Dodge and Other FCA Brands Receive New 2018 J.D. Power Awards

Photo credit: Dodge

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is proud to be recognized by J.D. Power with many vehicles earning the 2018 Resale Value Award, honoring the best resale value measured for 24 model-level vehicle segments. The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks won for having the highest resale value in the entire industry after being awarded by J.D. Power. The Dodge Challenger, Charger and Jeep® Wrangler won in their respective segments for having exceptional resale value. Among the awards won by the four FCA vehicles (all available at Kendall Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram), the Highest Resale Value Industry-wide award went to the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty, Highest Resale Value Midsize Sporty Car segment was awarded to the Dodge Challenger, the Dodge Charger received the Highest Resale Value Large Car segment award, and Highest Resale Value Compact SUV segment went to the Jeep Wrangler JK.

Overview of the Award Process

Breaking down the J.D. Power award process today requires a look back. Since 1968, J.D. Power has been helping customers make better-informed decisions. Today in 2018, exactly 244 vehicle models were assessed, involving a sample of over 650,000 transactions with an average of 3,500 data points valued on each vehicle. The award selection process uses pre-owned vehicle wholesale prices that outline how much a dealer buys a used vehicle for. The prices are then divided by the vehicle’s original purchase price. These calculations are based on wholesale records from January through June 2018 for vehicles that are three years old. For the 2018 calculation, 2015 is the applicable model year. Let’s go over all the perks of these award-winning FCA vehicles.

The Speed of the Dodge Challenger Is Unmatched

Step into the Challenger muscle car lineup made by Dodge and experience the power of Street Racing Technology (SRT) with their SRT Hellcat vehicles. The latest 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye boasts the most robust, responsive and fastest muscle car – the 797 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. The 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat increases the horsepower yet again by producing 717 horsepower, and both Hellcat models gain a distinct dual-snorkel hood that pays homage to the most famous Dodge muscle cars, including the 1970 Dart Swinger and 1971 Demon.

The new Widebody package adds fender flares, increasing 3.5 inches of body width, 20 x 11-inch forged wheels, 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires and larger six-piston Brembo brakes in the front for enhanced on-road and on-track performance. Consumers can add this appearance package onto the SRT Hellcat or R/T Scat Pack. The new Challenger GT rear-wheel-drive model continues its performance capabilities with standard Super Track Pak features, a performance hood, and now carries the legendary 3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 engine.

Eight distinct models make up the reconfigured vehicle lineup for 2019 – the SXT, SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Numerous option packages offer all the upgrades, unique heritage cues and additional performance that Dodge//SRT customers demand. The Challenger offers a full range of engine options, including the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on SXT, SXT AWD, GT and GT AWD models, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 in the R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on R/T Scat Pack models, the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 on the SRT Hellcat, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V-8 on the SRT Hellcat Redeye.

Gain Serious Muscle With the Dodge Charger

For drivers that want four seats instead of a muscle coupe, there’s no better choice than the most powerful sedan and only four-door muscle car on the market. High-quality performance tied with standard V6 efficiency and available all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities, the Dodge Charger lineup is produced and masterminded to accommodate the latest in high-performance enjoyment. Dodge Charger’s optional all-wheel-drive is available. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard as the architecture enables a model lineup highlighted by unrestricted performance-driven powertrains with the latest technology under the hood. Standard on each Dodge Charger model is the innovative TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Charger muscle cars carry multiple powerful engine options on six distinct models. The standard being the remarkable 3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 on Charger SXT, SXT AWD and GT, the legendary 5.7-Liter HEMI V8 on R/T models, the remarkable 392 HEMI V8 on R/T Scat Pack models, and the 707 horsepower 6.2-Liter supercharged HEMI SRT Hellcat V8.

For 2019, Dodge added a new Charger SXT AWD model and a new Charger GT RWD performance V6 model. Dodge Charger GT and R/T models get the performance look and feature standards, and receive sleek race-bred chassis upgrades. The Charger SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack feature standard performance upgrades, including Launch Assist and Line Lock; a new performance grille with dual air inlets; new Launch Control switch on R/T Scat Pack; and Torque Reserve and an After-Run Chiller on the SRT Hellcat. It’s easy to see why the Charger won its award. The 2018 Dodge Charger starts at $28,995 MSRP (plus destination fee.)

Looking For the Best Pickup? It’s a Ram Heavy-Duty

Ram Trucks produces America’s longest-lasting pickups on the market today. Ram especially remains a quality choice for pickup truck customers with the heavy-duty market. For 2018, Ram stood out even further with three-quarter and one-ton pickups, including a towing capacity of 31,210 pounds, 7,390 pounds of payload, able to generate 930 lb.-ft. of torque. Ram Heavy Duty offers more fantastic features and excellent ride quality thanks to a five-link coil suspension or available air suspension on 2018 Ram 2500 and a supplemental air bag suspension option on Ram 3500. The current 2018 Ram 3500 has towing capabilities up to 12,880 pounds and begins at $34,445 MSRP (plus destination fee.)

Travel Nearly Anywhere In a Jeep Wrangler

The landmark Jeep® Wrangler, known as the most durable and off-road ready vehicle in the world – continues to impress with over seven decades of 4×4 engineering expertise. Powertrain options include a 3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 and an all-new 2.0-Liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. The latest Wrangler still includes the superior body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles, electronic lockers, and customers gain a six-speed manual transmission in addition to the optional eight-speed automatic. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL starts at $27,945 MSRP (plus destination fee).

Find These J.D. Power Award Winners All At One Spot

Visit us at Kendall Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram to experience with your own eyes and ears, the remarkable growl provided by Dodge muscle vehicles, the off-road prowess of Jeep brand vehicles and the amazing power of the heavy-duty Ram trucks. If you want to buy or lease any of our new vehicles, our professional team is ready to help you out. Stop by and see our friendly staff located in the heart of Kendall today!