Dodge Charger Earns J.D. Power APEAL Award for Third Straight Year

Methuen, 07/31/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Three years ago, the Dodge Charger was redesigned inside and out while receiving a new powerful-yet-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine under the hood. Each year since, it has topped the Large Car segment in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Study, as Dodge continues to improve upon the sporty Charger's winning formula.

The J.D. Power APEAL Study measures how gratifying each new model is to drive and own, surveying owners and lessees on 77 vehicle attributes after they've been with their vehicle for 90 days. In this year's study, the 2013 Dodge Charger bested the 2013 Hyundai Azera and the 2013 Chrysler 300 in its segment. J.D. Power cited the sport sedan's new color choices, updated option packages and refined infotainment features as reasons for its continued success.

"The Dodge Charger manages to have one of the most comfortable interiors in the industry while offering the fuel efficiency of a smaller car and the driving fun of a sports car," said Tom Barenboim, owner of Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Methuen, Massachusetts Dodge dealer. "Those factors make it hard for buyers to not be pleased with their purchase after they've put the Charger through its paces on the road."

With the additions of a cold-air induction system and a sport-tuned exhaust to its Pentastar V6 for the 2013 model year, the Dodge Charger has upped its output to 300 horsepower on SXT and SXT Plus models with the Rallye Appearance Group and Blacktop Package. Those models use an eight-speed automatic transmission to achieve a best-in-class 31 mpg on the highway with standard rear-wheel drive.

Going beyond traditional categories like performance and fuel economy, this year's J.D. Power APEAL Study placed more of an emphasis on in-car technology, and the 2013 Charger delivered in that area as well. The sport sedan's optional Uconnect infotainment system now features improved Garmin navigation, with updated graphics, 3-D buildings and terrain views displayed on the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

As the Charger continues to dominate its segment in J.D. Power's APEAL Study, its popularity at dealerships continues to grow. Through the first six months of 2013, the Charger has moved 51,981 models in the United States, resulting in a 14 percent sales increase compared to the same period last year.

"Dodge has continually improved its Charger so that the car excels in the areas that are important to drivers, whether it is performance, fuel efficiency, comfort or connectivity," added Barenboim. "The Dodge Charger is just as well suited for those looking for a practical family ride as it is for those who want to get their heart pumping each time they get behind the wheel."

About Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:
For more than 60 years, Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has helped car, truck and SUV buyers find the vehicles that satisfy their needs, along with the financing and service they deserve. Whether you’re searching for hassle-free Jeep sales, Chrysler parts, Dodge service or the latest Ram trucks, their dealership works hard to exceed customer expectations. To view Clark’s wide selection of new and used Jeep and Chrysler models, visit their showroom at 175 Pelham Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, or browse online at www.clarkchryslerjeep.com. They can be reached by phone at 888-875-3706, and you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClarkJeep.