Handy Auto Guide

The 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T wagon has been reviewed over at Auto Week. 'The Caliber is Chrysler’s first compact to offer all-wheel drive, stability control, standard side-curtain airbags and a slew of innovative interior features. Among those features, there’s the optional ChillZone, a mini fridge tucked into the glovebox to cool beverages in air-conditioner-equipped Calibers; lighted front cupholders; a removable self-recharging flashlight in the headliner of R/T and SXT models; and connectivity for electronic devices like the iPod.

Motor Authority has posted a preview of Chrysler's 2008 Dodge Magnum models. 'Chrysler has taken the wraps off its new 2008 Dodge models, with the first being the Dodge Magnum, which has had a minor restyling as well as the introduction of an updated SRT model. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is more menacing than ever with a completely redesigned hood, grille, front fascia and a functional performance hood scoop.

CNET have reviewed the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica Limited luxury-crossover wagon. 'A few years before automakers started jumping into the "hot" crossover market, Chrysler launched the Pacifica, which lay somewhere between a minivan and an SUV. Although not the first SUV to be built on a car platform, the Chrysler Pacifica is the forerunner to highly touted new cars such as the Mazda CX-7, the Acura RDX, and the Mercedes-Benz R-class. For our review, we had a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica Limited with seating for six. In a lot of ways, the car is like a big, luxurious wagon, with seats that can fold down to make room for cargo.

Drive Arabia have published their review of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8. 'The Grand Cherokee is styled sharply, ignoring the doe-eyed headlights of course, and makes a good candidate for a makeover as a hyper-4WD. For the SRT-8, Jeep lowered the suspension and added a low front lip spoiler, massive 20-inch rims and centre-mounted dual exhaust tips to complete the mild makeover. The Grand Cherokee is manageable in size, and the monochromatic body is littered with bits of chrome, though we were more concerned about that lower-than-low front lip spoiler scraping something or the other, which thankfully didn't happen.

CNET have published their review of the 2007 Chrysler Aspen Limited SUV. 'Chrysler took pains to incorporate its family design language into the contours of its first full-size SUV. But what works so well on a car like the 300, and even what works sort of acceptably on a car such as the Crossfire, doesn't necessarily scale up to Cadillac Escalade proportions. The Aspen is the most derivative Chrysler Group product in some time, looking like a bloated minivan and wearing cues like the hood strakes and the massive grille and wing emblem uncomfortably.

A review of the 2008 Jeep Liberty has been posted over at the Auto Moto Search Engine. 'All-new 2008 Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4×4 heritage.Improved on-road ride and handling with new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems All-new Jeep classic exterior styling, functional interior space and upgraded amenities designed to broaden its appeal to consumers. Industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-open canvas roof. The Jeep Liberty has remained a leader in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market since its introduction in 2002. The popular mid-size SUV gives off-road enthusiasts and owners their own sense of personal freedom and capability that only defines the Jeep brand.'

CNET have published a review of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited convertible. 'As a convertible car, the Sebring looks pretty good, at first glance. As we spent more time in it, we noticed too much cheap material in the cabin and some very iffy construction. The car has more than adequate power, but its handling doesn't make it very usable. The automatic transmission is also rough. The electronics present a brighter picture. Our test car came with the same stereo as the Jeep Unlimited we had in previously, and it can also be optioned up with the MyGig navigation/entertainment system.'

A review of the Dodge Nitro 3.7 R/T SUV has been posted over on Wheels24. ‘Within the Nitro, several elements have been borrowed from its Jeep and Chrysler cousins which formed part of the former DaimlerChrysler alliance. Nitro shares its basic architecture with the upcoming Jeep Cherokee and its facia could literally have been lifted from any of the Jeep or Chrysler products. Despite the obligatory hard and robust plastics and ginormous steering wheel, trim levels are high on the range-topping R/T model. Comfort levels are less satisfying, though. Seats, though clad in leather, are shallow and the lack of height adjustment (or reach adjustment for the steering wheel) makes them horribly uncomfortable. I could blame my short stature, but the problem was also experienced by taller colleagues.’

BusinessWeek.com have published a review of 2008 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. 'A big plus for the '08 Dakota is its new 4.7 liter, 302-horsepower V8, the only V8 available in this class of pickup. The engine has 31% more horsepower and 13% more torque than the Dakota's previous V8—while also being more fuel-efficient. A V8-powered 2008 Dakota Laramie four-by-four with a big crew cab is rated to get 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway. In 274 miles of mixed driving, I got a respectable 16.5 mpg. That isn't stellar fuel economy, obviously. But the V8 Dakota nearly matches an entry-level Dakota with a less powerful 3.7 liter, 210 horsepower V6, which is rated to get 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway.'

BusinessWeek have published a review of the Chrysler Tony Town & Country minivan. ‘The new Town & Country makes Chrysler again highly competitive with Toyota (TM) and Honda (HMC) in minivans. It comes in three trim levels: the LX, starting at $23,190; the mid-range Touring, starting at $28,430; and that the fancy Limited starting at $36,400. Whichever version you go with, it will have a lower base price than the previous model and comes with more standard equipment.

The Independent have published a review of the Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 CRD LX. ‘But where the Grand Voyager lacks in pace, it more than compensates in comfort for the passengers seated inside the vast cabin. The Yanks are improving their interiors and, although it’s still a generation away from German manufacturing, the commitment to improving materials and workmanship is there to be seen. There are acres of head and legroom for all seven occupants – even those in the last row of seats – and there’s more leather here than you’ll find in a DFS showroom. Remove the two seats in the second row, fold the third row flat, and this MPV takes on the dimensions of a two-man removal van.’