Jeep Wrangler Sport UtilityUnlimited X – Dean McCrary, Mobile, AL – www.deanmccrary.com

Its brother, the Dodge Charger, has been making waves in the automotive industry, promising a kind of performance that is purely adrenaline pumping. But not to be outdone, the Magnum is just as good as the Charger. If not, better. The Magnum is a station wagon which has got, hiding beneath its eye candy exterior and luxurious interior, a heart just like that of the Charger.

One thing they have in common is, of course, their manufacturer which is very much known for producing great cars for as long as we can remember since their entrance to the automotive industry. Dodge parts and engineering has been known to be of high quality. The parts used to make up the 2007 Dodge Magnum are no exceptions to that.

This station wagon is one of the best in its class. It has enough rooms for a growing family and it boasts of having a 27.2 cubic feet cargo area just behind the second row of seats. And in addition to that, if you still need room more than what the cargo area gives, just fold down the second row seat and you have a total of an awesome 71.6 cubic feet of storage area.

Now, for the major similarity between the Charger and the Magnum, both vehicles come using a massive 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine which has got the capacity to give out as much as 340 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. That much power is hard to find in a station wagon in the market today. With all those power, any vehicle would certainly have more than enough to take on the challenges posed to being a station wagon on an ordinary day which, of course, is a very welcome addition. The Magnum is a rear wheel drive vehicle, using a five speed automatic transmission with a lockup torque converter to transfer the awesome power of the HEMI engine to its set of wheels. Drivers can opt to use the manual shifting capabilities of the Magnum, although the automatic shifting is already more than enough; the manufacturer added the manual shifting for the more adventurous lot of drivers.

In terms of fuel economy, the car is rated at 17 mpg on city driving and can consume up to 25 mpg on the open highways. These are respectable figures and if you play your cards right and keep the machine finely tuned and drive wisely, you can save more on your fuel consumption.

With all those storage space which you can load up with just about anything, this station wagon is definitely on top of its class. Add to that the high performance HEMI engine it sports, it raises the bar even higher for the competition.

It is said that the best road trip vehicles are SUVs. It cleverly combines the passenger-carrying space with the towing capacity of a pickup truck. But how do you choose the best from the cream-of-the-crop?

After the traumatic 2006 sales fall, automakers are all aimed at putting their best foot forward to get the larger slice of the auto market. The Cadillac Escalade is now being challenged by the first full-size SUV of Mercedes. The latter is a seven-seat SUV with upscale auto features that include air suspension and adjustable ride height. The vehicle can be lowered automatically at speed for a more capable ride.

According to critics in the industry, the overhauled Cadillac Escalade, which was introduced just last year, has the nicest interior among the vehicles in the United States. The Cadillac Escalade uses all-aluminum 6.2 L Vortec V8 mated to Cadillac cold air intake. The vehicle also featured the new six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission and conventional five-link suspension to improve its performance and ride.

Mercedes Benz was quick to follow Cadillac with the plush, full-size GL-Class SUV which is priced at $53,000. Mercedes recorded 19,000 sales of the vehicle in 2006. The new Mercedes pride radiates improved performance than that of the R-Class. The GL and the Escalade are among the best SUVs of 2007. However, in the fourth season of this year, mighty rivals are expected to take the limelight.

One of the forthcoming catchy SUVs is the Spyker D12 dubbed as the world’s only exotic sport utility vehicle. The Dutch-built SUV is capable of generation 500-horsepower maximum output. Enthusiasts are now excited about the arrival of the one-of-a-kind vehicle.

The Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler experience a three percent decrease in passenger-car sales while trucks and SUVs declined by eight percent. At General Motors, car sales declined seven percent, while truck and SUV sales declined by around nine or ten percent.

Among Detroit automakers, the Ford Motor Co. reported the most debilitating decrease in sales in the previous year. Ford’s car sales rose five percent while truck and SUVs decreased by fourteen percent. Ford has this to say: “higher gasoline prices and long-term demographic trends drove SUV sales lower, and a soft housing industry weighed on full-size truck sales.”

However, after just a couple of months, Ford’s sales are making a swift turnaround. The arrival of the new crossover SUVs like the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX gradually changes the company’s picture.

General Motors Corporation’s GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook are helping the company a bit. The automaker reported that the Acadia and Outlook “drove a 97 percent retail increase in the mid-crossover segment” in February, compared with that time the year before.

Chrysler Group’s new SUVs like the redesigned Jeep Wrangler have also yielded warm welcome. Experts say these new, car-like SUVs, plus steadier gas prices, could serve 2007 a better year for SUV manufacturers.

In Ford’s January statement, the automaker blamed the declining truck and SUV sales on gas prices, demographic trends and the housing industry. The company said: “Ford believes these factors will continue to weigh on these segments in 2007.”

Vehicle sales figure for 2007 is predicted to be 16.1 million units and almost equaling this figure is the number of recalls each automaker made for several of their models together.

Last August, Ford announced that they will be recalling their 3.6 million vehicles, mostly in the truck segment from the 1990s model years. The massive recalls were due to defects in the speed control deactivation switch. Similarly, brake light problems have resulted in Volkswagen recalling 1,000,000 units of the Volkswagen Beetle from 2001 to 2007 model years making it the most recalled vehicle model for the year. For Toyota, the 2004-2006 Tundra and the 2004-2007 Sequoia were recalled due to problems in the lower ball joint on the vehicle’s front suspension.

These past few years, almost all automaker have issued vehicle recalls. “Now almost any time you pick up a newspaper, there is a recall,” said Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at J.D. Power & Associates in Troy, Michigan.

Even a Ferrari worth $168,000 is not an exception to defective vehicles. In the early months of 2007, the Italian luxury sports car maker recalled 216 of its 2005 and 2006 models of the F430 coupe and spider models. The vehicles were detected to have faulty clutch pumps. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defect “could result in a reduction in a driver’s ability to shift gears while driving and result in a crash.”

We may wonder that if every year, vehicle quality is upgraded, then why are recalls also rising? According to auto experts, the incidents are due to automakers sharing platforms and parts, therefore increasing the chances that a defective part be used in various models causing problems to all of it. On the other side, Libby said that recalls could be taken as a sign that the automakers are exerting extra efforts to solve vehicle problems, thereby protecting its consumers.

Recalls can be a stain to a vehicle’s brand and model. It may give the consumers the idea that they bought a “lemon” and it is known to all that recalls can be ammunition to product liability attorneys for lawsuits.

“This stuff gets amplified a great deal because there are certain lawyers waiting to use this information, and they are out there actively looking for new business on a class action basis,” VW spokesman Keith Price said.

This year the most recalled vehicles are: Volkswagen New Beetle (with Volkswagen Beetle distributor rotor), Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, Jeep Liberty, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro, Suzuki Forenza and Reno, Volkswagen Passat and Passat Wagon, Lexus ES 350 and Chrysler Sebring.

Playing around with my new Jeep. Getting to know my gas peddle. A beast even in the snow.

Despite the news of a possible Chrysler spinoff, the Jeep® brand seems to be unaffected by such issue. And instead continues to expand its territory by launching its all new 2007 Jeep Patriot which is an all-new compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that embodies freedom, functionality, fun and the best-in- class Jeep 4×4 capability.

Its US Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $14,985 including the $560 destination charge, Patriot is the new entry-level price point for the Jeep brand. According to George Murphy, Senior Vice President-Global Marketing, Chrysler Group, “The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot is the most capable 4×4 in the compact SUV segment. Jeep Patriot’s capability, combined with its classic Jeep design, interior flexibility and terrific fuel efficiency, will both attract new buyers and give Jeep enthusiasts a capable new Jeep at an entry-level price point.”

The 2007 Jeep Patriot was based on the Jeep Patriot concept that was previously launched at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The 2007 Jeep Patriot is more of the modern interpretation of the of the classic Jeep styling. It has combined the interior flexibility and the packaging of an SUV with a remarkable level of performance, fuel economy, handling at a price that is comparable to that of a small pickup or a compact car.

The 2007 Jeep Patriot is also equipped with quality Jeep parts like the popular Jeep brake booster which enhance its braking capabilities. It is also loaded with a great number of standard safety features which includes side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Roll Mitigation and Electronic Stability program (ESP). All of these add up the tremendous value of the 2007 Jeep Patriot.

The 2007 Jeep Patriot also trudges into new grounds with its all new Jeep technology which gives this compact SUV more capabilities compared to any other vehicle in its class. The 2007 Jeep Patriot is available for both US and Canada markets and offered in three drive configurations like front-wheel-drive, Freedom Drive II Off-road Package which is a full time active four wheel drive system with low ratio that provides the true Jeep 4×4 Trail rated capability, and the Freedom Drive I which is a full time active four wheel drive system complete with lock mode.

The Jeep® will also offer 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport and Jeep Patriot Limited models in various US dealerships in volume which is scheduled in the first quarter of 2007. For the global market, the 2007 Jeep Patriot will be available in both left and right hand drive starting at the first half of 2007.

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK has the looks that say “I’m the biggest thing on the trail”. The JK has a more refined interior and possess better handling characteristics. If we are to guess what Jeep’s guiding principle when it was designing the JK it must be “MORE” because this particular Jeep has more of everything you can think of like more room, more power, more on-road refinement, more safety, and more convenience.

Here are some of the remarkable features that the JK possess:

1. The chassis of the JK has a two-inch longer wheelbase, a 3.5 inch wider track, with a frame that’s exactly 100 percent solid which is a good thing since it makes the springs and shocks much easier to tune for a better on-road experience.

2. The bigger wheels and tires together with its new electronic axle lockers, an electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar, and boosts up transfer cases makes the JK even more trail capable.

3. The much longer wheelbase and wider track provides more room for passengers and gears.

4. Its narrowing nose, sloping windshield, and raked grille improves the new Wrangler’s stability and fuel economy.

5. The new Wrangler makes use of different door and roof configurations which can be reconfigured further. Its three-piece Sunrider soft-top is compatible with the factory hardtop pr can be a stand-alone choice.

6. The rear-seat has a fold and tumble feature which enables easy access to a lockable under-floor storage area where small items can be stored. Plus with the rear seats tumbled forward it provides approximately 30 cubic feet of useable storage behind the front seats.

7. The JK is powered by an all-new 3.8 liter OHV V-6 which is made stronger, lighter and more fuel efficient compared to the 4.0 liter I-6 engine that it previously possess. The new V-6 offers 205 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque and is estimated to get 17 mpg for city driving and 21 mpg for highway driving. Its highly sophisticated Jeep catalytic converter reduces the level of harmful C02 emissions.

8. In terms of its seven slotted grille it is a prominent feature of Jeep vehicles as well the round headlights. But an option package that includes an integrated foglights and protective skidplates are available for an extra cost of course.

9. JK is also equipped with ESP or Electronic Stability Programme and roll mitigation software to reduce the possibility of rollover. There are also dual-stage front and side-mounted airbags which are designed to lessen impact in case of rollovers.

10. The windshield still fold flat to the hood by simply removing the screws and latches.

This year’s Camp Jeep New York will be different from two other previous events last 2005 and 2006. For the first time ever, the 2007 Camp Jeep New York will be held outdoors in conjunction with the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) that will take place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan on April 6 to 15.

The Camp Jeep New York will take place at the Inner Roadway of the Javits Center with an area of 45,000 square feet. More than 35,000 visitors are expected to take participate on the Camp Jeep New York. Participants at the Camp Jeep New York will experience the world’s most capable 4×4 vehicles along with their respective owners and their lifestyle, and a bunch of off-road driving adventures and driving contests. These includes the Jeep Trail Rated Test Track, which includes off-road driving conditions such as water fording, ground clearance, articulation, traction and maneuverability demonstrations. The Jeep Trail Rated Test Track also consists of seven different off-road surfaces like dirt, mulch, gravel, rocks, water, wood and asphalt. Consumers will have a chance to drive in these situations riding some of the 2007 Jeep off-road vehicle models equipped with Jeep radiator hose including Commander, grand cherokee, Liberty, Wrangler and wrangler unlimited. In addition, an 18-foot vertical climb on a man made Jeep Mountain is also included, which comprises of more than 220 yards of dirt and mulch.

The Jeep brand has got something more interesting for consumers. One lucky Jeep owner who takes one of the test drive will have a chance to win an all expense package trip with his or her family to Camp Jeep Virginia. The annual Camp Jeep Virginia will take place at the Oak Ridge Estate in Nelson County, near Charlottesville in July 26 to 28. The event is for Jeep owners to have a three-day fun with their Jeep model conducting family friendly activities with other Jeep owners as well as off-road driving experience.

Tim McGraw will perform some of his most popular songs that hit the country music airwaves including “Live like You Were Dying”, “Real Good Man”, and his recent single “Last Dollar” from his new album “Let It Go.”

Meanwhile, going back to the Camp Jeep New York, consumers will also have the opportunity to join other activities at the event including 16-foot climbing wall, play video games, and photo shots in the Jeep Photo Zone where they can take pictures with a Jeep vehicle. In addition, there will be a mini test drive at the Mini Jeep Kidz Course. This will allow kids aged 3 and above to test drive mini Jeep models at the course.

With the start of the month of April, car makers will be reporting their sales for the previous month. It can be remembered that Edmunds.com, one of the industry’s trusted sources of auto information, released their projected sales figures for the major players in the auto industry.

The prediction shows a decrease in the sales of the Big Three and, recently, Chrysler Group reported their sales for the month of March which shows that the prediction made is indeed close to the actual sales figure for the month. The Chrysler Group reported that they have sold 206,435 units for the month of March. That number is 5 percent lower than their sales for the same month last year. The group reported unadjusted sales figures which means they have not considered the extra selling day for the month of March.

Steven Landry, Vice President for Sales and Field Operations for the Chrysler Group, has this to say: “In a flat to slightly down industry, our sales decline of 5 percent compares to a March 2006 that was our best month of March in four years. With strong monthly sales of the Dodge Ram light duty pick-up truck, the Dodge Avenger and Nitro along with Jeep® brand sales up 4 percent, we surpassed our own expectations.” That is because the Jeep brand increased its sales by four percent for this year’s month of March as compared to last year.

One of the major reasons for the increase in the sales for the Jeep brand is the high amount of sales of the Jeep Wrangler unit. For the month of March this year, the Jeep brand sold 13,397 units of the Wrangler compared to last year’s 8,180 units for the same month. That marks a 64 percent increase in the sales of the Jeep Wrangler.

Other Jeep brand models which posted high sales figures are the new Jeep Patriot and the Jeep Compass. The new Jeep Compass posted a sale of 3,802 units while the Jeep Patriot posted 2,109 units sold. The introduction and strong sales of these two new models helped the Jeep brand post the four percent sales improvement. The two new models serves a purpose similar to that of a Volvo turn signal, it shows where the brand is going.

Other notable models which posted increased sales figures are from the Chrysler and the Dodge brands. Although the Sebring model posted a 14 percent decrease in terms of sales for the month of March, the sedan version of the model posted sales of 7,908 units this March, an increase of 30 percent compared last year for the same period. The Chrysler 300 posted sales of 11,376 units, although it dropped by 12 percent compared to last year’s sales. For Dodge, the top achievers are the Dodge Caliber and the Dodge Charger. The brand sold 8,634 units of the Caliber, 32 percent more than the number of Calibers sold for the month of March last year. The brand also sold 12,707 units of Dodge Chargers, an increase of 41 percent compared to March 2006 sales for the same model.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon going down hill at the Rubicon Trail 2007. Slow but steep…