2015 Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat Jeep, and RAM Changes

For this week’s installment of Vincent’s Auto Reviews, we’ll be reviewing the changes to Chrysler’s 2015 vehicle lineup.

CHRYSLER:

200: For 2015, the Chrysler 200 gets a redesign, with an all-new platform based on the successful Dodge Dart’s Compact U.S. Wide platform, which, in turn, is based on the Alfa Romeo Giuletta platform. With a new I4 engine, a class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment, and standard keyless access with push-button start, there’s no doubt that the newest 200 will sell in large numbers. V6-equipped models get Stop-Start as standard equipment.The previous S Package is now a separate trim level for 2015, and a 200 C is available.

300: The restyled 2015 Chrysler 300 was unveiled in December 2014, and is scheduled to go on sale in January 2015. The new 300 will retain the class-leading standard features, such as leather seating surfaces and a touch-screen audio system, but gains Chrysler's latest-generation U Connect infotainment systems, and larger, eighteen-inch standard alloy wheels. All-wheel-drive is still available, though only on V6-powered models. All models get the eight-speed automatic transmission. The SRT Core and SRT Premium models are discontinued for now, along with the 6.4L HEMI V8 MDS/VCT V8 engine, though Dodge's SRT Hellcat models take their place.

Town and Country: For 2015, the Chrysler Town and Country reintroduces its previously-discontinued LX model, offering a lower price point and more standard features. The price of the LX model will match that of the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T. The 30^TH Anniversary Edition model is now dropped. The top-of-the-line Limited model is renamed Limited Platinum.

200 Convertible: For 2015, the Chrysler 200 Convertible has been discontinued due to slow sales.

DODGE:

Dart: For 2015, the Dodge Dart SXT gets new standard sixteen-inch alloy wheels and exterior color front fascia, replacing the previously-standard black-finished front fascia. The base model SE’s price is increased, but more standard features now come as part of the SE Convenience Package.

Avenger: For 2015, the Dodge Avenger has been discontinued due to slow sales, though it is slated to reappear in 2016 as a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. The Dart Aero gets the standard 8.4-inch U Connect touch-screen radio, and on all models, the previously-standard CD/MP3 player is now optional.

Challenger: For 2015, the Dodge Challenger gets even better. A new SRT Hellcat model adds a high-performance V8 engine, while new packages are available. Audio system options are revised, and so are the tire and wheel combinations and interior style and color options. A new split front grille pays tribute to the original 1971 model. Automatic transmission-equipped models are now eight-speed and six-speed manual transmission option remains, of course.

Charger: For 2015, the Dodge Charger gets a mid-cycle restyling, featuring a new front end and revised rear tail lamps. The audio system options are also revised, as are tire and wheel combinations. A new SRT Hellcat model adds a high-performance V8 engine, and the eight-speed automatic transmission becomes standards across all Charger models. All-wheel-drive continues to be available, though only on V6-powered models. The R/T is now a single model, with Plus and Premium Packages available, though the R/T Road and Track Edition remains. The SRT and SRT Hellcat models are late availability, due to be available in Spring 2015.

Grand Caravan: For 2015, the Dodge Grand Caravan SE and SXT 30^TH Anniversary Edition models are dropped.

Journey: For 2015, an all-wheel-drive option for the SE model is now available, and a Chrome Appearance Package is now available on AVP and SE models.

Durango: Restyled for 2014, the Dodge Durango gets no changes for 2015.

FIAT:

500/500c/Abarth: For 2015, the Fiat 500, 500c, and Abarth models get revised front styling and a color instrument cluster display, though the color instrument cluster display is optional on the 500/500c Pop models. The Abarth models finally get an automatic transmission option. The 500S is no longer available for 2015. A new Ribelle model, based on the base Pop model, is now available for the 500 Hatchback, and adds black-finished alloy wheels and a red-painted roof.

500e: For 2015, the Fiat 500e gets no changes, as it was all-new for 2014.

500L: An all-new model for 2015, the Fiat 500L is expected to not get any changes for 2015, though the no-cost Value Packages for the Easy, Trekking, and Lounge models are no longer free of charge packages on these models.

500X: Based on the Jeep Renegade, the all-new Fiat 500X is an all-new model that will go on sale in late 2015 as an early 2016 Model Year vehicle.It is the first Fiat model that is available with four-wheel-drive in the United States.

JEEP:

Compass/Patriot: For 2015, the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot get a High Altitude Edition model.

Renegade: The Jeep Renegade is an all-new model for 2015, introducing younger buyers and international buyers as well into the Jeep lineup. It will share its platform with the all-new 2015 Fiat 500X, which will be unveiled in late 2014 as an early 2015 new model. The Altitude and High Altitude Edition models get a 4X4 option.

Cherokee: Introduced in 2014, the V6-equipped Jeep Cherokees get Stop-Start as standard equipment. Light Frost Beige replaces Iceland Gray as an interior color option.

Grand Cherokee: Restyled for 2014, Active Noise Cancelling is now an option on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The SRT model gets more power, despite having an SRT Hellcat model available (at least not yet). The Altitude Edition and Limited models now has a standard six-speaker non-premium sound system, with the Alpine premium surround-sound system option becoming optional.The SRT model gets a Red Vapor Package, which adds Satin Carbon-painted twenty-inch alloy wheels and a red-and-black two-tone leather/suede interior to the base SRT model.

Wrangler/Unlimited: For 2015, a standard tool kit makes roof removal on the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited easier. The Alpine premium surround-sound system available on other Chrysler models is now available on every model of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The base Wrangler Sport gets an optional Bridgestone Dueler Wheel/Tire Package, which replaces the standard sixteen-inch silver-painted steel wheels and standard tires with 31"x16" Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires and sixteen-inch black-painted steel wheels. The Rubicon X model is renamed the Rubicon Hard Rock, and the Willy's Wheeler and Willy's Wheeler X get the previously-optional Connectivity Package as standard equipment for 2015, which adds U Connect Bluetooth Hands-Free, an A/M-F/M stereo with CD/MP3 and auxiliary input jack and USB port, plus SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio with a one-year trial subscription.

RAM:

1500: For 2015, the RAM 1500 is expected to not get any changes.

2500/3500: For 2015, RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 models equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine have increased power and torque.

Chassis Cabs: For 2015, RAM Chassis Cab models equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine have increased power and torque.

ProMaster: For 2015, the RAM ProMaster is expected to not get any changes, as it was all-new for 2014.

C/V: For 2015, the RAM C/V is expected to get no changes.

ProMaster City: For 2015, a Fiat Doblo-based Ram ProMaster City will compete with Ford’s Transit Connect and Nissan’s NV200 Compact Cargo Van, available early 2015.

The Best of 2014: Vincent's Auto Review's Picks

            This year is slipping away from us, and thus, it’s time to announce the Vincent’s Auto Reviews Top New Car Picks of 2014. Each category represents an automobile segment in the United States. Without further ado, we are excited to announce our top picks for 2014:

Subcompact Car: Ford Fiesta: When the Ford Fiesta was first announced in the United States in 2011, it caused quite a stir. Aimed at younger buyers or buyers who wanted excellent fuel economy ratings, the Fiesta has sold well since its introduction. But for 2014, an all-new Fiesta was introduced. Now with the ST model, Ford has officially gotten back into the “Hot-Hatch” game in the United States. With updated technology features, sophisticated styling, and your choice of sedan or hatchback models, the Fiesta offers a plethora of features for a low price. The Fiesta is one of the best compact introductions of 2014.

Compact Car: Dodge Dart: When Dodge introduced its compact Neon back in 1995; it was a viable replacement for its aging Shadow series of cars. But, in 2007, Dodge replaced the Neon with the Caliber hatchback. But even a performance-oriented SRT4 model couldn’t improve sales for the Caliber. In 2012, Dodge finally retired the Caliber, and for 2013, introduced its first compact sedan since 2005: the Dart. Bringing back the classic Dart namesake, the all-new compact sedan is built on an Alfa Romeo-based chassis, and offers some of the best technology and performance features in its class, not to an EPA-estimated 41 MPG fuel economy rating for the Aero model with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Dart is aerodynamic and mimics the styling of its larger Charger sibling. And it got even better for 2014: Dodge introduced a performance-oriented GT model, offering even more aggressive styling and a sportier driving feel. For compact car shoppers, the Dart is most certainly worth a look.

Midsized Car: Mazda 6: The Mazda 6 was first introduced in 2003, though it was overshadowed by its competitors like the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and even the Ford Fusion. In 2009, Mazda redesigned its midsized sedan, giving it a sporty look inside and out, as well as more power and performance features. For 2014, though, Mazda takes it a step further by once again redesigning its bestseller. With an all-new, aerodynamically-designed exterior, more technology features, and SkyActiv technology returning a shocking EPA-estimated 38 MPG highway fuel economy rating, it’s no surprise that the 6 is still a bestseller.

Full-Sized Car: Chevrolet Impala: Up until the mid-1990s, the Chevrolet Impala was the “go-to” car for plenty of space, power, and driving excitement. But starting in 2000, the Impala switched to a front-wheel-drive platform from rear-wheel-drive, and its styling blended right in with its competitors. In 2006, Chevrolet attempted to give the Impala a more updated design, though the Impala mostly had appealed to rental fleets in recent years. For 2014, Chevrolet is looking to change that game with the introduction of its all-new Impala. Though still a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the latest Impala still offers some of the most advanced technology, safety, and performance features in its class. And they are right on target: the Impala is selling excellently, and the full-sized sedan is alive again.

Subcompact SUV: Fiat 500L: Fiat shocked the world when it introduced its first five-door 500, dubbed the 500L. “L” stands for “Living”, emphasizing on space and being fun-to-drive. Offering some of the retro-like styling, same performance features, and recognizable 500 DNA, the all-new 500L is one popular vehicle. Move over, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB: the 500L is stealing your spotlight.

Compact SUV: Hyundai Tucson: When the second-generation Hyundai Tucson was introduced back in 2011, it immediately became a popular seller. For 2014, it received a mid-cycle restyling, with a revised front end, new exterior lighting, and improved audio systems. For a low price, you get more standard features than what you would get when you purchase one of the Tucson’s competitors, and it just looks sporty. And you can’t beat Hyundai’s class-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. No wonder the Tucson still continues to excel in the compact SUV marketplace.

Midsized SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been around since 1993, and it had always been a bestseller up until 2005, when it lost its American Motors Corporation (AMC) DNA, and gained DNA from Daimler-Benz Corporation. In 2011, Jeep redesigned the Grand Cherokee, which is now in its fourth generation, and it immediately became a bestseller once again. And for 2014, Jeep has given its bestseller and flagship vehicle a mid-cycle restyling, with new exterior styling, technology features, and power trains. For those who want the best fuel economy out of a midsized almost-luxury SUV, there’s the EcoDiesel engine, developed in an alliance with Fiat SPA. Despite its high starting MSRP, the Grand Cherokee still sells well, and still attracts loyal Jeep owners with its luxuriousness and upscale feel.

Full-Sized SUV: Nissan Armada: When you think full-sized SUV, Nissan doesn’t generally come to mind. Nissan’s Armada has been around since it was first introduced as the Pathfinder Armada back in 2004, and it’s very much been unchanged since then. That doesn’t prevent it from selling in large numbers, though, based on the fact that it is based upon the Titan large pickup truck platform. With plenty of luxury and technology features, plus a reliable 5.6L V8 engine, the Armada is an excellent deal for buyers who wish not to pay the high prices of the Armada’s competitors, like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon.

Minivan: Chrysler Town and Country: The Chrysler Town and Country continues to be a family favorite and the preferred choice for minivan buyers. With standard features like leather seating surfaces, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, the innovative exclusive Stow ‘N’ Go foldable second-row and third-row seating system, a touch-screen audio system with SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, and much more, the Town and Country offers the best value in a minivan.

Regular Van: RAM ProMaster: When Dodge discontinued its full-sized RAM Vans in 2003, Dodge fans were saddened. The Mercedes Benz-based Sprinter vans were far more expensive than the vans they replaced, and even though they were very reliable, thanks to a Mercedes-Benz turbocharged diesel engine, full-sized van buyers generally turned to the American-made Chevrolet Express/GMC Savannah and Ford Econoline Series (the latter was discontinued for 2015, replaced by the Transit Series of full-sized vans). For 2014, the RAM brand reintroduced a full-sized van based on the Fiat Ducato Series. And it’s sold well since its introduction. Offered in cargo van, window van, cab-and-chassis, and cutaway van styles and many different wheelbases and roof heights, there’s a ProMaster for every buyer.

Pickup Truck: RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 has been a bestseller ever since it was introduced in the early 1980s. The latest incarnation of the RAM 1500 takes everything to a whole new level. With class-exclusive features such as an in-bed storage system, the largest touch-screen display available in a pickup truck, a diesel V6 engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission standard across the lineup, it’s no wonder that the RAM 1500 continues to excel. The RAM 1500 is the best full-sized pickup truck sold today.

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

Best Back-To-School Vehicles: Vincent's Auto Reviews' Picks

            As hard as it is to believe, the new school year will soon be upon us. If your teenager is going back to school, whether it be high school or college, and you want to buy them a used car, Vincent’s Auto Reviews has compiled a list of our best used car picks for back to school.

Best Subcompact Car: Kia Rio, 2006-2011: Small, thrifty, and safe, the Kia Rio is a great pick for going back to school. Plus, the industry-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty means that scheduled repairs will be taken care of during the time your teen has the car. Should they need to take passengers along for the ride, the Rio, in either sedan or hatchback form, will seat five passengers comfortably.

Best Compact Car: Ford Focus, 2008-2011: A fun-to-drive, efficient, and sporty-looking little car, the Focus offers up many features to satisfy your techy teen. From Bluetooth hands-free phone and iPod integration, to SIRIUS Satellite Radio, to full voice control of the sound system, the Focus offers many features to keep your teen safe, yet still satisfied, while behind the wheel. Plus, Ford’s MyKey on later model (2010 and newer) Focus’s allows you to set parameters for your teen, such as limiting the volume of the sound system, muting the sound system until your teen buckles up, and setting a speed warning and limit. Should your teen want extra sportiness, a coupe variant, which still seats five passengers and is visibly sportier than the sedan model, is also available to purchase.

Best Midsized Car: Mazda6, 2004-2008: There’s a Mazda6 to satisfy every driver, including your teen. From a five-door wagon, to a four-door hatchback, to the traditional four-door sedan, there’s plenty to choose from. With either four-cylinder or V6 power, there’s also an engine choice for every driver. All models seat five passengers in comfort, while providing plenty of trunk or cargo room space to load up your teen’s things. While harder to find, the MazdaSpeed6 is also available to purchase.

Best Full-Sized Car: Dodge Charger V6, 2006-2010: Just because you don’t want your teenager to have a lot of power, doesn’t mean they still can’t have fun while driving. The V6-powered Charger, offering the looks of its V8-powered siblings, while offering better fuel economy and less power, the Charger is a fun-to-drive sports sedan. Bluetooth technology allows your teenager to connect their phone and take calls or stream their favorite music, while an auxiliary input jack allows them to plug in their MP3 player. Plus, if you live in a cold climate where snow may be in the forecast, all-wheel-drive can be had on the Charger, in addition to the standard rear-wheel-drive version.

Best Compact SUV: Jeep Liberty, 2002-2007: So your teenager wants a Jeep, but you don’t want them in a convertible. The Liberty is a fun-to-drive, four-door SUV that offers four-wheel-drive capabilities while still having excellent on-road manners. Offering a swing-out rear tailgate, your teenager can load cargo into their Liberty easily and without much effort, while the rear bench seat folds flat to create a larger cargo area. The Liberty is a no-brainer.

Best Midsized SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1999-2004: If your teenager wants a more traditional Jeep, the Grand Cherokee satisfies that want. Offered with six-cylinder or V8 engines, two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, and many different models, the Grand Cherokee is a solid pick. Like the Liberty, even though it doesn’t have a swing-out tailgate, loading of cargo is effortless, and the rear bench seat folds flat. Plus, your teenager can carry four additional passengers in comfort. The Grand Cherokee is a great choice for teenaged drivers.

Best Full-Sized SUV: Ford Expedition, 2003-2006: While you may not be shopping for a full-sized SUV for your teenager, the Expedition remains a great consideration. Even though it has V8 power, a fold-flat third-row seat allows for passenger-carrying capabilities when your teenager needs it or cargo-carrying capabilities when your teenager needs to carry larger items in their vehicle. Advanced safety features like side-mounted airbags and traction and stability controls keep your teenager safe while behind the wheel of the Expedition.

 Best Pickup Truck: Dodge Dakota, 2005-2011: If your teenager plays a sport or just needs to haul a lot, a pickup truck may be a great option, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a full-sized pickup truck. In fact, the Dakota offers V6 or V8 power, two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, and four doors, either in extended or crew cabs. The Dakota also seats up to six people (in crew cab form) and can be equipped with a large bed for extreme cargo carrying capabilities. The Dakota is a solid choice for your teenager.

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

Saying Goodbye to the Cars Being Discontinued After 2014

            2014 has been a great year in the automotive world, with many new innovations in technology, safety, performance, styling, and more, and for 2015, it just keeps getting better. Unfortunately, though, 2015 is also a year that we pay homage to some of the models that are getting their swan song. Here is a list of all the vehicles that are being axed for 2015:

Acura TL and TSX: For 2015, Acura is discontinuing three models, two of which are four-door sedans (the TL and TSX), and one of which is a five-door wagon (the TSX). While the TL is now in its fourth generation, and the TSX is now in its second generation, it is finally time to say goodbye to Acura’s well-priced midsized luxury sedans (and wagon). Fear not, though: Acura has introduced an all-new four-door midsized luxury sedan for 2015: the TLX. Combining the best features of both of its predecessors, the all-new TLX offers both four-cylinder and six-cylinder power, and two automatic transmissions. Front and all-wheel-drive will be available.

Chrysler 200 Convertible: Even though its four-door sedan sibling was redesigned for 2015, the Chrysler 200 Convertible has seen a decline in sales over the past few years, with most of its sales going to rental fleets. Americans just don’t see the need for a sedan-based two-door front-wheel-drive convertible like it used to in the late 1990s to mid-2000s. The 200 Convertible is one of a dying breed.

Dodge Avenger: Despite its Chrysler 200 Sedan sibling being fully redesigned for 2015, the Dodge Avenger unfortunately does not make it into 2015. The 2015 Chrysler 200 offers the same features and new improvements for about the same price. Dodge could possibly introduce a midsized rear-wheel-drive coupe with the Avenger nameplate in the next few years, paying homage to the Mitsubishi Eclipse-based Dodge Avenger coupe that was manufactured between 1995 and 2000. The Dodge Avenger won’t really be missed, and the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan picks up right where it left off.

Ford E-Series: The Ford E-Series has been a very popular seller ever since it was first introduced as the Econoline in the early 1960s. Unfortunately, though, there comes a time when things get old, as the current-generation E-Series has stuck around since 1992 virtually unchanged, despite revised styling in recent years. For 2015, Ford introduces its Transit series, which has been a popular seller in Europe, as much as the E-Series ever was. The new Transit series offers new technology, performance, and safety features (i.e. the industry-first four-row side curtain airbags), and offers more refinement than its predecessor. So will the Transit be as popular a seller in the U.S. as it has always been in Europe? We think so.

Honda Insight: Ah, the Honda Insight. Before the Toyota Prius, it was America’s first hybrid gasoline/electric vehicle that was mass-marketed. The first generation Insight, sold from 1999 to 2006, was a two-seater, front-wheel-drive car that featured a controversial design. In 2010, Honda decided to reintroduce the Insight for a second generation after a four-year hiatus, offering a five-seat, front-wheel-drive car that offered aerodynamic styling without being too controversial. Unfortunately, though, demand for the Insight has seen a downfall in the past few years, and Honda decided to retire the Insight earlier this year. Worry not, though: there are still plenty of hybrid offerings in Honda’s growing lineup: the Civic, Accord, and CR-Z all offer excellent fuel economy and plenty of space for American consumers.

Honda Fit EV: While its non-electric sibling gets fully redesigned for 2015, the Honda Fit EV, which only saw a production run of about one year, is being retired. Only available in California and Oregon, the next generation Fit EV will debut when pigs start flying.

Jaguar XK: When it was first introduced in the mid-1990s, the Jaguar XK was quite a car. In the 2000s, a close competitor, the Lexus SC430, was introduced. Since the SC430 was discontinued, the market for a premium, four-seat British coupe and convertible has seen a decline. The F-Type will pick up where the XK will leave off.

McLaren MP412-C: With the introduction of its 650S sports coupe and roadster, McLaren has decided to discontinue its MP412-C coupe and roadster. The 650S will take the MP412-C’s place.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: Mercedes-Benz caused quite a stir when it introduced the successor to its SLR McLaren, offering both a coupe and a roadster, and this time offering gull-wing doors. Mercedes-Benz is beginning to plan for the introduction of yet another successor, and therefore, we say “so long” to the SLS AMG.

Mini Clubman: Introduced as a Mini Cooper with an extra door and barn-style rear doors, the Mini Clubman is being replaced by a four-door sibling to the all-new Mini Cooper Hardtop. The rear third door was awkward, and didn’t improve rear seat access, unfortunately. We look forward to the Clubman’s successor.

Mitsubishi Evolution: A souped-up performance version of the Lancer, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, later called the Evolution, competed with the likes of the Subaru (Impreza) WRX and WRX STi. Due to its high base price, this four-door sedan has sold in little numbers in the past few years. The Evolution, or “Evo”, as it’s affectionately referred to, is being dropped for 2015.

Nissan Cube: Originally introduced as a competitor for the Kia Soul and Scion xB, demand for the Nissan Cube has declined in recent years due to the asymmetrical styling and retro-like styling. While some may miss the Cube, others may not.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet: When Nissan first announced that it would chop the top off its Murano four-door crossover SUV in 2011, everyone thought it was only an April fool’s joke. But that was only until it actually happened: Nissan DID actually chop the top off the Murano. Nobody asked for it, yet Nissan still delivered it. The CrossCabriolet, with its expensive base price and little options, has been dropped from Nissan’s lineup.

Scion xD: When it was introduced, the Scion xD was only as popular as its xA predecessor. Yet, the xD still stuck around. With the xB still in its lineup, Scion has decided to drop the xD for 2015.

Subaru Tribeca: Originally called the B9 Tribeca, the Subaru Tribeca has proven not to be a popular seller due to its bubble-like styling and ancient four-speed automatic transmission. The Tribeca has (quietly) slipped out of Subaru’s lineup for 2015, due to the introduction of an all-new 2015 Outback wagon.

Toyota FJ Cruiser: The Toyota FJ Cruiser was introduced in 2007 to pay homage to the classic Land Cruisers of yesteryear.  Now in its eighth model year, the FJ Cruiser has run its course, and is ready to be retired. While we’ll miss its off-road ability and ruggedness, as well as its retro styling, and while Toyota still offers its classic 4Runner, and we’ll (sadly) watch it ride off into the sunset.

While the following vehicles aren’t being discontinued, their manufacturers have decided to skip over the 2015 model year in preparation for all-new models to be introduced for 2016 and beyond. The vehicles are as follows:

-Cadillac CTS-V

-Mazda2

-Nissan Maxima

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews