ask questions. Before buying the car, ask the dealer to obtain a report with a detailed history of the car. You should also consider taking the car to a qualified mechanic to inspect the vehicle thoroughly.

New York & New Jersey - Crest Auto World Is Here To Help

2012-12-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

New York & New Jersey - Crest Auto World Is Here To Help

Due to the recent events of Hurricane Sandy, we know you are hurting but Crest Auto World is here to help! If you are in the market to replace your vehicle, due to a loss from the storm, we will pay for your one-way airfare from New York or New Jersey to Portland, Maine. We will pick you up in Portland, bring you back to our dealership and send you home in your new vehicle. It's that simple! Just go to our website to find the vehicle that you want, new or used, and we will take it from there. We have a wide selection of cars, trucks and SUV's for every budget. For additional information on this program, please give us a call at (603) 356-5401 or email us at sales@crestautoworld.com.

Dodge Ram 1500 named Motor Trend 'Truck of the Year'

2012-12-07T12:43:00.000-05:00

2013 Truck of the Year: Dodge Ram 1500

2013 Dodge Ram 1500

Yesterday, the editors over at Motor Trend Magazine, named the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 as its 2013 'Truck of the Year'. The magazine praised the re-engineered 2013 Ram 1500 for its trim levels, towing capacity, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, which include grille shutters and active air suspension. Ram has also redefined its powertrain options with more fuel efficient engines, which (optionally) can be bolted to the new, first-in-segment, eight-speed transmission. The much-celebrated Pentastar 3.6-Liter V-6 has replaced the old 3.7-Liter V-6. This new engine gives this already amazing pickup truck 42% more horsepower and 13% more torque. Don't mind us as we loudly *grunt* like Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor.

Motor Trend Magazines 'Truck of the Year' contenders are evaluated by Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value, and Performance of Intended Function. To be eligible, a vehicle must either be new or substantially changed. The Ram 1500's main rivals for this years award were the Ford F-150 pickup and the new large Nissan van. Edward Loh, Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend Magazine, wrote "The Ram 1500 not only withstood our rigorous testing, it impressed at every step along the way. Our judges were won over by the performance of Ram 1500's broad array of standard and optional equipment."

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Engine

The new eight-speed transmission will come standard on all V-6 models and will be optional on the V-8. For now, however, the V-8 is only available with the six-speed automatic, with the new transmission coming at a later date. While the 5.7-Liter Hemi V-8 isn't all-new, it has been revamped with variable valve timing and reinforced by more useful systems within the truck itself.

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Engine

This includes a remodeled cooling system, electric power steering, and an electrical system with pulse width modulation that more adequately uses power to lessen the load on the alternator. Together these enhancements have enabled the new 2013 Ram 1500 to claim the best fuel efficiency in its class, for both the V-6 and V-8 models.

The addition of air suspension in the 2013 Ram 1500 is a huge step for half-ton trucks. The materials used for these modern air springs are more resistant to tearing and puncture, and also resemble those that are used on modern luxury cars. The 1500's interior has also come a long way from work trucks of the past and now includes the next-generation Uconnect access system, which is brighter and shinier than ever. The main screen now measures 8.4 inches, is upgradable with apps, and can also provide an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Driver Cockpit

The minds of truck buyers have changed. The Ram 1500 has demonstrated its ability to cover the entire market and have come a long way from just the farm or job site. Ram has delivered a V-6 powered SLT on the efficient and luxurious side and a V-8 powered Sport, which leans more towards power and performance. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and can give you everything from a very basic work truck to a near-luxury vehicle with performance and off-road models falling somewhere in between.

For 2013, the Dodge Ram 1500 offers 12 different colors, including five new shades. Black Gold, Copperhead, Maximum Steel Metallic, Prairie and Western Brown are all new and available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab 4x4 Pickup in Maximum Steel Metallic

Which model will you choose? The Tradesman, Express, SLT, HFE, R/T, Big Horn, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie, or Laramie Longhorn. To compare all 2013 Ram 1500 models, click here. To view our 2013 Ram Inventory, click here.

Until the rest of the industry can catch up with Ram trucks in the half-ton segment, it would be a shame to pass this one up.

Sources: Allpar, Motor Trend, AOL Autos, Lincah, NetCarShow, Leforse and Ram Trucks

Chevrolet Volt Tops Consumer Reports’ Owner Satisfaction Survey For The Second Year

2012-12-04T11:58:00.001-05:00

The Chevrolet Volt topped Consumer Reports' Owner Satisfaction survey for the second year in a row, with 92 percent of respondents saying they would buy their cars again.

Apparently, if you buy a Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, you can get some satisfaction. The Volt topped Consumer Reports’ annual Owner Satisfaction survey for the second year in a row, with 92 percent of Volt owners saying they would buy another.

The survey asked owners the question: “Considering all factors (price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had it to do all over again?” More Volt owners answered “definitely yes” than the owners of any other car in the survey.

The Owner Satisfaction survey was conducted as part of the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey. The magazine received responses regarding 350,000 vehicles from 240 distinct model lines. The survey covered the 2010 through 2013 model years.

The Volt’s win was not the result of jingoism. The top scores were almost evenly split between domestic and foreign manufacturers. The top 44 models included 16 American, 14 European, and 14 Asian nameplates.

Other green cars that scored well included the Toyota Prius, Prius C, and Camry Hybrid, as well as the Nissan Leaf.

While owners are most satisfied with their Volts, the Chevy is not the green car Consumer Reports would recommend. The magazine’s editors noted that owner satisfaction is only one of three critical areas that a car needs to perform well in; the other two are road tests and reliability. Their best pick is the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The Volt may not have scored as well as the Camry in other areas, but its high owner satisfaction is still remarkable. The car known as General Motors’ moon shot has been in the media spotlight since its launch, garnering both positive and negative press.

The Volt won Motor Trend’s 2011 Car of the Year and Automobile Magazine’s 2011 Automobile of the Year awards. However, it was also criticized for its high, $39,145 base price (before a $7,500 federal tax credit) and spartan four-seat interior.

The Volt’s sales have been equally schizophrenic. Earlier this year, production was stopped due to low demand. In the first ten months into 2012 (November numbers aren’t in yet), Chevy sold 19,309 Volts, compared to 5,003 sold between January and October 2011.

Last year was the Volt’s first full year of sales, but the month-to-month numbers have also been on the rise. Chevy sold 1,108 Volts in October 2011, and 2,961 in October 2012.

Story by Stephen Edelstein at Digital Trends on December 3, 2012

Drive On: Black Is Back At Dodge

2012-11-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

Black is back in a big way when it comes to Dodge.

Just as Jeep scored with its all-blacked-out Altitude series of vehicles, Chrysler Group's Dodge division is betting that its equally noir editions of the Avenger, Challenger R/T and Charger R/T to its Blacktop lineup.

They are the Dodge Blacktop vehicles, joining one that's already out there, the Charger SXT Blacktop.

Everything is black -- paint, wheels, crosshair-style grille, spoilers and yes, um, even the tires. The bezels over the headlights aren't black, strictly speaking, but they are darkened. The package starts at $595 in addition to the price of the vehicle.

"The Blacktop package on the Dodge Charger has proven to be a resounding success by combining a customized one-of-a-kind appearance with great value -- a trademark of the Dodge Brand," said Reid Bigland, the Dodge brand's CEO.

They are not entirely about looks. The Avenger comes with Blacktop features inside, such as a six-speed automatic transmission with an "Auto Stick" feature. For another $400, Avenger Blacktop comes with premium leather and heated seats.

Their color? Let us guess.

Click here to see our available Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram inventory.

Story by Chris Woodyard at USA TODAY on November 7, 2012