By Darlene Donloe
THE CAR: DODGE
DART GT
Coming
in well under $30K, the 2015 Dodge Dart gives you a lot of bang for your
buck. It rides as well as can be
expected, has lots of room and is surprisingly stylish.
The
car, which has received top safety scores, offers optional electronics
interface. The sound system is actually quite nice.
The
touchscreen adds Android smartphone compatibility for Bluetooth phones and
streaming music, as well as USB connectivity to play music from the device.
However, the CD player is no longer standard. In fact, it’s now a stand-alone
option available on certain trims.
VEHICLE AT A
GLANCE: Engine: 2.4-Liter; Transmission: 6-Speed Powertech Automatic
Transmission; advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental front seat-mounted
side airbags, 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Disc Power Brakes, Brake Assist, All Speed
Traction Control, electronic roll mitigation, remote proximity keyless entry,
front seat reactive headrests, Parkview Rear Back-Up Camera; Interior Features: radio 8.4 AM/FM/SAT/MP3,
Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, 8.4-inch Touch Screen Display, premium
instrument cluster with tachometer, auto-dimming rearview mirror with
microphone, Sirius XM Satellite Radio w/1 yr. radio subscription, IPod control,
Speed Control, automatic headlamps, power 4-way driver lumbar adjust
MSRP: $26,370
FUEL ECONOMY:
26/31
THE DRIVE:
Pleasant
THE DONLOE
SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (oh, yeah)
and E (excellent), the Dodge Dart GT
gets an O (oh, yeah)
THE CAR: JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE ALTITUDE 4X4
You can’t look
any cooler than when you’re driving a Jeep. It’s called swag! Be the envy of every other car on the street.
It looks rugged, while staying stylish and it’s hip. It looks good and handles well. It’s a great, smooth ride! Whether you’re a cowboy or a Wall Street
banker, you will look good driving a JEEP.
Why? Maybe it’s the inclusion of blacked-out Jeep and Grand Cherokee
badging, bumper panels, the grille, or maybe it’s the 20-inch glossy black aluminum
alloy wheels. There is an upscale
interior and a convincing and fuel-efficient engine
lineup. Maybe it’s the full package.
Jeep makes it all look good!!!
Ever since
2011 when it was introduced, the JEEP has managed to turn heads while becoming
a brand favorite. This five-passenger
SUV has a 290-horsepower and 260 lbs-ft or torque. The Jeep has plenty of
towing capability and is perfect for off-roading. The SUV’s competition includes the lower-priced
Nissan Murano, Toyota 4Runner and even the Ford Edge.
VEHICLE AT A
GLANCE: Engine: 3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 Engine; Transmission: 8-speed
paddle-shift automatic transmission; Quadra-Trac I 4WD System, advanced
multistage front airbags, driver inflatable knee bolster airbag, LATCH Ready
child seat anchor system, electronic stability control, hill start assist,
trailer sway damping, cruise control, keyless Enter-N-Go, ready alert braking.
Interior Features: Uconnect 5.0
AM/FM/BT, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, 6 speakers, 7-inch LCD
instrument cluster with Tachometer, rearview mirror with microphone, remote USB
Port, towing capacity 6,200 lbs.
MSRP: $40,830
FUEL ECONOMY:
19/24
THE DRIVE:
Fantastic!
THE DONLOE
SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (oh, yeah)
and E (excellent), the Jeep Grand
Cherokee Altitude 4X4 gets an E (Exceptional)
THE CAR: 2015
GRAND CARAVAN SXT PLUS
Ok, full
disclosure! You are not going to look
like the cool dad or the cool mom in the Dodge Grand Caravan. However, you will
look like a smart driver. That alone may
not get you any street cred with your teens, but you’ll be cool amongst the other
mom and dads. Surprisingly, this recently
updated, behemoth minivan doesn’t ride like a big clunker. It’s actually rides
much smoother than I anticipated. The spacious, upscale interior is also
pleasant and is perfect for any large group of family. If you want to make the
minivan kid-friendly, you can order a Blue-Ray dual-screen DVD system.
When it comes to
competition, the Dodge Grand Caravan is an OG (original gangster), going up against
the Nissan Quest, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna.
VEHICLE AT A
GLANCE: 3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT
Engine. Transmission: 6-Speed automatic 62TE Transmission; power liftgate,
right power sliding door left power sliding door, advanced multistage front
airbags, driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag, remote start, power liftgate,
automatic tri-zone climate control, LATCH ready child seat anchor system,
daytime running lamps, anti-lock 4-wheel heavy duty disc brakes, electronic
stability control, active head restraints, keyless entry with immobilizer,
power door locks, 20-gallon fuel tank, fuel optimizer calibration, trailer sway
damping, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim around the windows, fog lights,
leatherette seats, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, Uconnect handsfree group,
Sirius XM radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and Bluetooth connectivity with
voice commands.
MSRP: $33,865
FUEL ECONOMY:
20/17
THE DRIVE:
Surprisingly smooth!
THE DONLOE
SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (oh, yeah)
and E (excellent), the Grand Caravan SXT
Plus gets an O (oh, yeah)
