The Dodge Ram 1500 charts its own course in a crowded field, as it competes against the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan in the full-size pickup truck market.

Under the hood, the mid-range Dodge Ram 1500 SLT is equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 engine as standard equipment. The top of the line Ram 1500 Sport is fitted with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, while the basic Ram 1500 ST comes with a 3.7-liter V6 (4×2 only). The Hemi is optional in the SLT.

The SLT’s 4.7-liter V8 puts out 310 horsepower (HP) and 330 foot pounds of torque, while the Sport’s 5.7-liter Hemi puts out 390 HP and 407 foot pounds of torque. (The ST delivers 210 HP /235 lb./ft.) All Ram 1500s are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is not offered.

When fitted with the 4.7-liter V8, the official mileage estimates for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 are 13 city / 18 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

(As one would expect, the two-wheel drive Rams score a wee bit higher, with the 1500 ST 4X2 rated at 14 city / 20 highway, and the 1500 SLT 4X2 rated at 14 city / 19 highway.)

We covered more than five hundred of miles in our Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat review unit. By driving conscientiously with a light foot, we were able to do a touch better than the official estimates on the open road, with an average of 20.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 15.4 MPG combined with a light to no load. Overall test period temperatures ranged from the fifties through the seventies, with highway testing in the sixty degree range.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 19.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 20.5 MPG

The standard 4.7-liter engine provides plenty of grunt on and off road.

While the Ram beat the numbers on the highway, there’s no forgetting that this is a beefy full-size pickup. Getting the Ram off the line takes its toll on fuel-efficiency.

The 4.7-liter V8 is a Flex Fuel engine (FFV) that can use E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both. We performed our tests with conventional unleaded regular gasoline. Fuel economy results while running E85 are likely to be significantly lower than with conventional gasoline.

The Ram 1500 is fitted with a 26 gallon fuel tank. A 32 gallon tank is optional.

Ride comfort sets the Ram 1500 apart from the competition.

Rather than using leaf springs, the Ram benefits from a multi-link coil suspension that delivers a smooth ride and solid handling, whether the box is empty or full.

Our Regular Cab SLT 4×4 test unit was equipped with the 6.4’ box. The Regular Cab can be fitted with an 8 foot box, as well. The Quad Cab box measures 6.4’, while the Crew Cab’s box measures 5.7’.

The Regular Cab SLT 4×4’s standard payload capacity is 1410 pounds. The standard towing capacity is 6350-6400 pounds, with a maximum towing capacity of 8850 pounds. A 3.55 axle ratio is standard issue, while a 3.92 axle ratio is optional. Four wheel disc brakes are standard.

The 24T Preferred Option package includes TRX fender flares and badging, along with the 3.92 axle, and skid plates for the front suspension and transfer case, among other goodies.

The Ram’s interior is handsomely designed, quite comfortable, and highly functional.

A center mounted display screen providing trip meters, transmission and coolant temperatures, engine hours, and average miles per gallon is standard in the SLT, Sport, and TRX. An instant fuel economy gauge is not offered. We recommend adding an aftermarket real-time MPG gauge to help achieve higher fuel efficiency.

There are two 12-volt power outlets at the base of the dash. An 115-volt power outlet is optional. The standard six-speaker audio system includes an audio input jack. One year of SIRIUS satellite radio is standard. Uconnect Bluetooth is optional. A 506-watt seven-speaker Alpine Premium sound system is available.

Audio options in the 2010 Ram are significantly upgraded, with updated Uconnect systems that include 30GB media storage, a 6.5” touch screen display, and iPod control.

There’s an abundance of in-cabin storage, with dual gloveboxes, a center seatback console, and behind the seat cubbies.

All-in-all, the Ram 1500 SLT Regular Cab 4×4 is one easy riding pickup, whether on or off the beaten path. No question about it, Dodge has upped the ante when it comes to comfort and driveability. We still hold out hope they’ll see fit to add a highly fuel-efficient clean diesel option for the 1500 in future models.

Parts Content

US/Canadian Parts Content: 53%

Country of Origin:
Engine: United States
Transmission: United States

Final Assembly Point:
Fenton, Missouri

The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT takes the minivan experience to a whole new level, with option packages that turn it into a rolling entertainment center.

Under the hood, the Grand Caravan SXT can be equipped with either a 3.8 or 4.0-liter V6 engine. Our test unit was equipped with the 4.0-liter, which produces 251 horsepower (HP) and 259 foot pounds of torque. The V6 is mated to an efficient six-speed automatic transmission.

The official mileage estimates for the 4.0-liter 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT are 17 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We rolled up over 700 miles on our Bright Silver Metallic Grand Caravan SXT review unit. By driving conscientiously, we were able to meet the official estimates, with an average of 24.9 MPG on the Interstate highway and 18.3 MPG combined.

Our highway testing included four runs on the highway circuit, to provide additional insight.

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Highway MPG Testing:

24.7 – cruise control set to 68 MPH, a/c off, windows up
23.3 – cruise control set to 68 MPH, a/c on, windows up
24.2 – cruise control set to 68 MPH, a/c off, windows down
26.5 – no cruise control, target speed 60-72 MPH a/c off, windows up

Test period temperatures ranged from the sixties through the eighties.

While the Grand Caravan SXT provides an Average Fuel Economy gauge, it does not have an Instant Fuel Economy display. We used an Auto Meter Ecometer in the effort get a better feel for the throttle and to maintain a light foot.

With room for seven passengers and plenty of cargo, weight can have significant effect on mileage results, particularly in city traffic. While the Grand Caravan SXT has plenty of oomph to move seven folks along with the 4483 pound curb weight, mileage will inevitably drop with a full load.

The Grand Caravan SXT’s interior is aircraft inspired. The pilot has full control and when optioned out, the passengers are treated to a full range of A/V capabilities. The Premium Group option package provides a comprehensive USB iPod interface with full control over playlists, excellent Bluetooth capabilities via Uconnect, nine Infinity speakers, and a 505-watt amp, among other cool features.

The Dual Screen DVD Entertainment System option includes second and third row 9-inch LCD video screens and wireless headphones. There are two sets of A/V inputs for the gamers, along with AC and 12-volt outlets in the second row. There are also power outlets at the base of the dash and inside the center console.

The kids will be knocked out when they discover that the Sirus satellite system delivers streaming TV, with Nickelodeon, the Disney Channel, and the Cartoon Network.

All-in-all, the Dodge Grand Caravan SXT takes the chore of family hauling to a whole new level. It’s tough to make that age old minivan stigma stick with a cruiser that packs this much technology.

Parts Content

US/Canadia Parts Content: 72%

Country of Origin:
Engine: United States
Transmission: United States

Final Assembly Point:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Enter the Ecometer …

The Auto Meter Ecometer taps into the OBDII port that can be found in every car built from the 1996 model year forward. The Ecometer extracts the information sitting on a (post 1996) vehicle’s on board computer and shows the data on its cleanly designed display, providing a handy readout for instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, RPMs, and MPH.

To install the Ecometer, the first thing you need to do is find the OBDII port. Get ready to climb under the dash, as that’s where the port’s located … in one spot or another. Some manufacturers tuck the OBDII port away in a tight spot, but that’s not the case with the Challenger, as Chrysler’s engineers have placed the port in an easy to reach location.

After you’ve found the OBDII port, simply pop the Ecometer’s plug into the port with the engine running.

The EcoMeter will start communicating with your car within thirty seconds. Once it does, you’ll go through a simple setup procedure that includes entering the engine size in liters.

We chose a location at the left side of the dash, to make it easy to route the wire. This makes for a fast and clean installation.

(Although AutoMeter supplies duralock industrial fasteners to mount the Ecometer, we’ve been moving our test unit from vehicle-to-vehicle … hence the spiffy blue stickytack mount.)

Once the wire is routed, you’ll want to tidy up the excess length and secure it under the dash.

The goal with the Ecometer is to keep its colorful ecograph in the green. The fewer bars that are lit, the less fuel you’re burning. As you take off from a stop, the bars will light counter-clockwise, moving from green, to orange, to red.

The simple and colorful display provides quick visual feedback, as the numeric display delivers the specifics. As you reach your target speed and let off the accelerator, the bars will extinguish in a clockwise manner.

You’ll soon learn to modulate your right foot, keeping the lightest possible pressure on the throttle. Maintaining an even cruising speed is the real trick, as the ecograph flips between orange and green. When you descend a hill, take your foot completely off the throttle, and watch the MPGs crank up as the ecograph falls all the way to the right.

Proper instrumentation is a boon for fuel-efficient driving. We were able to achieve significantly improved mileage results in our 2009 Challenger SE review car when using the Ecometer. With conscientious use, the inexpensive Ecometer will pay for itself in just a short time through fuel cost savings.

Our test unit was outfitted with the G package, which includes Sirius Satellite Radio (with one year of service), 18-inch aluminum wheels, traction control, 4-wheel disc brakes, fog lamps, and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob among other features. The Leather Interior Group includes heated seats.

The Dark Slate Gray interior provides killer contrast to the TorRed exterior paint. Both the interior and exterior drew raves … from the gas station attendant who exclaimed “this is the perfect color for this car,” to the guy who owned the ‘73 Challenger, back in the day, that was absolutely stunned by the interior.

The Sound Group option includes a 276-watt amp and six Boston Acoustics speakers. An audio input jack is located on the dash. There are two 12-volt outlets within the driver’s reach – one at the base of the dash and another inside the console.

Although the uconnect multimedia navigation system adds USB iPod integration and bluetooth, our Challenger was not equipped with it.

While the Challenger might not be as fast as the Camaro or as nimble as the Mustang, it holds one big advantage over its competitors in the pony car war … and that’s interior space. This is often overlooked.

No doubt about it, the Challenger is a big car. As opposed to the cramped quarters in the back seat of the Camaro and Mustang, the Challenger’s back seat is roomy and comfortable for folks of average size. Two folks will ride in comfort … three can fit in a pinch (as long as they’re not too big).

A remote trunk opener and 60/40 fold down rear seats make it easy to haul plenty of stuff, when you’re not hauling the family around.

Versatility isn’t an attribute that’s often pinned to sports and muscle cars, but it’s one that you can use to describe the Dodge Challenger SE. This is a pony car that you can drive every day of the week.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE riffs on the design of the iconic 1970 Challenger, with a remake that mates a modern suspension and drivetrain with a body even more beautiful than the original. While the lure of the Big V8 Hemi R/T and SRT8 Challengers might be irresistible for the go fast crowd, the V6-powered Challenger SE is a thrifty cruiser.

The Challenger SE’s 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 250 horsepower (HP) and 250 foot pounds of torque. The V6 is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission in the early production vehicles and a five-speed transmission in vehicles produced from April 2009 onward. Unfortunately, a manual transmission is not available with the V6.

While some might scoff at the thought of a V6 Challenger, it’s worth noting that the original base 1970s Challenger was offered with a slant six. And the smallest V8 back in the day, the 318, produced just 230 HP …. 20 less than the current day V6.

The official mileage estimates for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE are 17 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We rolled up well over 600 miles on our four-speed automatic-equipped TorRed Challenger SE review unit. By driving conscientiously, we were able to easily glide past the official estimates, with an average of 30.2 MPG on the Interstate highway and 23.6 MPG combined.

With the Challenger SE, a light-footed driving approach is well-rewarded.

Test period temperatures ranged from the fifties through the seventies, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

2009 Dodge Challenger SE Highway MPG Testing
Cruise control on @ 68 MPH – 31.1 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed between 60-72 MPH – 29.3

(Highway testing completed with the windows up, A/C off.)

The Challenger SE lacks both an instant and an average fuel economy gauge. We popped a brand new AutoMeter EcoMeter into the OBD port to gain a better feel for the Challenger’s drive train. We achieved significant gains in fuel economy by keeping the EcoMeter in the green as much as possible.

This isn’t the Challenger you’ll want to bring the drag strip. Off the line, the original four-speed automatic lacks punch. The new five-speed seeks to address that issue with different gearing.

Whether you’re a baby boomer or a good bit younger, the Challenger’s design hits the bullseye. Chrysler has breathed new life into an American icon.

Driving the Challenger was a cinematic experience. No matter where we drove, the Challenger evoked waves, honks, and thumbs up, drawing admirers nearly every time we pulled into a parking lot.

We’ve never had that experience with any other test vehicle. This car is a star.

All-in-all, the Dodge Challenger SE V6 is one sweet retro ride.

Parts Content

US/Canadia Parts Content: 56%
Mexican Parts Content: 16%

Country of Origin:
Engine: United States
Transmission: United States

Final Assembly Point:
Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Not finding the elusive big screen, I trekked down to the show floor only to find an empty space where the Chevy Volt prototype had sat the previous day. With the coffee kicking in, I recalled an email tip. The Volt was over on Capitol Hill, waiting for the cameras and throngs.

So I hopped in a cab with my video gear and headed over to Capitol Hill, not knowing exactly where the cars might be found. A kindly Supreme Court police officer pointed me in the direction of a Senate police outpost, where I was steered to the exact location on the corner of Delaware Avenue and 3rd Street.

As I approached the corner I could see the bow tie on the grille. There it was: the ultra-clean Volt prototype, fresh off the EDTA show floor, along with a generic Malibu and a stickered-up E85 Escape Hybrid, sitting next to the Jeep EV and Dodge EV ENVI cars.

Hardly anyone was around when I got there. I stood there for quite some time, my jaw no doubt agape.

Although I’d shot the Volt earlier in the week inside the Washington Convention Center, seeing it on the street, and seeing it move under its own power, was a very cool experience … it was one of those days where I felt truly blessed to have had my camera and gear with me and to be able to do what I’m doing.

It went from great to outrageous. Seeing the Volt was one thing. Riding in the Dodge EV was something else, altogether.

While I was only witness to a few brief bursts of EV acceleration, I have to say it was nothing like anything I’ve experienced in a motor vehicle. With no wait for the power band to kick in, the delivery of high-powered electric propulsion is nothing short of amazing. It’s all about immediate torque. If you love driving diesels, think about 480 foot pounds of instant (and silent) thrust.

Many thanks to the wonderful folks at GM and Chrysler for allowing me to shoot this video with remarkable access, and for the friendliness of the officers in the District. Lou, I owe you one.

The technology in these cars represent the future of the American automobile industry and show, without a doubt, that the electric motor can earn a place in the hearts of all, from those whose interest in cars is purely for transportation to full-bore life long automotive enthusiasts.

The future is electric.

35 MPG can be an immediate reality, with one domestic manufacturer, if the United States government would only allow it to happen. Our elected representatives need to be aware of the facts and make the appropriate decisions.

Chrysler is uniquely positioned among the Big Three US automakers. Unlike Ford and General Motors, Chrysler is already building a slew of high-MPG diesel-powered vehicles right here in the United States.

Amazing as it may seem in these difficult times, Chrysler is not allowed to sell those cars domestically, due to recently tightened emissions regulations. With the exception of the domestically-available Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, all of Chrysler’s North American manufactured high-MPG diesel-equipped vehicles are being shipped abroad.

Each and every one of Chrysler’s European models is available with a diesel engine, with the exception of the Dodge Viper. In fact, a diesel engine can be found under the hood of more than 50% of the vehicles that Chrysler sells in Europe.

All-in-all, a dozen Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep diesel-engined models are currently available outside of the United States, but are not sold domestically.

Here’s the eye-opener … half of those models currently achieve 35 miles per gallon combined.

That’s 35 MPG … right now.

And what’s even more crazy? All of these 35 MPG cars and SUVs are built in North American plants by North American workers … American citizens cannot buy and drive the fuel-efficient cars they build.

The thriftiest of the bunch delivers nearly 50 MPG on the highway … and it’s no dog off the line, turning in 0-62 mile per hour (MPH) times under nine seconds. The fastest in the pack delivers 7.6 second 0-62 times and 35.6 MPG on the highway.

Needless to say, these are wonderful world-class cars, a world apart from your Uncle’s noisy, slow, smelly 80’s-era diesel.

The Mercedes-Benz V6 diesel-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first US-built passenger vehicle to meet the tougher Federal emissions requirements. With the emissions work done on the Mercedes’ 3.0 liter engine, we expect the Chrysler 300 to be the next diesel-powered domestic, as it shares the same powerplant. (At present, diesel 300s are being built in Graz, Austria.)

Chrysler is using four different diesel engines, in all:

• 2.0 liter Volkswagen turbo-diesel inline four (Avenger, Caliber, Compass, Journey, Sebring, Patriot)
• 2.2 liter Mercedes-Benz inline four (PT Cruiser)
• 2.8 liter VM Motari inline four (Cherokee, Grand Voyager, Nitro, Wrangler)
• 3.0 liter Mercedes-Benz V6 (300, Commander, Grand Cherokee)

What if the federal government temporarily rolled back the emissions requirements for one or two years, to allow the sale of these fuel-sipping vehicles while Chrysler and its partners complete the engineering necessary to meet the current regulations?

Crazier schemes have been implemented to stimulate the economy, no doubt about that. But this one just might work … by spurring investment and putting people back to work.

As you ponder that thought, take a gander at a group of specifications that compare the European diesels with the most fuel-efficient engines in each of the US domestics …

Jeep Patriot Diesel

Plant: Belvedere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel inline four cylinder engine, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed/2WD – more: Jeep Patriot Gas Mileage Ratings)

Jeep Compass Diesel

Plant: Belvedere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel inline four cylinder engine, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed/2WD – more: Jeep Compass Gas Mileage Ratings)

Jeep Wrangler Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 302 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds (two door), 11.7 seconds (four door) when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 3.8 liter V6/6-speed/2WD)

Jeep Cherokee (aka: Liberty) Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 161 HP and 295 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter V6/6-speed/2WD)

(The 2.8 liter diesel engine was available in the domestic Jeep Liberty in the 2005 and 2006 model years.)

Jeep Commander Diesel

Plant: Jefferson North, MI
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0 liter common rail diesel, producing 215 HP and 376 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 9.0 seconds when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter/V6/5-speed Auto/2WD or 4.7 liter/V8/5-speed Auto/2WD)

Chrysler 300 Diesel

Plant: Brampton, Ontario & Graz, Austria (diesels)
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0 liter common rail diesel, producing 215 HP and 376 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 7.6 seconds – Sedan (Saloon), 8.6 seconds – Wagon (Touring), when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 2.7 liter V6/5-speed Auto)

Chrysler Grand Voyager (aka: Town & Country) Diesel

Plant: St. Louis (diesels)
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 161 HP and 339 265 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.3 liter V6/4-speed auto – more: Chrysler Town and Country Gas Mileage Ratings)

Chrysler PT Cruiser Diesel

Plant: Toluca, Mexico
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 2.2 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 148 HP and 221 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 10.8 second, when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed Manual – more: Chrysler PT Cruiser Gas Mileage Ratings)

Chrysler Sebring Diesel

Plant: Sterling Heights, MI
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/4-speed auto – more: Chrysler Sebring Gas Mileage Ratings)

Dodge Avenger Diesel

Plant: Sterling Heights, MI
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/4-speed auto – more: Dodge Avenger Gas Mileage Ratings)

Dodge Caliber Diesel

Plant: Belvidere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 8.8 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 1.8 liter I4/5-speed manual)

Dodge Nitro Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 339 302 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 10.5 second when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter V6/6-speed manual)

Dodge Journey Diesel (Coming Soon)

Plant: Toluca, Mexico

Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 140 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. Equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Mileage figures yet to be released.

Footnotes:

(1) MPG figures were converted from UK urban/extra-urban/combined mile per British gallon estimates for the purposes of this report, using publicly available data.

(2) Chrysler assembles, but does not manufacture, diesel-powered Dodge Sprinter Vans in Charleston, South Carolina. Mercedes-Benz ships the parts from Europe.

(3) Cummins diesel engines are a popular domestic option in heavy-duty models of the Dodge Ram pickup. Dodge is poised to extend diesel engines throughout the range.

The short wheelbase Transit Connect measures 4308 mm (169.6 inches) in length and 1814 mm (71.4 inches) in height, while the long wheel base model measures 4555 (179.3 inches) in length and 1981 (78 inches) in height.

By comparison, the short wheel base (144-inch) Dodge Sprinter 2500 cargo van measures 232.5 in length, with a height of 96.3 (standard roof) or 107.5 inches (high roof). The long wheel base (170-inch) Sprinter measures 273.2 inches in length and 107.5 inches in height.

Transit Connect is more likely to find competition from the retro-styled Chevy HHR Panel, at 176.2 inches in length and 62.5 inches in height. Or perhaps for those hipster business that have outgrown their Scion xB.

While the Transit Connect is fitted with a 1.8 liter Duratorq TDCI common rail turbo-diesel in Europe (in one of three configurations), it’s unlikely that we’ll see an oil-burning Transit Connect here in the States, given Ford’s brave new direction with direct injection.

In the US, the 2008 Dodge Avenger can be equipped with one of three power plants:

• 2.4 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, delivering 173 horsepower (HP) and 166 foot pounds of torque
• 2.7 liter DOHC six-cylinder engine, delivering 189 HP and 191 foot pounds of torque
• 3.5 liter SOHC V-6 engine with the AutoStick six-speed automatic transmission and duel exhaust, delivering 235 HP and 232 foot pounds of torque

In International markets, the Avenger can be fitted with Volkswagen’s 2.0 liter common rail turbodiesel four cylinder engine. The VW four produces 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque, and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With the turbodiesel and six-speed manual, the European Avenger cranks out a 0-62 mile per hour time of 12.0 seconds. The real attraction, of course, is the turbodiesels fuel efficiency: 34.4 urban / 55.4 extra urban miles per British gallon … which works out to US estimates of approximately 28.6 city / 46.1 highway … rather remarkable mileage for a vehicle of the Avenger’s proportions.

Dodge Avenger Gas Mileage – 1995-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.

These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.

Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?

At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)

Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)

2008 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drives

• Audi A4
• Suzuki SX4
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Outback
• Jeep Compass
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Jeep Patriot
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Honda CR-V
• Volvo S60
• Volvo V50
• Volvo S40
• Toyota RAV4
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac STS
• Lexus IS 250
• Nissan Rogue