Five Chrysler Group LLC Models Receive 2013 Consumer Guide® Automotive 'Best Buy' Award

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Guide^® Automotive has released its annual list of "Best Buys" for 2013 and five Chrysler Group vehicles earned spots on this year's prestigious list, including:

• Chrysler Town & Country (Minivan)
• Ram 1500 (Large Pickup Truck)
• Dodge Durango (Large Crossover)
• Dodge Grand Caravan (Minivan)
• Dodge Journey (Midsize Crossover)

Each year, Consumer Guide^® Automotive editors analyze, compare and evaluate numerous vehicles by driving and extensively testing all major models in 19 vehicle categories. Those models that best fit the needs of the consumer are recognized with a "Best Buy" accolade.

"We are honored to have five of our vehicles, including three Dodge vehicles, recognized by Consumer Guide^® Automotive as Best Buys for 2013," said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group. "These awards are proof that Chrysler Group creates cars, trucks, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that both customers and critics appreciate."

A Consumer Guide^® Automotive Best Buy Award rating signifies that a vehicle is ranked at the top of its class and is strongly endorsed by the editors.

"The Chrysler Group turnaround has been a treat to watch. In a few short years the company has made revolutionary gains in terms of drivetrain sophistication and materials, and assembly quality. Chrysler really feels like an all new entity." – Tom Appel, Publisher

Consumer Guide^® Automotive is the leading consumer-focused trusted resource for authoritative and objective reports on new and used vehicles. Consumers turn to Consumer Guide^® Automotive for extensive evaluations, reliable facts and expert opinions.

About the Chrysler Town & Country

The inventor of the segment, and America's most trusted minivan, Chrysler Town & Country has features like one-touch Super Stow 'n Go to go from carrying passengers to hauling cargo in a matter of seconds. The only minivan to offer standard leather & DVD player on all models, Town & Country offers features the competition can't match. Features like the all-new segment-exclusive Blu-Ray dual DVD system with a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input for video game systems, a 115-volt power outlet HDMI input for gaming systems and two USB ports for phone or MP3 player charging.

With more than 40 available safety and technology features, such as SafetyTec™, which provides industry-leading features including ParkView^® rear backup camera, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, Chrysler Town & Country was named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety pick. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 FFV engine with a six-speed automatic delivers best-in-class horsepower (283 hp) and towing (3,600 lbs.) with 25 mpg highway and is a Ward's Automotive "10 Best Engines" winner. Pair all of this with best-in-class cargo capacity, available power-folding third-row Stow n' Go seats, second-row luxury captain's chairs and numerous other luxury features, Town & Country proudly takes its place atop the minivan crowd.

About the Ram 1500

The 2013 Ram 1500 marks a milestone for Ram as this truck delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including a more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine and first-in-segment technologies: eight-speed TorqueFlite 8 transmission, stop-start and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. Ram engineers changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame to new engines and transmissions to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect^® system. With best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to truck buyers. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and starts at $23,585 including $995 destination charge.

About the Dodge Durango

The 2013 Dodge Durango is the best-equipped seven-passenger SUV with a starting U.S. Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) less than $30,000. With class-leading towing, 85 cu.ft. cargo space with seats folded, 50 possible seating configurations – including available second-row captain's chairs, more than 550-mile driving range, unsurpassed V-6 power and available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, the Durango defines "utility." Not only does Durango have 45 safety and security features, it's also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety pick.

2013 models have a host of updates to give customers more choice than ever. An optional Rallye Appearance Group for SXT models includes R/T exterior cues, dual exhaust with 295 hp, polished 20-inch R/T wheels with Mineral Grey pockets, Uconnect/Bluetooth Streaming Audio, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and illuminated sun visors. Premium Nappa leather with ventilated front seats is available on R/T models, and blindspot/Rear Cross path detection is available on R/T and Citadel models. Forward collision warning and adaptive cruise is now optional on Citadel models.

About the Dodge Grand Caravan

America's best-selling and most awarded minivan ever is also the most affordable seven-passenger minivan in America, with a starting U.S. MSRP of $19,995. The Inventor of the Minivan – the original and still the best – also is the most versatile vehicle in its class with 81 different seating configurations and second-row one-touch Super Stow 'n Go seating. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 FFV engine with a six-speed automatic delivers best-in-class horsepower (283 hp) and towing (3,600 lbs.) with 25 mpg highway and is a Ward's Automotive "10 Best Engines" winner.

For 2013, a new segment-exclusive Blu-Ray dual DVD/video system is available and features a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input for video game systems, a 115-volt power outlet and two USB ports so customers can charge their cell phones, laptops, tablet PCs or MP3 players. The Blu-Ray player can play both standard DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs. Also new for 2013 is integrated Trailer Sway Damping that automatically helps keep a trailer in line and towed safely down the road. Dodge Grand Caravan is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick. With class-leading cargo capacity, best-in-class power, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and segment-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go, the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan truly is the industry's most affordable and versatile cargo and passenger vehicle.

About the Dodge Journey

Dodge Journey is the fastest growing, most versatile and most affordable seven-passenger crossover in its class, and is the only vehicle in its class to offer four or six cylinder engines, front or all-wheel drive and five or seven passenger seating. With a starting U.S. Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $18,995 (excluding $995 destination), the Dodge Journey is the most affordable vehicle in the United States with available seven passenger seating. New for 2013, Dodge Journey R/T has a new high-performance suspension, dimpled leather seats and heated steering wheel with red accent stitching. Crew models now receive a no-charge leather interior with heated front seats and steering wheel, giving customers even more value.

The available Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine has a best-in-class 283 horsepower, and the standard four cylinder engine delivers 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The Dodge Journey has been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety pick for four consecutive years and carries a 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. With 67.6 cu.ft. of cargo space with all seats folded and in-floor storage bins in front of second-row seats, Dodge Journey packs a lot of utility in a mid-size crossover package.

About Consumer Guide^® Automotive

Since 1967, Consumer Guide has published authoritative, objective reviews of new and used cars and trucks. Its staff of 16 includes 10 full-time automotive editors with more than 150 years of combined automotive experience. Consumer Guide's singular focus is to make car shopping easier for consumers. Consumer Guide editors provide professional, unbiased evaluations of nearly 1500 new and used vehicles as well as expert shopping advice and insightful automotive editorials. Consumer Guide is based in Lincolnwood, IL. It is published by Publications International, Ltd.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC