1994 Dodge Ram 1500 Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-door 5.2l on 2040-cars

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2023 J.D. Power APEAL Study shows new-car customer satisfaction scores slip

J.D. Power survey results have been slightly up but mostly down for automakers this year, literally. In February, the 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study showed an overall decline compared the 2022 a month before the Customer Service Index Study did the same. The trend reversed in June with a better overall score on the 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration Study than in 2022, then declined again the same month on with a lower overall score on the 2023 Initial Quality Study. The declines continue with the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, overall satisfaction among the 84,555 respondents down two points overall compared to 2022, to 845 out of 1,000 points. Because last year's score dropped compared to 2021, this year marks the first consecutive decline in the study's 28-year history. The study tries to "[measure] owners' emotional attachment and level of excitement with new vehicle" after 90 days of ownership by asking new owners to rate 37 attributes in 10 areas around the vehicle, such as the feeling they get when they hit the accelerator. Satisfaction with nine of the attributes is down this year versus last, fuel economy the only segment to show better results with 15 points more satisfaction. Styling and infotainment are big drags on satisfaction. Responses to new car exterior looks tallied 888 points, down from 894 last year, the largest drop in this year's study. On the digital side, less than half of those surveyed this year said they prefer using a manufacturer's built-in infotainment. From 70% of respondents in 2020 preferring to use a manufacturer's in-house software to play audio instead of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, that's 56% in 2023. Going all-in on Google appears to have the best effect. J.D. Power said that vehicles with both Google's Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) and Google Automotive Services (GAS) "score higher in the infotainment category than those with no AAOS whatsoever. AAOS without GAS receives the lowest scores for infotainment of the three categories."  Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, said, "Despite the technology and design innovations that manufacturers put into new vehicles, owners are lukewarm about them. While innovations like charging pads, vehicle apps and advanced audio features should enhance an owner’s experience, this is not the case when problems are experienced.

Bid on the incredible George Barris Supervan in Scottsdale

Barrett-Jackson's upcoming Scottsdale, AZ, auction features the groovy Barris SuperVan, which came from the mind of car customizing legend George Barris. He even autographed the interior. Passengers enter the SuperVan through the hinged windshield, and once inside they can party in style thanks to the roof-mounted disco ball. However, occupants can't get too wild because the massive side windows don't leave much room for privacy. Barris built the van around a 1966 Dodge Tradesman A-100 with a three-speed manual gearbox and a 318-cubic-inch V8. Barris originally called the van the "The Love Machine," and it later had quite a Hollywood career. Its on-screen appearances included the '70s movie SuperVan, and a repainted version served as a Hill Valley Transit bus in Back to the Future II. After his passing at age 89 last year, Barris' creation might see a further boost in value. Barrett-Jackson doesn't offer a price estimate for the SuperVan, but we can't wait to see what this groovy vehicle sells for with no reserve. Collectors already valued Barris' work before his death. For example, his 1960s Batmobile, which was likely Barris' most famous creation, went for $4.62 million at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2013. Related Video: Lot #1306 1966 DODGE TRADESMAN A-100 BARRIS CUSTOM SUPERVAN Auction Scottsdale 2016 Reserve NO RESERVE Status Available Price Request Bidder Info Lot 1306 Location Tent 7 B - 1 Year 1966 Make DODGE Model TRADESMAN A-100 Style BARRIS CUSTOM SUPERVAN *Includes Buyer Commission Details VIN 24653301 Exterior Color RED/BLUE/SILVER Interior Color RED/BLUE Cylinders 8 Engine Size 318 Transmission 3-SPEED MANUAL Description Lot #1306 - Originally designed by George Barris as "The Love Machine" and reincarnated by Barris for the movie "SuperVan." It was used for many movies and TV shows after that, such as the Hill Valley Transit bus in "Back to the Future II," "Sea Quest" and the 1970 movie "Solar Crisis." The van has been completely restored to its "SuperVan" look and has since been signed by George Barris. Manual transmission. Featured Gallery Barris SuperVan Auction News Source: Barrett-Jackson Dodge Auctions Minivan/Van Special and Limited Editions Classics george barris barris

Mopar rolls out new Scat Packages for Dodge Challenger, Charger and Dart

Dodge buyers looking for that extra performance edge, take note: Mopar is bringing back the Scat Pack. Announced at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas today, the new Scat Packages will be available in three stages for the Challenger, Charger and Dart starting next spring.
Upgrades for the Charger and Challenger equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine include a
new cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust, as well as a remapped ECU. Upgrade to the Scat Package 2 and you get a new camshaft, and the Scat Package 3 tosses in ported and polished heads and hi-flow headers. Upgrades for the Dart GT with the smaller 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Tigershark engine with six-speed manual transmission start with a cold-air intake, short-throw shifter and upgraded brakes. The second stage kicks in a remapped ECU and cat-back exhaust, while the Scat Package 3 for the Dart gives you even bigger brakes, an adjustable suspension and sway bars front and rear.