Jeep: “Name the electric Wagoneer for us”

electric jeep wagoneer

Apparently not wanting to go the route of GM (adding “BEV” to the Silverado and calling it quits), Jeep is asking the world to provide a name for the electric Wagoneer — which observant people may have noticed is referred to as just “Wagoneer,” not “Jeep Wagoneer.” The forthcoming battery-electric Wagoneer will not share the … Read more

Resolution? Compass transmission, power mysteries

2023 Jeep Compass Trailhawk

Several outlets incorrectly reported that the 2023 Jeep Compass’ 2-liter turbo engine will generate 270 hp. However, Chrysler itself reported, in three places on the press release, that it will actually generate 200 hp, with 221 lb-ft of torque. This would seem to settle the power question, but what would cause such a large difference? … Read more

At last: turbo 2.0, AWD standard in 2023 Jeep Compass; numerous other upgrades, too

2023 Jeep Compass interior

The Jeep Compass is comfortable, on the verge of luxurious, and capable; but until recently it was only powered by an aged 2.4 liter engine which, while sufficient for many people, was not particularly exciting. Today, Jeep made the long-awaited announcement that the 2-liter turbocharged GME four-cylinder would finally replace the old 2.4 in the … Read more

Fiat 500e is official

Fiat 500e reveal

The new, larger Fiat 500e will be available in the US and Canada starting in early 2024. The official reveal will be at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. Fiat celebrated the event with three one-off fashion concepts. Fiat sales in North America have been minimal, though they have a hefty number of dedicated showrooms. … Read more

Quarter-million-Ram recall for potential fires

2020 Cummins logo

Around a quarter million Rams have been recalled because pressure and heat can force transmission fluid out of the dipstick, where it can catch fire. This recall applies to certain 2020-23 Ram 2500 and 2020-22 Ram 3500 trucks—all of them with the 68RFE automatic transmission and Cummins diesel engine. Around 50,000 Ram 3500s made from … Read more

VW shoots up, STLA/Jeep falls in Europe

2013 Jeep Avenger

Volkswagen sales shot up by 40% over the last month, from 165,820 in 2021 to 232,024 in 2022, giving the company a 25.5% market share—up from 20.8%. Meanwhile, Stellantis sales dropped by 1.8%, from 165,967 to 163,012, falling across its top three major brands—Peugeot, Opel, and Fiat. Citroën, which rose by 2.5%, was within 150 … Read more

New Chrysler Road Tripper minivan revealed

Road Tripper minivan

Chrysler, which created the minivan in both North America (Voyager, Caravan) and Europe (the Matra vehicle which became the Renault Espace), has made minivans for over 40 years. Today, they announced the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Road Tripper. The name was selected by fans on social media. The Road Tripper starts with Pacifica’s hefty collection of safety … Read more

Chrysler, Fiat doing LA reveals; Dodge, Jeep, Ram showing new vehicles

500e reveal

The Los Angeles show will see a new version of the Chrysler Pacifica and an “electric” reveal of one of the “most iconic and classic FIAT brand models of all time.” The Fiat is almost certainly the new-and-improved 500e already on sale in Europe. While it’s possible there will be a new generation of the … Read more

CR quality rankings don’t even list most Mopars

The latest Consumer Reports rankings are out, and they managed to skip pretty much all former Chrysler, current Stellantis brands, using this disclaimer: Criticisms of Consumer Reports’ “feedback loop” seem to have support in how few owners are willing to splash out on any vehicle from FCA US; more niche brands such as Acura and … Read more

Ralph Gilles getting Lifetime Achievement award—from Tom Gale

Ralph Gilles

Tom Gale will present Ralph Gilles with the EyesOn Design Lifetime Design Achievement Award, which celebrates automotive design excellence. The honor has been given out for 36 years, and is selected by previous winners. Gilles’ most famous design is likely the original 21st-century revival of the Chrysler 300, but many know him as the friendly … Read more

Is Fiat bringing back the 500?

2022 Fiat 500 electric (BEV) (Fiat 500e)

Fiat came into North America with one car, its new 500 subcompact. As sales plummeted the company tried to entice customers with a standard turbocharger, to no avail, and today the 500X is Fiat’s sole car—the 500L and 124 Spider both having disappeared as well.Fiat is due to show a new car at the Los … Read more

Jeep/ADDAX Overland Trailer won SEMA award

The Jeep® Edition by ADDAX™ Overland Trailer was won a 2022 Global Media Award at the SEMA show. Inspired by tough military trailers and engineered by the team that set a speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Edition has a light dry weight of just 850 pounds. It allows Jeep adventure-seekers to tow a 1,200-pound … Read more

Wrangler 4xe: gasoline and electricity costs

2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe

The Wrangler 4xe, FCA US’ most popular plug-in hybrid despite years of selling PHEV minivans, has been out long enough for people to get some idea of how much money they may save by driving one, versus the standard gasoline engines. The four-cylinder-turbo-plus-motor 4xe system generates nearly the same acceleration as the big 392 V8, … Read more