Eight Chrysler Vehicles Get 'Best Buy' For 2012 Model Year

DETROIT (WWJ) - Consumers Digest announced its annual automotive "Best Buys," and vehicles from Chrysler Group LLC received eight of them, more than doubling the number of "Best Buys" Chrysler Group vehicles received in 2010 and 2011.

In the past year and a half, the Chrysler Group has introduced 16 all-new or significantly refreshed models, and many awards have been rolling in ever since.

Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group LLC, said it's a tremendous honor to have so many vehicles named as 'Best Buys' by Consumers Digest.

"We have gone to great lengths to enhance the craftsmanship and quality of all of our vehicles. These awards are evidence that we're producing cars, trucks, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that customers – and critics – appreciate," Betts said in a written statement.

The Consumers Digest automotive "Best Buys" issue is an annual publication in which editors judge vehicles on many build quality and performance attributes such as ergonomics, fit and finish, utility, acceleration, fuel economy and many more. They also look at cost of ownership variables such as resale value, warranty, maintenance costs and annual operating expenses.

The Chrysler Group vehicles that received Consumers Digest automotive "Best Buys" for the 2012 model year are:

Chrysler 300

Once limited to premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the new segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300, 300S (V-6) and 300 Limited models and offers class-leading fuel efficiency.

Packed with a 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, performance-tuned suspension and larger performance disc brakes, the V-8 models deliver world-class power and refinement.

Chrysler Town & Country

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan builds upon the dramatic, and well received, changes made in the previous model year. Already imbued with innovative technology, unparalleled functionality, classic design, and a long list of standard convenience and safety features, enhancements in refinement make the 2012 Town & Country a true stand-out in the minivan segment.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Since its introduction, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has captured more than 30 awards from an array of opinion-leading organizations making it the most awarded SUV ever. The most capable Grand Cherokee ever with available Jeep Selec-Terrain system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and front and rear independent suspension also has V-6 and V-8 engine choices.

Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger SXT model and Challenger SXT Plus package feature the lightweight, aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 305 horsepower, responsive 268 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 27 mpg highway. With legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines under their hoods, the 2012 Challenger R/T model delivers up to 375 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque and 25 mpg highway.

Dodge Durango

The Durango offers standard seven-passenger seating, best-in-class power, best-in-class towing, best-in-class driving range of more than 550 miles, more than 30 storage areas, 28 seating configurations and a rear cargo area of nearly 85 cubic feet that fits a six-foot couch with room for coffee table or a 10-foot ladder with the front passenger seat folded flat.

Dodge Grand Caravan

The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to lead the segment it created. Chrysler Group invented the modern minivan in 1983 with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Seventy-five minivan-first innovations and 13 million minivan sales later, the company still leads the way with the best, most innovative vehicle to move people and things.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 offers a variety of models for customers who rely on their trucks for work and play. In addition to the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 which produces 390 horsepower, 407 lb.-ft. of torque and 20 mpg, the 2012 Ram 1500 offers a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque; five and six-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.

Fiat 500

The 2012 Fiat 500 caters to a new generation of Americans who want their vehicle to be as engaging, individualized, ecologically responsible and technologically savvy as they are. With its city-friendly proportions, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter engine delivering up to 38 highway mpg and a best-in-class 30 mpg city, seven standard air bags and new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Fiat 500 offers a unique ownership experience.