Dodge Phoenix Reviews

But peak motoring body the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries believes consumers are confused enough to warrant a broad-ranging education program about what ESC is and what it does.The Transport Accident Commission has already been running an ad highlighting the merits of curtain airbags and ESC. It has been endeavouring to lift awareness among buyers about what they do, via websites like howsafeisyourcar.com.au.But with Victoria moving ahead for the compulsory fitting of ESC to all passenger cars from January, the FCAI believes now is the time to increase awareness among car buyers.Despite TAC's efforts some carmakers like Honda believe consumers are still confused by the different acronyms used to describe the various systems. However, FCAI spokesman, James Goodwin, believes it will be difficult to mandate a single naming strategy."It comes down to marketing," he says. "All systems are different to some degree."Goodwin also believes it would cost too much to standardise the terminology on imported cars because the volumes are relatively small. Carmakers use different terms for the proprietary electronic stability program invented by Bosch and co-developed with Mercedes-Benz.Subaru Australia spokesman, David Rowley, says Subaru's own research shows a higher awareness among buyers of its own electronic stability control system, called vehicle dynamic control."Our customers tend to look in depth at the features of our cars," Rowley says. He backs an education program as “something worth considering" but balks at a name change. "A lot a brands have invested a lot of intellectual time in creating a point of difference with their various stability systems," he says.What they call it -Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Holden, HSV, JeepElectronic Stability Program (ESP) - Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Renault, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Skoda, Peugeot, SuzukiDynamic Stability Control (DSC) - Ford, FPV, BMW, Mazda, Land Rover, Aston Martin, JaguarVehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) - ToyotaVehicle Stability Control (VSC) - LexusVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) - Nissan, SubaruDynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) - VolvoElectronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) - Audi, VolkswagenActive Stability Control (ASC) - MitsubishiVehicle Stability Assist (VSA)- HondaAutomatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)  MiniMaserati Stability Program (MSP) - MaseratiPorsche Stability Management (PSM) - PorscheStability and Traction Control - FiatStabiliTrak -Hummer

The American maker is now controlled by Fiat, which is helping to develop a fleet of new vehicles which use its engine and chassis technology for sales from 2012. But that has not stopped Chrysler group rushing new features, extra equipment and better quality into 15 re-worked vehicles for 2010."Our local product team is working closer than ever with the factory to come up with revised or all-new models for our market which we're hoping to see in the near future," says Jerry Stamoulis, spokesman for Chrysler in Australia. As the top performing right-hand drive market for Chrysler, there has been a strong emphasis placed on our market to help lift international sales over the next five years."He says the first of the updated models is already in showrooms and the most important, the all-new Grand Cherokee, will be revealed this year ahead of sales in 2010. "The Grand Cherokee will be the first vehicle in Australia to be available with the all-new Pentastar V6 petrol engine," Stamoulis says. The Jeep Patriot has already had an interior update and similar work will be finished soon on the Dodge Caliber, which comes in the third quarter of this year."Other immediate changes to our line-up are that all Dodge Journey models receive, as standard, active head restraints and the 5.7L Hemi V-8 in the Chrysler 300C receives variable valve timing and an additional 15 kiloWatts, which lifts power to 265kW," Stamoulis says.Apart from the Pentastar V6, various Chrysler models will also get a six-speed, Fiat dual-clutch gearbox. It will be seen first in a re-worked Chrysler Sebring, which also gets updated body styling, a new interior and revised suspension for better ride and handling. The Jeep Wrangler also gets a styling tweak this year, as well as stop-start technology on its diesel engines.

It was love at first sight when he laid his eyes on the 1929 Dodge DA Sports Roadster under the Camp Hill House of 1920s Australian rugby league rep John Hunt.  For years Day pleaded to buy the car, but Hunt rejected his offer of $200 because he thought it was too much. Hunt also wanted to keep it for his children and refused to part with it, even though it had been parked on blocks since 1964.  But the courtship continued.  "I kept in touch with them for years," Day said. "I used to take bags of stamps to (wife) Marjorie because I knew she collected them. "While I was there I would wipe the Dodge down with an oily rage to keep it from rusting, turn the engine over and pour oil into it."  When Hunt died, Marjorie found their three children were not interested in restoring the car, so she sold it to Day. "Twenty-one years after I first saw it, I finally managed to buy it," he said. "But I had to pay $10,750 in 1989.  I brought it home and had it running that same day." Day's loving ground-up restoration reaped rewards with the car becoming grand champion at the Cleveland Auto Spectacular and class winner at Motorfest in 2007.  "These days I'm more interested in driving it and enjoying it than competing at shows," he said. Day took a hobby course in panel beating and spray painting in 1974 and put his new-found skills to good use restoring a 1929 Dodge Victory Six sedan which he bought for $75 and sold in 1990 for $30,000 after spending about $4000 on restoration and countless hours of his time.He also had a 1915 Model T Ford and 1929 Buick Roadster which he sold to buy the Dodge Roadster. "It's actually the Sports Roadster which had the all-steel American body, rumble seat, six wire wheels, side door for golf clubs and chrome trim around the dickie seat," he says.  Day did all the restoration work except for the leather trim and canvas roof. "It runs very nicely. Smooth for an old car," he says.  "It will cruise at 50mph (80km/h), although it only gets about 18mpg (13L/100km).  The Roadster features a 208 cubic inch (3.4-litre), 63 horsepower (47kW) straight-six engine with three-speed stick shift. Its starting sequence is like prepping an aircraft: Pull out the manifold heat control knob to warm the carby in the cold weather, retard the spark, apply a little hand throttle on the steering wheel, pull out the choke if necessary, turn the ignition key on and pull the starter button.  Once it kicks into life you advance the spark again. Easy. The car has several nifty features such as the "Westclox" clock in the rearview mirror with a pull-cord to wind it up and an "Aermore" exhaust whistle that features butterfly valves in the exhaust to create a "steam train" effect.  "It's loud as," Day says. "It's just a hoon device, kind of like those musical horns you can get.  "It wasn't a standard feature on the car and it won't work at the moment because it's gummed up." Day drives the vehicle about twice a month, less in the summer heat.  "There's no airconditioning of course, but there are air vents by your feet and the windscreen folds down flat," he said. "After all that work I've put in, I don't anticipate ever selling it.  "I wouldn't know what it is worth, anyhow."  However, the vehicle is insured for $50,000.

Marketed by California company WaterCar, and christened the Python, this amphibian was developed by custom car builder Dave March from a Dodge Ram. Reportedly it’s fast enough to tow water skiers.

Up to nine Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models could be axed or redesigned by 2012, according to details leaked of a new Chrysler-Fiat business plan.  However, Chrysler Australia is taking a wait-and-see approach to changes proposed this week by new Chrysler-Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne.Marchionne is heading up one of the biggest product shakeouts in Chrysler's history to resurrect the embattled US carmaker.  But Chrysler Australia's general manager marketing and product strategy, Craig Bradshaw, says it is too early to assess the local fallout any proposed changes.  Chrysler Australia is taking a "wait and see" approach, he says."We have to wait to assess the impact on our local market," he says.  Bradshaw says the company has no advance information of Marchionne's proposed changes.  Some of the proposed changes have been already leaked by the Wall Street Journal in North America.  It says that Chrysler's North American model lineup will be slashed to make way for more Fiat-based cars.Some new Chrysler models will share Fiat platforms in an effort to cut costs and harmonise production processes.  The cars expected to die are the Chrysler Sebring, PT Cruiser, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger as well as three Jeep off-roaders, the Compass, Patriot and Commander.The survivors are said to be the Chrysler 300C sedan, Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler.  Although the list of Chrysler's facing the chop is long, some like the Sebring and Avenger, are expected to morph into new Fiat-based cars.Under the new Chrysler-Fiat regime, known as Chrysler Group LLC, Alfa Romeo and Fiat are expected to return to America as soon as 2012.  Fiat was phased out in North America in the 1980s because of poor quality and reliability problems. Alfa Romeo discon tinued marketing cars there in 1995.Chrysler will continue to build its performance cars and pickup trucks while Fiat is expected to build a range of smaller fuel-efficient European-style models for the US market.  Locally Chrysler Australia is a factory owned distributor but still shares some backroom operations with Daimler.Daimler severed its ties with Chrysler in 2007 and the US carmaker was subsequently purchased by private equity group Cerberus Capital Management before Fiat stepped in last year.Chrysler's Asia-Pacific business, including Australia, is one of the few bright spots, despite Chrysler and Jeep sales being down 30 per cent this year.  Australia is Chrysler's largest right-hand-drive market and the No.1 Jeep Wrangler market outside North America.

...the Dodge Viper proved so popular that orders were taken even before the show had finished. Surprised by the overwhelming public reaction, Chrysler Corporation – led by Bob Lutz - had to quickly bash together a plan that would turn the show car into a limited production sports car in three years. In May of the following year after months of testing, Chrysler announced that the V10 Dodge Viper was going ahead. The back-to-basics, high performance American built sports car began production in May 1992. Since then, over 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built. First generation SR (1992-1995) Although it became available to the public in 1992 as the RT/10 roadster, two pre-production models were ready in 1991 and used as pace cars in the Indianapolis 500 of that year. The original engine was a concern for some because it was an alloy version of the then-current Dodge V10 truck engine and doubters worried that it was unsuitable for a sportscar. But at the time, Chrysler weren’t prepared to fork out more cash to modify the motor in a vehicle that hadn’t yet proved itself as profitable. Made with a tubular steel frame and some fibreglass panelling, the two-door roadster was very basic. It had no anti-lock brakes or traction control and parts of the suspension were sourced from another truck, the dodge Dakota pickup. It became apparent that the major focus was on the Vipers engine, and the numbers were impressive. Performance Power: 300kW at 4600rpm and 630Nm at 3600rpm Transmission: six speed manual Fuel: 12l/100km(highway), 20l/100km(city) 0-100km/h: 4.6 seconds Quarter mile: 13.1 seconds Top speed: 290km/h Second generation SR (1996-2002) The family started to grow in 1996 with the introduction of the GTS – again the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500. Apart from a slightly higher roof to enable the driver and passenger to wear hemets, and a few other small exterior modifications, it looked like a Viper from the outside. But this time Chrysler felt more confident and realised the new model needed significant reductions in weight and a chassis design to increase stiffness and strength, and to improve aerodynamics. With the addition of a revised suspension system and a lighter engine, the 27kg lighter coupe substantially increased its grip and speed, inviting comparisons to the Porsche 911 GT2 and the Ferrari 550, although the Viper’s brakes let it down on the track. Airbags were added to the GTS in 1996 and the RT/10 in 1997. In 1999, 18inch alloy wheels became available and in 2001, ABS was fitted. In 2002 a limited release of ‘Final Edition’ models were produced – they were all red with two white racing stripes. It was exported to Europe in 1997 and was sold as a Chrysler until 2003. The RT/10 was replaced by the SRT-10 in 2003 and the GTS was replaced by the SRT-10 coupe in 2005. Performance (GTS) Power: 340kW Transmission: six speed manual 0-100km/h: 4.0 seconds Quarter mile: 12.2 seconds Top speed: 310km/h Third generation ZB (2003-2006) In 2003, more weight reductions and power increases for the convertible SRT-10, along with a major exterior design pushed the Dodge Viper to a new level. The angular shape set it apart visually and an even stiffer and lighter chassis and a more powerful engine made it even faster and stronger. A Mamba edition with black interior and red stitching was introduced at a cost of around US$3000 but only 200 of these cars were produced. The SRT-10 coupe – introduced as a 2006 model - looked a lot more like its predecessor and the chassis was untouched but power was again increased. The fourth generation Viper took a little longer than expected to prepare so the 2006 model ran through 2007. Performance (SR-10 coupe)Power: 380kW at 5600rpm and 725Nm at 4200rpm Transmission: T56 Tremec six speed manual 0-100km/h: 3.94 seconds Quarter mile: 11.77 seconds Top speed: 315km/h Fourth generation ZB (2008-present) A 510 cubic inch, 8.4 litre V10 engine was introduced in 2008 with the latest of the Dodge Viper examples. Like in the first generation, the engine is once again a major part of the new Dodge Viper. There are better flowing heads and larger valves and the electric engine controller has ten times more processing power than before. To a lesser extent the transmission has also been replaced with a unit that now has triple first gear synchronisers that doubles for higher gears, and the exhaust system has been modified. Performance upgrades including speed-sensing limited slip differential and the removal of run-flat tyres have enabled the Viper to remain flatter while cornering. Performance (base)Power: 450kW at 6000rpm and 760Nm at 5600rpm Transmission: Tremec TR6060 six speed manual 0-100km/h: 3.5 seconds Quarter mile: 10.92 seconds Top speed: 325km/h VariantsViper GT2 Viper ACR Mopar Concept Coupe Firepower Copperhead      

And what about a Chrysler 200C with a Lancia badge? Or a Jeep wrapped inside a softroader Fiat? This is just some of the speculation as Chrysler re-organises and re- finances for a new future in a joint venture partnership with Fiat of Italy. No-one really knows what is going to happen on the product front, but the two brands are aiming for a Renault-Nissan type of global alliance once Chrysler's financial troubles are addressed through the bankruptcy proceedings. It means cars like the Renault Koleos — a Nissan X-Trail in French clothes with European chassis tweaking — could easily become a reality, as well as Fiat returning in force to American showrooms thanks to its Chrysler connection. "This partnership transforms Chrysler into a vibrant new company with a wealth of strategic advantages," says the CEO of Chrysler, Bob Nardelli. In Australia, the Chrysler-Fiat move is not expected to create any short-term changes. "The term 'bankruptcy' means different things from country to country, and it's important to understand that this Chapter 11 filing does not mean Chrysler is going to disappear. Rather, it is a positive step forward in the on-going improvement of the Chrysler organisation," says the head of Chrysler Group Australia, Gerry Jenkins. He says the move into Chapter 11 will mean a speedy re-structure and a stronger company at the end of the process. "The path forward for our parent company is now clear. A new company will emerge in just 30-60 days that is lean and well-structured to meet the current and future demands of our customers in Australia and New Zealand. "I'm very excited about the opportunities provided by the strategic alliance with Fiat and the other changes within our business. I've been with Chrysler for 30 of its 80-year history, and the future has never looked brighter." Jenkins confirms the strength of Chryler in Australia, although he admits there is no detail yet on linking with Fiat. "Our customers have to know we're here. We're live and vibrant and we're here," he says. "International is not affected by the chapter 11. Not only are we profitable in Australia, but we're the strongest right-hand drive market and very well positioned. We've increased our maket share in a very, very challenging market. "Time will tell exactly how we position ourselves in Australia. I don't know what the future holds in that regard. We'll see how we bring some synergies going forward."

It's even better for a family van, since every family is some sort of journey and every family trip becomes a journey.So Chrysler did the name game exactly right with its latest people mover, and there is a lot of other stuff to like about the American seven-seater.For a start, the styling is a cross between an SUV and a people mover, with a chunky nose that is typical of Dodge and a pumped-up body that looks a little like an over-inflated Holden Zafira. So it's not a giant spaceship and it doesn't promise off-road ability it can never deliver.Dodge describes the Journey as a two-box design and it is built up with a stretch of the mechanical package from its mid-sized Sebring sedan. That means it is also comfortable with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine or a 2-litre turbodiesel.There is good space and a lost of smart thinking from slide-fold-tilt seats that maximise the cabin space and make access easy to little touches on the comfort, fun and storage fronts.The pricing is reasonable, too, and from $36,990 it even undercuts the class leading Kia Carnival as well as benchmarks like the Toyota Avensis and Tarago. Chrysler Group prefers to have it considered against the Toyota Kluger, Holden Captiva and Ford Territory, which shows the range of contenders for today's big mixed families."This is a unique vehicle that will appeal to a crowd of consumers who want a reasonably priced, fuel efficient vehicle with seven seats today - not tomorrow," says Chrysler chief, Gerry Jenkins.He has solid sales hopes for the Journey, nothing outrageous, although its a vehicle which could easily become a cult hit in the same way as the PT Cruiser. It's not retro in the styling like the PT, but different enough to have cut-through on the school run and in touch with the needs of families in 2009.That is reflected in the list of optional equipment as much as the basic design of the Journey. The car comes with all sorts of storage nooks and cupholders and safety gear and the rest, but the options list runs to a master-blaster MyGIG sound system with huge built-in storage for $3250, a rear video screen - with headsets - for $1500 and rear parking camera at $400.Those are the sort of things that every Journey on a journey really needs.The diesel is a good idea, too, for long-distance travel with fuel economy in the 7 litres/100km range, although lots of people will prefer the 136 kiloWatts that comes with the V6.Either way, its a vehicle which provides a different set of solutions to the same family transport questions which are common in Australia - and around the world.DRIVING:On paper, and sitting in the driveway, the Journey looks like a smart choice.It ticks the boxes for space, value, safety and equipment and it looks tougher than any traditional people mover. So that should be the bottom line …But, before I get too carried away, it has some flaws.The quality is not up to Japanese scratch, even though it has improved from earlier Chrysler work, the tail is a bit pinched for people and luggage space, but - most important - it falls down on the driving front.When I first sat in the Journey I expected Forrest Gump to drop down beside me.It has nothing to do with the Dodge's home country, or a Tom Hanks obsession, but the size and shape of the seats. They feel more like a park bench.The best thing I can say about the seats is that they do not get any worse on a long trip. But they don't get any better.The Journey tester also came with the turbodiesel engine package and, despite excellent fuel economy, it never seemed completely happy. It's noisy at idle, takes a long time to run freely in the morning, and has an unhappy link between the engine and gearbox.It often takes too long for the engine to hit its sweet sport and the transmission, although a smart design which can be controlled manually, can struggle to find the right gear.But there is good stuff. And lots of it.The body has plenty of space and lots and lots of flexibility, there is huge storage, the optional MyGIG and rear video screen are excellent, and so is the rear-view camera. They should be on the shopping list for anyone considering a Journey.It's also great to watch the onboard trip computer logging fuel use at less than 10 litres/100km around town, with much better on the highway.But you still have to put the Journey up against its rivals, and then the choices get much tougher.It does not drive as well as a Ford Territory or a Toyota Kluger, although the value is great and so is the space. Although it's much trendier than a Kia Carnival, it's not as big and not as cheap. And compared with a Holden Captiva diesel it's not as good to drive.But, despite the questions created by its rivals, the Journey answers the needs of family motoring and has the advantage of a diesel. As well as a chunky look that does not shout people mover at the shops.PRICE: $52,140 (Dodge Journey R/T CRD as tested, MyGIG, video, rear camera)ENGINE: 2-litre turbodieselPOWER: 103kW/4000revsTORQUE: 310Nm/1750-2500revsTRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 

Yesterday the storm clouds lifted with the announcement that Italian carmaking giant Fiat had thrown a lifeline to the embattled Chrysler Group in the US.Both have signed a global agreement to share models, design, engineering and distribution networks.The CEO of Fiat Group, Sergio Marchionne said the partnership "is a great fit as it creates the potential for a powerful, new global competitor".Jenkins said the alliance would also give some security and vision for the future."I see pluses on both sides," he said.Under the terms, Fiat will take a 35 per cent equity stake in Chrysler, which also includes Dodge and Jeep.Fiat will also provide distribution capabilities in key growth markets, as well as substantial cost savings.The deal is a key element of Chrysler's viability plan and will provide access to Fiat's small car platforms, engines and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites.Chrysler, the third biggest carmaker in the US, has been dodging questions about a possible sale, asset sell-offs or alliances for months.The company is majority owned by private investment group Cerberus Capital Management, which has no carmaking experience.Analysts see the move as a strategic life-raft for the embattled US business.At the recent Detroit Motor Show, Chrysler vice chairman and president, Tom LaSorda, even went as far as to say that the iconic Jeep brand was not for sale.Fiat has been very successful in executing its own restructuring over the past several years.In addition, Fiat will provide management services supporting Chrysler's submission of a viability plan to the US Treasury as required.The alliance will also allow Fiat and Chrysler to take advantage of each other's networks and rationalise their respective manufacturing footprint and global supplier base.The alliance will be consistent with the terms of the US Treasury financing to Chrysler, which includes contributing to the company's restructuring effort.The deal is still subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals, including the US Treasury.Fiat does not intend making a cash investment in Chrysler or commit to funding Chrysler in the future.Over the past five years Fiat has signed several alliances and partnerships with leading carmakers and automotive suppliers.The chairman and CEO of Chrysler, Bob Nardelli said the benefits are huge."Including access to products that compliment our current portfolio; a distribution network outside North America; and cost savings in design, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and sales and marketing," he said.Chrysler has previously has held alliances with Daimler, Mitsubishi and American Motors (Renault).