[Vision67]

I just returned from driving a SXT with the 2.0L and CVT. My impressions (no particular order):

1. The car is much roomier inside than I expected. I am 6'4" and the legroom and seating position is quite comfortable. In the passenger seat, I can extend my legs all the way out. The "B" pillar blocks my view from the left, so I have to lean forward to see hard left. However, safer in a side impact.

2. The seats are very comfortable and the cloth materials look and feel good.

3. The CVT takes some getting used to. I nailed the accelerator, the revs instantly jumped to 6K and stayed there while we gained speed. The acceleration was OK, but I wish it had a bit more torque. I'd need to rent one for a week to make my mind up on that one.

4. Good ground clearance. Oil changes will be easy.

5. Nice hatch area, just the right size.

Overall, this car seems like an excellent value. My next step is to rent one for a few days.

 

[Vision67]

A few more impressions:

1. I really like the white-background instruments. Easy to read. Perfect placement.

2. The sliding back-and-forth armrest needs a detent. Having it slide while you are reting your arm on it is disconcerting.

3. The cup holder are is in a valley that wil quickly collect junk. The console should have been extended back from the stack.

4. Headlights are big. Are they bright?

5. Very nice sales brochure. Worth the trip to the dealer.

6. The R/T will be available without AWD later in the year. That's the one I want.

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

Thanks for the first impressions Vision 67! I have yet to test drive one, because no dealer near me has one yet, but I can't wait any longer! I am sure that I will like it!

 

[sr4tuner]

I can already say that i like it. I have to wait just over a month to go to the ny auto show. If im lucky i'll be able to check out the srt version

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

I can already say that i like it. I have to wait just over a month to go to the ny auto show. If im lucky i'll be able to check out the srt version

Crap that reminds me, when is the NY auto show?? That is at the Jacob Javits Center right?

 

[sr4tuner]

Crap that reminds me, when is the NY auto show?? That is at the Jacob Javits Center right?

Go to nyautoshow.com. Yes it is at the Javit's and held april 14-23 i believe.

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

Go to nyautoshow.com. Yes it is at the Javit's and held april 14-23 i believe.

Shit whores! I have to take off from work so that I can go!

 

[sr4tuner]

Well it's not like you work every day of the week..or do you?

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

Well it's not like you work every day of the week..or do you?

All days!! Well not really, I have Wednesdays and Thursdays off, and that is because of evening classes and day classes! Why did I become a Pharmacists Technician for the time I am in college...Ahhh darn long days.

 

[Fuzz 40]

Strange point that was brought up but the caliber headlights are the biggest that dodge has I think ( or close to it) so does anyone know how bright they really are at night. My current neon has horrible problems with how dim the headlights are.

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

Strange point that was brought up but the caliber headlights are the biggest that dodge has I think ( or close to it) so does anyone know how bright they really are at night. My current neon has horrible problems with how dim the headlights are.

I don't know, good question. Umm, wonder how they compare to the Magnum headlights?

 

[sr4tuner]

The charger has pretty big lights too. I dont think the caliber has the biggest lights

 

[Fuzz 40]

Somewhere I read that it didn't but I can't place where. If they are not the biggest they are close I believe.

 

[Silverfox]

Let me put it this way...

If you put Silverstars in them, you'd be able to make shadow puppets on the moon.

These things as they come from the factory are quite bright for halogen headlights. The high beams will light up damn near everything. You get a HID conversion kit or some Silverstars in there and you're going to be pissing people off in the next county.

 

[Fuzz 40]

Yes I want to make puppet shadows on the moon, I really dislike the poor visibily at night that I got out of my neon's headlights. I always had the brights on just to get good visibilty on the road.

 

[msuggs]

OK. I'll offer up some thoughts.

Test drove an SXT, black, 2.0L, uconnect/driver convenience options, standard wheels (not alloy), I beleive it was fairly maxed out except for alloy wheels. It was to be used in sales training for area dealers. I got to drive it before my dealer even saw one.

1. My first impression was it felt like a tank. Very secure driving feeling. I'm comparing this to a PT cruiser though.

2. I also sit in the back first, since I never do normally. Lot of room and the back of the seats are scooped out to give more leg room.

3. Convenience features are very nice for this price of car. It has ton of features my durango dosn't have.

4. CVT was OK. I didn't notice any issues and will welcome the supposed gas savings.

5. Style was nice. I think you will love it or hate it. It has a sort of european look to it I think. Kind of like a BMW or something. Don't know if that sounds right or not.

6. It wasn't as cheap or plastic like I would have thought. It's not high-end but very nice for the price. Even if you max out the features, I havn't found anything to match it for the money in that size of vehicle. I think the pontiac Vibe may be my second choice right now.

7. Although it's not perfect, it's a nice car for the money and I can live with the little things that may not be perfect. Heck, my PT cruise is not perfect and it cost more.