Top safety picks: Chrysler 4, Toyota 0

Four Chrysler vehicles were named Top Safety Picks for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety while Toyota failed to place a single car or truck on the list. Chrysler also had more domestic models on the list than either Ford or General Motors.

Chrysler got the nod for the Avenger and Sebring sedans when equipped with optional Electronic Stability Control, the Dodge Journey and the Jeep Patriot with optional thorax side air bags.

Ford got the largest number of picks with six, but four of those went to Volvo. Only the Taurus and Lincoln MKS made the grade for Ford’s domestic brands. GM was represented by the Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Malibus made after October 2009.

Subaru got five picks, Volkswagen got four, plus one for the Audi A3. Two Hondas made the list along with one each for Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan.

2009 Challenger named “Most Appealing Mid-Size Sport Car”

Owners of the 2009 Dodge Challenger have named it “Most Appealing Mid-Size Sporty Car” in the latest J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study. The study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive and is based on surveys from the owners themselves. This year, more than 80,900 people who bought or leased a 2009 model-year car or truck responded to the APEAL Study between February and May. They evaluated more than 90 vehicle attributes after they had had their new vehicles for 90 days.

Racking up the awards, the Challenger was named AutoPacific’s Best in Class Ideal Vehicle Award for the Sporty Car category.

Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group

TAWA gives top honors to Heavy-Duty Ram, Dakota and Patriot

The Texas Auto Writers Association named the Heavy-Duty Ram Pickup the “Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas” at their annual truck Rodeo. At the event, held outside of San Antonio this year, the Dodge Dakota was selected “Mid-Size Pickup of Texas” and the Jeep Patriot earned the “Compact SUV of Texas” title.

Selections were made by the 40+ TAWA members, all of whom are working automotive journalists, after two days of on- and off-road trials. All entries are evaluated on performance, styling, comfort and real-world utility.

“The TAWA Truck Rodeo is the most comprehensive evaluation of new trucks and SUVs in the country and manufacturers consider it a great honor to win their category,” Harold Gunn, President of TAWA, said. Gunn also noted, “The wins for Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Dakota are significant because our truck rodeo offers journalists a chance to judge vehicles in side-by-side comparisons and these top awards were given based on individual impressions and by secret ballot.”

“We’re very proud of these awards; they affirm our leadership in the truck market,” said Fred Diaz, CEO for Dodge’s Ram Brand, said. “In a head-to-head competition, our all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty un-seated last year’s winner, right in the pickup truck capital of the U.S. Ram is not only the best heavy-duty truck we’ve ever built; it’s the best heavy-duty truck on the market, hands down. We’re also proud that the Dodge Dakota won its category, affirming Dakota’s capability and versatility.”

Michael Manley, CEO – Jeep Brand, echoed Diaz’s comments. “This is certainly an honor for Jeep. We’re proud the Patriot proved its off-road prowess at the Texas Truck Rodeo. The Trail Rated® Jeep Patriot 4×4 is hands down the most capable and affordable SUV in the compact segment.”

Dodge Grand Caravan is the most reliable minivan, according to J.D. Power

J.D. Power rated the Dodge Grand Caravan as the most reliable minivan in America, giving it a higher reliability score than any other full or midsized van. The Grand Caravan was named Most Dependable Van, beating the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

This test covers three full years, and is a better measure of long-term reliability than the J.D. Power 90-day “initial quality” tests.

Dodge Journey named Top Safety Pick

The 2010 Dodge Journey has been named one of 2009’s Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“The Dodge Journey is at the head of the class for safety,” said Adrian Lund, the safety group’s president. “The Top Safety Pick designation is our highest award and only goes to vehicles affording the best overall crash protection, plus electronic stability control to help drivers avoid many crashes altogether.”

In a company press release, Scott Kunselman, Chrysler Group’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, commented, “Another Top Safety Pick for Chrysler Group is not only a great achievement for the Dodge Journey but also for the company. IIHS’ recognition of our products demonstrates Chrysler’s leadership in occupant protection and overall vehicle engineering capability.”

Autoweek adds Caliber to list of safe rides for teens

Autoweek magazine will focus on teen driving in the September 7 issue. The issue covers some of the scary accident and fatality statistics that apply to younger drivers. Autoweek’s editors selected the Dodge Caliber as one of their safe rides for teenage drivers. The list also included the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Rabbit, Kia Soul, Mazda 3, Pontiac Vibe, 2003-08 Mazda 6, 2007-09 Honda Accord and 1979-81 Mercedes-Benz 300TD.

Sebring, Avenger earn top safety scores

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger its top ratings, naming both Chrysler Group cars as 2009 Top Safety Picks.

Commenting on the award, IIHS President Adrian Lund said, “A vehicle that earns the Top Safety Pick designation provides the best overall protection in the three most common kinds of crashes. Top-level crash-test performance plus electronic stability control to help keep drivers out of crashes are the tough criteria needed to earn this award.”

The mid-size Chrysler sedans come equipped with more than 30 safety and security features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and advanced, multi-stage air bags.

“We are proud to receive the highest possible ratings from IIHS for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President of Engineering for Chrysler Group. “These sought-after achievements highlight Chrysler’s leadership in safety and security technology and occupant protection.”