Our Pride and Joy

Click Here to View Our Dodge Ram Photo Album......


  Being named Motor Trends Heavy Duty truck of the Year has given the 2010 Dodge Ram the credit and exposure it deserves. With competition from other vehicle brands the Dodge Ram clearly out-shines and delivers.  Not only is this truck made well, it also has the looks and functionality we all want. I am pleased to share with you a few features this truck possesses which make it so special.  The first and most important feature is the safety capabilities. It won five out of five stars in the federal government frontal crash test rating. This shows the Dodge Ram is highly capable of keeping passengers safe. There are side curtain airbags which help prevent glass injury. Also, there is stability control which is so important in a weather related situation.
Also, there is the trailer sway control option. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to attempt to eliminate the trailer sway. ( dodge.com )  See Trailer Sway Control in Action!  This is so important when towing any weight. If you are not able to control your trailer, you cannot drive safely. This is not only a safety feature but also a convenience feature.
 All the convenience features on the Dodge Ram are wonderful as well. A few to mention are the heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, and power adjustable pedals. Also, the rear-seat DVD system and the Ram Box option make using this truck more luxurious and convenient. Also, there is the Sirius radio and TV, and how could I forget the navigation system.
When it comes to driving this truck there are many things making this an easier task. I already mentioned the trailer sway control which makes hauling a trailer that much more do-able. Well let me tell you about the multi-link coil spring rear suspension. This is an update from the usual leaf spring suspension which made for a les smooth ride. The new suspension system makes the drive a pleasure rather than create a need for a neck brace when driving on rough and bumpy terrain.
Final census of the 2010 Dodge Ram is it is well deserving of the Motor Trend Truck of the Year. With the current up-dates to the chassis, drive-train, and convenience features there is much to be desired by those without a Dodge Ram. I love the Dodge Ram, always have, and this year I have even more reason to.

---- Emily Wolgast, Internet Manager, Merrick Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep

Why don't you love the Jeep Compass?

Jeep Compass Photo Album......

The Jeep Compass is a vehicle geared towards those who wouldn’t normally consider a Jeep. It has the smooth ride of a sedan and the sporty look of a cross-over. It is not an all-terrain vehicle like other Jeep models and for this reason I feel it is a great option for those looking for an everyday vehicle.

   It catches your eye on the road and makes you wonder about it. Check out Jeep Compass Features!

   The Jeep Compass has a four-star safety rating according to NHTSA. This is so important when purchasing a new vehicle. The first safety question should be where the airbags are located. On the Jeep Compass one place they are located is in the front, for head-on collisions. They are also, located overhead in case the car rolls or in the event of being hit in the sides. There are airbags for the back-seat passengers as well.

   There are many other safety precautions such as seatbelt functionality and whip-lash prevention measures. In my opinion safety should be more important than how the vehicle looks. In this vehicle looks are nothing to worry about. This model is definitely in the new modern line-up. The front grill stays true to the Jeep vehicle look, which gives it a touch of nostalgia. However, this is only a small part of what draws the eye to the Jeep Compass. The whole body has a smooth, functional look. The doors are large, the height is appropriate, and the body lines are perfect. It definitely doesn’t look thrown together or fragile.

  The Jeep Compass stands about 5 1/2 feet tall and about 14 feet long. These dimensions make for a roomy but conveniently sized vehicle. When sitting inside you have plenty of headroom and legroom. If you are a taller person you should try it out for yourself. However, you just may be surprised. 

  The interior is comfortable and has a few trim options. So, if you prefer leather or cloth you have the option, and you also can choose color and options you prefer. These options would include an upgraded radio system which has a 6 CD changer or a U-Connect system. You also have option of a sun-roof. This makes the interior much brighter and the feel of more room. The windows are large and make the car feel open and not so confining. If you travel with larger objects such as ski equipment or bicycles you have the option of a roof-rack as well.

   The Jeep Compass is considered a hatchback because of the rear lift-gate. The lift-gate is ultra convenient because it gives a large area for loading luggage, purchases, and animal cages. The passenger row of seats folds down and makes the cargo area completely flat. This is an added perk as most vehicles where the seats fold down do not lay completely flat. This makes transporting something such a fragile package or a large box much more convenient as it can slide in and easily be removed.

   I hope I have shed new light on the Jeep Compass for you. I am in love with this vehicle and I hope I have endeared it to you. Next time you are looking for a new vehicle to purchase check out the Jeep Compass. You will not be disappointed.

-- Emily Wolgast, Internet Manager, Merrick Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep --

Dodge Avenger + Looks and Safety = What's Important

Check out some Dodge Avenger Photos...

 TROPHY WINNER

In the search for the best sedan what is a buyer to do? Should they buy a Hybrid? Should they buy a car that is clean emissions? Should they buy a car too small for their needs but a “green” car? Should they buy a car which is none of the above but what they are looking for? In the search for the best sedan what is a buyer to do?

 So, in utter frustration they look to reviews to make their decision. Which vehicle is the cheapest, biggest, smallest, etc.? In a world where reviews are controlling the market the Hybrid and small box cars are winning. Why?

  We the buyer, have forgotten to purchase based on what we like and what we want. Instead we listen to all the reviews that are based on emissions and size instead of based on crash-test ratings and what we need.

  According the U.S. News Rankings and Reviews the top 2 cars are hybrid vehicles the next bunch are blah and expected. Down the list they all vary a few points here a few points there, none of which are standing out other than their placement on the list. So, I am looking at the list based on what catches my eye.

  A few cars stand out to the eye like the Buick LaCrosse, simply because I can’t believe this line of cars, usually marketed for an older age group, doesn’t look so old fashioned. Also, there is the Chrysler Sebring. This vehicle has definitely emerged as a classy alternative to a sports car or basic sedan. The Sebring has a safety rating of 9.9. Great news! Safety and looks.

 My favorite is the Dodge Avenger. Check out what the Dodge Avenger has to offer! This car is an excellent example of reviews being based on emissions, new models, etc. The Dodge Avenger is one of the most reliable and convenient vehicles. It has U-Connect which makes life that much easier when trying to listen to music. Also, is has a compartment to keep beverages cool. Yes, these don’t make the car drive but a little luxury never hurt. The driving capabilities are rated high, which is important for all ages. Also, it has a roomy interior and a large trunk. This interprets as….convenience.

  So, back to my original issue, safety. This vehicle has a 9.9 safety rating!! 9.9!! Why is this not important! I don’t need an outside opinion telling me how important this is. Safety is the number one thing in a car purchase. When you get in a car accident this is the only thing that will have any effect on the final outcome. This car has a size to combat what a small boxy car can never.

  So, my pick is obviously the Dodge Avenger. It has looks, interior quality, and most importantly is safe to drive. Also, it is a sedan, so it gets good gas mileage. So, instead of looking at overall ratings, focus on crash-test, and safety ratings. This is what matters.

---- Emily Wolgast, Internet Manager, Merrick     Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep

·  "It's got real sex appeal, good fuel economy, a nice-looking, functional interior with reasonable family room...lots of ordering flexibility with three model lines, and a host of interesting options." -- New Car Test Drive

·  "While consumers don't need a mid-size sedan to handle the likes of Lex Luther every day, the Avenger will certainly hold its own against those daily Jokers we all come across on the road." -- Detroit News