2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Review

The 2007 Dodge Ram trucks comprise a series of workhorse vehicles that include the 1500 models, which are available in nine configurations in both regular and a quad cab bodies as both 4x2s and 4x4s. The 3500 Chassis trucks (also in regular and crew cab) come in five configurations.

The MSRPs for the 1500 regular cabs are: SUT ($22,170), SLUT ($25,380), Sport ($30,690), and TRUX4 Off-Road ($30,200.) The 1500 quad cabs are: SUT ($26,240), SLUT ($28,900), Laramie ($34,085), Sport ($33,860), and TRUX4 Off-Road ($33,370). The 3500 regular cabs are: SUT ($22,535) and SLUT ($25,905). The quad cabs are: the SUT ($25,285), SLUT ($28,865), and Laramie ($33,280).

Available engines range from 3.7 to 5.7 liters, 6 to 8 cylinders, 12 to 16 valves, and 215 to 330 hp. The basic 1500 ST models have a 3.7 liter Magnum V6 while the SLTs jump to a 4.7 liter V8. The Laramies are equipped with a 5.7 liter HEMI V8 with 330 hp. All the 3500 models come standard with the 5.7 HEMI V8.

The 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 has a gross combined weight rating of 24,000 pounds. The 3500s, which have a commercial-grade frame, have a payload capacity of 6,650 lbs. and can tow up to 16,600 pounds.

2007 Dodge Nitro Review

The 2007 Dodge Nitro, an SUV in the mid-size range, is offered in three models: the SXT ($19,885), SLT ($23,295), and the R/T ($25,970). The SXT is outfitted with a 3.7 liter, 210 horsepower V6 with a six-speed manual transmission and a sport-tuned suspension. The SLT has a 3.7 liter, 210 horsepower V6 with a four-speed automatic (and the same suspension) while the R/T has a 4 liter, 260 horsepower V6 with a five-speed automatic and a suspension classes as performance tuned. (Both 4x2 and 4x4 are available on all models.)

The Nitro offers 40.6 inches of head room front with 40.8 rear. Leg room is 40.8 and 37.7 respectively. Maximum seating capacity is five with an overall interior passenger volume measuring 103.3 cubic feet. Maximum towing capacity when the proper equipment has been installed is 5,000 lbs. Each model shields occupants with a multiple layer of airbags covering the driver and front passenger deployed by a sensing system. Similar technology to detect rollovers and curtain bags in the side position complete the safety coverage.

On the 2007 Dodge Nitro there is an option for a MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System. This package includes SIRIUS Satellite Radio with a subscription duration of one year and is outfitted with a 6.5 inch, full-color screen that is touch sensitive. The GPS component is voice controlled and both DVD playback and a USB port are present. The port facilitates the downloading and storage of digital media files including photographs and music to the unit's internal 20 gigabyte hard drive.

2007 Dodge Magnum Review

The 2007 Dodge Magnum is available in four models: the SE ($23,620), the SXT ($27,530), R/T ($31,715), and the SRT8 ($38,345). The Magnum AWD is offered as the SXT for $26,960 and the R/T for $33,715.

The SE is outfitted with a 2.7 liter, 24-valve V6 with 190 horsepower as a four-speed automatic. Both SXT models have a 3.5 liter V6 with 250 horsepower while the R/Ts have a 340 horsepower, 5.7 liter HEMI. The SRT8 comes with a 6.1 liter HEMI with 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque.

The Magnum's rigid body design is augmented by comprehensive multiple stage air bags providing maximum protection for the occupants. Bags in the curtain position for side occupants front and rear are available. The Magnum offers exceptional driver and front passenger comfort with manual adjustments to the lumbar support and overall eight-level adjustment of the heated seats.

The 2007 Dodge Magnum had a standard combo audio unit with a jack for auxiliary input. The premium audio option is a Boston Acoustics unit with 276-watt amplifier. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is available as an option installed at the factory and carries a subscription period of one year.

2007 Dodge Dakota Review

Six versions of the four-wheel drive 2007 Dodge Dakota are available in club and quad cab configurations. The ST club has an MSRP of $19,780 with the quad cab selling for $22,480; the SLT is $23,495 and $24,825 respective; and the Laramie is $25,595 and $26,895.

The ST and SLT models come standard with a 3.7 liter V6 engine (manual transmission with six speeds.) The Laramies are outfitted with the same engine as a four-speed automatic. Engine options across the line include a 4.7 liter V8 as either a six-speed manual (except on the Laramie) or a five-speed automatic, a flexible fuel version of the V8 as a five-speed automatic, and a high output V8 as a five-speed automatic.

The frame of the Dodge Dakota is formed to emphasize both stiff construction and core strength with a goal of maximum towing capability. This fact places the Dakota at the top of its class with a capacity ranging from 3,150 to 7,100 lbs depending on configuration. The system of multiple stage air bags covering the driver and passenger can be augmented with curtain bags in the outboard position.

In addition to its reputation for towing strength, the 2007 Dodge Dakota has more interior room than comparable trucks and seats six with measurable storage space of 37 cubic feet in the Quad Cab models. The trucks come standard with a CD player and AM/FM stereo radio including a jack for auxiliary input.

2007 Dodge Durango Review

The 2007 Dodge Durango SUV is offered in four models: the SXT ($27,055), the SLT ($29,725), the Adventurer ($32,710), and the Limited edition ($34,575). The SXT comes with a 3.7 liter V6 standard (automatic transmission) and received a government rating of five stars in testing to determine front impact effectiveness as well as cargo room measurements posterior to the second row (68.4 cubic feet.)

The SLT comes standard with the same engine and transmission. Equally roomy, the SLT has a third-row bench with dual positioning and rear air-conditioning. The Adventurer is equipped with a 16-valve, 235 hp, 4.7 liter V8, the same engine as the Limited Edition. Fuel economy ranges from 16 city / 21 highway on the SXT to 14/20 on the Limited edition. All models are available in two and four wheel drive configurations.

The Durango implements an advanced system of multiple stage airbags for occupant protection with side bags in the curtain position covering all three rows. The system includes technology to detect the presence of a roll over. In addition, the vehicle features a solid cage structure to maximize safety as well as integrated crush zones. The idea is to dissipate the energy of an impact away from the pasenger compartment. Both an alarm system and remote keyless entry act as safeguards against theft.

In addition to GPS and SIRIUS Satellite Radio options, the 2007 Dodge Durango can be also equipped with a video system for occupants in the backseats.

2007 Dodge Charger Reivew

The five-seat 2007 Dodge Charger is available in five models: the SE ($21,575), the SXT ($26,580), the R/T ($30,890), the Daytona R/T ($34,590), and the SRT8 ($38,695). The base SE model is equipped with a 2.7 liter, 24-valve V6 generating 190 horsepower with a four-speed automatic transmission.

The SXT jumps to a 3.5 liter V6 with 250 horsepower outfitted with a five-speed AutoStick transmission. Both the R/T and Daytona R/T feature a 5.7 liter HEMI V8 producing 340 horsepower (also a five-speed). The SRT8 has a 6.1 liter HEMI V8 producing 425 horsepower.

Front head room measures 38.7 inches with 36.3 rear. Leg room is 41.8 and 40.2 respectively. Overall passenger volume is 104 cubic feet with cargo capacity at 16.2. Although towing is not recommended on all Charger models, if the proper equipment is installed, the vehicle can handle up to a thousand pounds. Fuel capacity is eighteen gallons.

The 2007 Dodge Charger garnered a crash rating of five stars in government testing thanks to its unibody construction based on a rigid steel frame that affords passengers optimum impact protection. A comprehensive set of air bags that deploy in stages add an additional layer of protection with curtain bags available in the side position.

2007 Dodge Caravan Review

The 2007 Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan mini vans are available in two models each. The Caravan SE sells for $19,420 while the SXT carries an MSRP of $23,360. The Grand Caravan SE lists at $24,070 and the SXT at $28,155. The SE is powered by a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine while the SXT and Grand Caravan SE have a 3.3 liter V6. The Grand Caravan SXT is outfitted with a 3.8 liter V6.

The Carvans and Grand Caravans are characterized by a wide variety of interior passenger configurations. The Grand Caravan feaures the Stow 'n Go seating and storage system that allows the second and third row seats to be quickly folded into the floor. The van can go from seating seven to two in approximately half a minute. Additionally, the third-row bench (with a 60/40 configuration) flips rearward to create tailgate seating while the liftgate provides shelter from the weather. (A changer in the dash to handle six CDs or DVDs, backseat video, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio are all options.)

The 2007 Dodge Caravan minivans are equipped with a comprehensive arrage of multiple stage air bags that deploy according to an occupant sensing system. Side bags Parents may opt for child seats integrated in the vehicle and all models have the LATCH anchoring system for removable child seats. Caravans and Grand Caravans carry a rating of five stars from the government for collisions to both the side and front.

2007 Dodge Caliber Review

The 2007 Dodge Caliber is a four-door compact car offered in four models: the SE ($14,135), the SXT ($15,985), the SXT Sport ($16,680), and the R/T ($18,230). The SE, SXT, and SXT Sport are all powered by a 1.8 liter, four-cylinder, sixteen-valve engine outfitted with a manual transmission including five speeds. The R/T has the 2.4 liter version of the same engine (FWD or AWD) with a trans-axle transmission that is variable on a continuous basis.

The Caliber seats up to five occupants with 39.8 inches of head room in the front seat and 38.9 in the back seat. Leg room is 41.8 and 35.7 respectively. Taken all together, interior volume adds up to 95.2 cubic feet. Trunk volume comes in at 12.4 cubic feet. When outfitted with the correct equipment, the Caliber will tow loads of as much as a thousand pounds. The driver and passenger enjoy the protection of front airbags with an additional bag at the knee for the driver and side bags for passengers to the rear.

The standard radio package on the 2007 Dodge Caliber includes a jack for auxiliary input. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is an option to be installed at the factory and comes with a contract for a year. A navigation system based on DVDs is available. The premium sound option is a 458-watt Boston Acoustics MusicGate Power audio unit with nine speakers.

2008 Dodge Avenger Review

Cosmetically similar to the Dodge Charger, albeit at three quarters the size and with elements of the Caliber and Chrysler Sebring sedan mixed in, the 2008 Dodge Avenger is the maker's attempt to capture the mid-size sedan market, adding a bit of style and maintaining a reasonable cost. The starting MSRP for the lowest trim level, the SE is only $19,020.

In addition to the SE, which has front-wheel drive and a 2.4 liter, 173 horsepower World Engine - a DOHC engine that was developed jointly with Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai - that provides 166 pounds of torque, there are also the SXT and the R/T. The former comes standard with the same engine configuration as the SE, though there is an optional upgrade to a 2.7 liter V6 engine with 200 horsepower and 190 pounds/feet of torque. The souped-up R/T comes with a more powerful 3.5 liter V6 (235 horsepower), and adds the option of all-wheel drive. It also has a six-speed automatic transmission with the ability to manually change gears, while the SXT and SE are both four-speed automatics.

Inside the car, the 2008 Dodge Avenger offers the "Chill Zone," which is a storage box at the lower front of the glove compartment. Items placed inside are kept cool by extra air conditioning vents. It is a standard feature on all trim levels, as are cruise control and power door locks and windows. The options on the SXT extend to include a power driver's seat, while the R/T not only adds steering-wheel-based audio controls and automatic climate control functionality, but also a cup-holder that is both heated and cooled (and is may be the most distinctive feature on the car).

While the standard audio package on the Avenger is a fairly basic AM/FM radio and CD player combination, there is an optional upgrade to the Chrysler "MyGig" system, which lets users store up to 20GB of voice messages, images, and music which can be played through the navigational system. As well, there is an optional DVD system for back-seat passenger entertainment.

Safety features in the Dodge Avenger are surprisingly scaled back. While it does have side curtain airbags for both rows, and side-impact bags for the front seats, standard across the line, both anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, which have become standard in similarly-sized vehicles, are only available as optional upgrades.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger has a back seat that folds down in a 60/40 split to allow the transport of items that are too long for the trunk, and has a fold-flat front passenger seat that is standard in the SXT and R/T, but only an option in the SE. Its interior volume totals 100.9 cubic feet. Estimated fuel efficiency ranges from 21 city/30 highway in the SE to 16 city/26 highway in the all-wheel-drive R/T.