Suspension. Pickups have always used leaf-spring rear suspension; it’s inexpensive, durable and time-tested, but it’s also twitchy and poor at absorbing shock while maintaining road traction. Of course, there are better ways, but no auto manufacturer has found an economical and effective way to use alternatives in their pickups, until now.

The 2009 Ram comes with heavy-duty coil rear suspension, which absorbs shock, even under the heaviest loads, while maintaining excellent road contact; the resulting ride is disconcertingly civilized.

Elsewhere, the Ram is well proportioned and has bucket loads of storage space, both in and outside of the cabin. It’s moved by a suitable sized 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, which has receives a boost in power, clocking in at an impressive 390 horsepower for the premium model.

There are plenty of well realised features to commend the 2009 Dodge Ram. Perhaps most significant is the first use of coil suspension on the rear axle, which suddenly turns the Ram into a suitable and full featured family carrier if it needs to be.

The 2500 is eminently configurable on the largest scale possible. Prospective buyers enjoy the luxury of picking between two engines, including a powerful Cummins diesel, three cab styles, (regular, quad or Mega Cab) and the choice of 2×4 or 4×4 drive configurations. It shouldn’t be difficult to get a 2500 Ram to exactly suit your requirements.

All the usual safety features are present; dual front airbags, curtain airbags, anti lock brakes, stability control and tire pressure monitors. There are also a range of optional extras to improve utility and entertainment aspects of the vehicle, including built in GPS, sunroof, rear seat video entertainment system and Dodge’s Uconnect digital media storage solution. It’s difficult to get bored in a Dodge Ram without these extras, but impossible when you have them!

Dodge hasn’t skimped on finish either. Interiors are furnished with decent quality materials and generally well fitted. Overall, this makes the Dodge Ram 2500 an extremely capable and comfortable truck.

The Dakota is quite utilitarian, though. Although I hope this is a positive point for most buyers, people looking for a high quality interior and finish will be disappointed with the lacklustre finish on most surfaces, and the lack of luxury extras. Instead, Dodge has equipped the Dakota with an eminently capable 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 with a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission in the basic model and a 302-hp 4.7-liter V8 if you need to haul some serious weight, which tops out at 7050 pounds.

So utility is the buzz word, and in this regard the Dakota never sets a foot wrong. The price tag is fair, particularly when you consider the engineering build quality and power at your disposal.

The 2009 Dodge Dakota is no slouch. It’s got a lot of power which is well converted to actual hauling potential. It’s also more comfortable off-road than similar competing models, which make it ideal for getting the job done, wherever and whenever it needs doing.

This has resulted in something like surrender from the manufacturer, as this year’s models sport strangely out of place hybrid drives and unremarkable fuel economy claims. The Journey is no exception. Unfortunately these cut backs mean that although the Journey is a great car, it just missed being the best in its class. Here’s why.

The Journey is sturdily built and has an excellently proportioned interior, with a range of neat diversions for passengers. All round, it’s an excellent family car.

It’s let down by the fuel economy, and by letdown I mean that the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated for 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque is just not enough to haul the Journeys substantial 3,800 pounds.

Still, if you are looking for a great family car, with good interior and reasonable build then the 2009 Dodge Journey is great value for money. Just don’t expect it to thrill you with its tarmac eating power!

Though Dodge’s 2009 Grand Caravan looks are unremarkable, it has clearly been designed with the family experience central to its purpose, and the real guts of that are on the inside. Standard models are equipped with an innovative swivel seating arrangement and built in MP3 player, but the real fun comes with the upgraded versions.

The SE model Features media drives for movies and music, foldaway tables, a dual screen entertainment system and satellite TV. It’s hard for anyone to get bored in the Grand Caravan except the driver, that is.
Driving the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is unremarkable. Unlike other Dodges which are never short of power, the GC struggles to keep pace with similar vehicles, it’s steering is lacklustre, and although its suspension keeps the ride comfortable, there’s very little responsiveness.

Above all, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is an excellent family minivan; one of the finest available, in fact. If a relaxed and uneventful drive with the kids is your idea of heaven, then the GC is sure to deliver!

What does going hybrid mean for the Durango? Well, upon closer inspection, not a whole lot. To Dodges credit, the Durango maintains the power of earlier models in its 5.7-liter V8 engine, but the hybrid drive does very little to improve mileage and adds significant extra cost to the new vehicle. It might be enough to convince someone who already had their eye on a Durango for a few years, but there are far more fuel efficient alternatives out there, if that’s one of your criteria.

So what does the 2009 Dodge Durango do right?

Well, it’s got a lot of space; the cabin is roomy and will fit a large family with ease, it’ll also have no trouble towing heavy payloads. As is typical, interior quality is lacking. However, if this fits the bill then the Durango is the SUV for you, otherwise it might be wise to look elsewhere.

The standard and automatic transmissions are improved over the previous generations, as are the vehicles suspension and breaks, which are tighter and more responsive. As ever, the Nitro makes a great off-road car, and is one of the only SUV’s actually comfortable with even the most extreme of terrains. It also outshines its competitors in hauling capacity, being capable of towing up to 5000 pounds. It’s not all fantastic though.

The interior finish and quality is somewhat lacking and, as with many of Dodge’s utility vehicles, fuel economy is mediocre. Of course, the Nitro couldn’t do what it does if fuel economy was improved, so this is really an issue for your own consideration.

It’s hard to beat the 2009 Dodge Nitro for haulage and all terrain comfort. That said, very few drivers will find themselves with a task that only Dodge’s SUV can accomplish. If you are looking for a more moderate, fuel efficient and comfortable SUV then it might be wise to look elsewhere.

The new Viper comes as with hardtop or as a convertible and features a 600-hp 8.4-liter V10 engine ñone of the most powerful in its league. There’s not much point racing this thing, because it’ll win every time, but you might be able to beat it on features and looks.

While the classic Viper styling is still visible, the 2008 and 2009 have been criticized for their somewhat unimaginative design, which lacks the memorable lines of the original. As is typical with Dodge, the interior quality also takes a back seat to the pure mechanical genius of the machine. It’s rough and ready, to say the least. Dodge calls this “racing essence”.

So don’t be mistaken. The 2009 Dodge Viper is all about racing, speed, power and more racing, and it’s not too concerned about driver comfort. It’ll reward you with years of heart pounding fun if you give it a try.

The new Charger is an excellent piece of kit; the all important BHP ranges from 178-hp rattling around in the budget SE model, up to the brain splinteringly powerful 425-hp under the hood of the high end SRT8 version. Suffice to say, if you are looking to buy one, the extra power is worth every penny.

Charger buyers will also enjoy a broad range of optional extras, ranging from a media suite for digital entertainment storage and playback, to pleasantly heated seats. The only thing the Charger is missing is looks. Yes, it’s a classic design, but the 2009 model is stretching the mould to breaking point, and there are some weird lumps starting to turn up where there shouldn’t be. Call me a traditionalist, but I liked the old style.

The 2009 Dodge Charger isn’t going be everyone’s cup of chai. The brand is so firmly ensconced in V8 glory that it’s difficult to see where Dodge can take it without losing that unique selling point. For now though, the 2009 Charger is keeping relatively true to its origins, and it’s better for it.

The challenger is an awesome piece of engineering, featuring a new generation of 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 370 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque in the R/T, and a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 250 hp and 250 lb-ft in their SE model. The suspension is also uniquely suited to deal with the substantial weight of the car, and manages to give a surprisingly responsive ride, even on uneven surfaces.

Nothings perfect though, and the challenger is no exception. While it’s perfectly sufficient, the challengers default configuration lacks the tarmac destroying power that its rivals deliver. Still, there is plenty of room to improve each vehicle in other areas with a selection of customisation options provided by Dodge.

Overall, it’s a fantastic machine, perfectly capable of giving its rivals a run for their money, and striking enough to run off with your own money if you let it!

You see, the Calibers mileage and performance can’t beat a compact, it’s actually fairer to compare it to a mini SUV, and it’s only then that we begin to find real value in this car.

The raised driver position provides better headroom and line of sight than comparable sized vehicles. The 148-hp 1.8-liter engine roars like it’s twice the size, if you ask it to, and though the CVT automatic transmission can take some getting use, it provides a real kick when you need it.

So that’s the 2009 Dodge Caliber; a misunderstood bad boy who straddles the compact and mini-SUV markets. Luckily, it worked out ok. The only noticeable downside that I should mention is that rear visibility is somewhat compromised by the Calibers unique styling, but let’s face it, you won’t be reversing half as much as you’d need to in a true sub-compact.

Don’t get me wrong, the Avenger is extremely competitively priced, but a careful buyer can certainly do better for their money in this hotly contested market. This is Altima, Accord and Camry country, and try as Dodge might, they won’t fit in until they shake down that loose handling and noisy engine.

Under the bonnet, the 173-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is everything it should be, and while the list of optional extras like a media drive for storing digital music and video to enjoy on the move is persuasive, it’s simply not enough to commend this car for the average sedan buyer.

When all is said and done, the 2009 Dodge Avenger makes a reasonable, if flawed, entry to the midsize sedan market. While that Dodge styling and meaty engine might make some swoon, it’s not enough to sell this car on its own, and that’s really all it’s got. Perhaps Dodge can find a better balance with their next iteration.

With room for two, ‘08 Viper drivers will find bolstered, leather trimmed seats with Preferred Suede inserts and a variety of interior two-tone color options that include red/black, blue/black, slate/black and tan/black. The speedometer goes up to 220 miles per hour and the tachometer is center mounted and has a 7,000 rotation per minute maximum. The gear shifter is accented in aluminum, which is fairly cool. Still, it does nothing to compete with the power adjustable pedals that include a dead pedal. As for the dash, it’s got a satin chrome finish that’s to die for.

Of course, the engine inside the Dodge Viper is nothing short of superb. It’s got an 8.4 liter V-10 engine that has a new cylinder block. Modified cylinder head and variable valve timing (VVT) Cam in Cam ensure controlled phasing of the exhaust and intake valves. These valves adjust themselves electronically according to the engine speed and load, helping the engine to breathe more effieciently and cleaner.

As for the Viper’s six speed manual transmission, it features 10 percent wider gears that increase the shift quality and torque capacity. A twin disc clutch helps to reduce the clutch-pedal effort and improve engagement feel. All in all, the 2008 Dodge Viper can be summed up in one word: perfection.

Many of these features can be found in the details, proof that Dodge didn’t overlook anything when designing this year’s Charger. For example, all of the controls that drivers normally find themselves reaching for are conveniently located on the steering wheel. The optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center displays important vehicle statistics like average miles per gallon, distance to empty, trip odometer, compass, maintenance intervals and elapsed time. At night, drivers will love the illuminated cup holders and map pockets.

On the performance side of the aisle, owners will have peace of mind knowing that the ‘08 Charger has a built in Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and all-wheel drive and suspension for additional traction and high performance handling.

The 2008 Charger also comes with an available remote start system, so during cold months drivers don’t have to get into a cold car. In fact, it can be started from the comfort of your dining room table, as the remote will work as far as 300 feet away.

Finally, in the event of an accident, everyone aboard will be protected by the 2008 Dodge Charger’s multistage air bags for the driver and front passenger, as well as supplemental side curtain air bags for those riding in both the front and back. A rigid unibody construction made out of steel will also help to protect everyone, as well as keep the ride smooth and quiet on rough roads.

Environmentally friendly, this year’s Dodge Grand Caravan has an available flex-fuel capable engine that will greatly extend the miles per gallon of gasoline as well as help teach kids to be green. This optional engine can run on either normal unleaded gasoline or E85, a blend of 15 percent petroleum and 85 percent standard gas. When filled with the latter, the Caravan emits up to 30 percent less greenhouse gas. Moreover, it does so without sacrificing any torque or horsepower.

Backseat occupants of the ‘08 Caravan will enjoy the available side window sunshade that helps to keep the cabin cool, even when the sun is blazing. Kids and adults alike will love the optional Sirius Backseat TV that broadcasts networks like Nickelodeon, the Cartoon Network and the Disney Channel directly to the screen. Suddenly, the four hour trip to Grandma’s house isn’t so bad. A navigation system makes sure that the four hour trip doesn’t extend into a six hour venture because of a wrong turn along the way.

Possibly the coolest thing that the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan offers this year is the ParkView Rear Backup Camera. It displays a wide angle view of the space directly behind the van to assist the driver in backing up safely. The image is displayed in real time on the navigation screen that is located in the dashboard.

This year’s Sprinter comes in three different models: Cargo Van, Chassis Cab and Passenger Van. Each have their own features and benefits, and are among the best in their class for what they offer. Features like a standard five speed automatic with AutoStick, best in class roof heights (up to 7 feet tall on the inside cabin), best in class cargo capacity (600 cubic feet) and best in class available payload for unparalleled hauling capabilities.

One of the best features of the ‘08 Sprinter is the cost effective repairs that it’s designed to undergo. If for some reason the vehicle is in an accident, many parts are easy and affordable to replace. This can save thousands of dollars in parts and labor at the local mechanic. For example, the headlights have fastening clips that are designed to release at a predetermined breaking point. If and when that happens, a professional isn’t even needed! A layperson can simply refasten the headlamp with spare angle brackets and screws.

Another cheap fix on the 2008 Dodge Sprinter is the rear bumper. Because it has a rubber strip around it, parking lot bumps are nothing to call the insurance agent over. Since the bumper is broken down into three parts, in the event of a more serious ding only the damaged section needs to be replaced.

Each model of the 2008 Dakota has the option of coming with Yes Essentials Fabric. Truly a wonder material, it is stain and odor resistant and is chemically engineered to withstand spot treatment over time, in the same area, without fading. Suddenly, mud, dirt, spills and debris aren’t a big deal. No matter how dirty the exterior of the truck gets, the interior will remain spotless and smelling like new, no hassle.

The ‘08 Dodge Dakota also has the most overall interior room in its class. With 37.1 cubic feet in the crew cab, there’s plenty of room for whatever you want to haul. From dogs and kids to buddies and beams of wood, everything will fit comfortably. The driver, especially, will love the six way power adjustable seating and optional heated seats. Even the rear seats come with a heating option, which is the first year Dakota has made this accommodation available.

Additionally, this year’s Dakota has an available MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System that features a 6.5 inch, full color, touch screen LCD display. It has voice activated GPS navigation with turn by turn directional guidance, Sirius Satellite Radio, real-time traffic reporting, DVD playback and an internal USB port for easy transfer and storage of digital photos and up to 1,600 songs. Who needs CDs when there’s a system like that around?

With this year’s Durango, the front end is decidedly Dodge. Sporting the signature crosshair grille and bold wheel flares, this is one vehicle that is as in your face and brash as consumers have come to expect. The fascia has inset headlamps and optional fog lamps. Either way, the lighting system manages to safely light the road ahead while accentuating the aggressive design that the engineers at Dodge worked so hard to create.

On the inside, the ‘08 Durango is a whole different story. With plush seating that leaves plenty of room for up to eight passengers, the cabin won a best in class award. Additionally, fold flat seating options leave several different seating and cargo transport options open. The second row of seats can recline while the third row can lay flat to help move awkwardly shaped objects (like your second cousin) with ease. As an added bonus, the Durango also has available first and second row heated seats.

Even with all of that, the 2008 Dodge Durango has plenty of driver conveniences that are usually found only in expensive luxury cars. For example, options like remote keyless entry, electronic vehicle information center, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, 115 volt power outlet, power adjustable pedals, a three blink turn signal, power liftgate and dual automatic temperature control help to ensure normal, everyday trips are far from average.

That said, the ‘08 Caliber doesn’t skimp on any of the details. In fact, this vehicle is packed with more features than most cars that cost four times as much. Take, for example, the Dodge exclusive Chill Zone Beverage Cooler. Much like the name implies, it’s an in dashboard storage bin that can keep up to four 12 ounce cans of soda ice cold. It can also come equipped with a heated/cooled cup holder that will keep hot drinks up to 140 degrees and cold drinks as low as 35 degrees in temperature. That’s the kind of luxury consumers can’t find anywhere else.

This year’s Caliber is also an extremely versatile vehicle. It has a fold flat front passenger seat that allows drivers to transport awkwardly shaped items like hockey sticks and furniture with ease. The back seat also allows for some options, and folds in a 60/40 split for extra storage space when users need it the most. Also, the seats can come wrapped in the revolutionary Yes Essentials Fabric that is odor, stain and static resistant. As a result, even as the car ages, it will look and smell brand new.

The 2008 Dodge Caliber is also one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the road. The Avenger SXT can come with a 2.6 liter V-6 engine that can take both regular unleaded gasoline and the new E85 fuel, which is a blend of 15 percent unleaded gas and 85 percent ethanol.

When test driving an ‘08 Magnum, consumers may feel like they’re sitting up a little straighter and taller. That’s probably because the engineers at Dodge designed the heated seats to place the driver two inches higher than they would normally sit, which increases visibility drastically. On long road trips, drivers will also benefit from the manual lumbar adjust, which helps to stop back pain before it starts. Also, the car can come with eight way power driver and front passenger seats, enabling comfort at the touch of a button.

Still, consumers shouldn’t be fooled by the 2008 Magnum’s creature comforts. Behind it all is a powerful machine that can tow between 1,000 and 3,800 pounds, depending on the engine chosen. A trailer tow prep group is also an option, so those who own boats can be out on the water at a moment’s notice.

Those who like to be out and about will also benefit from the versatility the 2008 Dodge Magnum offers. There’s an easy access rear liftgate that opens to a fully vertical position, so from removing groceries to loading luggage, there’s no chance of a bumped head and no worries about straining a back bending over. It even has front storage in a center console with enough room to fit all of the little things people rely on from day to day. For items that are a bit bigger, there are larger front door storage bins.