Blog

When it comes to the pickup truck segment, automakers know they have to step it up a notch in order to keep up with the tough competition. This is why RAM has decided that for 2014 it is going to go all out and build off unique offerings like its RAM 1500 with a diesel engine and its 2500 Heavy Duty coil-sprung pickup. After all, these are the kinds of models that will make it stand out amongst competitors.

Many cheers could be heard at Chrysler's Toledo Assembly Facility last week. The cause for celebration was the commencement of production for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. After a one-month delay, the plant will now be producing about 150 units on a daily basis. This will keep it at a pace that is just slightly under its target to produce a total of 275,000 units annually.

When checking out the new Dodge models available at our Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Missoula dealership, there is always one model in particular that catches a customer's eye. The one we are referring to is the Dodge Dart, a sedan that brings the phrase driving in style to a whole new level. In fact, we aren't the only ones who agree.  Kelley Blue Book recently named the vehicle one of its "10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" for the second year in a row.

We often associate this time of year with summer, but for many of us in the greater Missoula, MT area it can mean moving time for college students, time to overhaul gardens or simply a time to do some spring cleaning. All of these activities and others require the assistant of a new RAM truck, which is why comic Owen Weber decided to highlight the functionality of a full-size truck in a creative YouTube video.

When it comes to the automotive industry, there always seem to be rumors of some kind floating around. Recently the latest rumor regarding Chrysler was that it planned to do away with its well-known "Imported from Detroit" tagline. This is a staple in the automaker's marketing strategy, so we were relieved to find out that this is not the case at all. In fact, Chrysler confirmed this report was nothing but a rumor.

While many of you have been getting quite excited about the launch of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, you will now have to wait just a little longer before its arrival. Despite the need to postpone the launch, the Chrysler group confirmed in an interview with the Detroit Free Press that the model will still be making its way to dealerships like Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Missoula this fall.

Here at Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Missoula we are thrilled that there is once again reason to celebrate the soaring sale numbers for Dodge. In fact, March added to the automaker's success by extending its year-over-year sales gain record to 22 consecutive months. With a 15 percent increase in Dodge sales this month when compared to March of 2012, it is clear that the automaker is continuing to please its customers with the new Dodge lineup.

American automaker, Chrysler, is a company with a long, rich history. And, though the present-day new Chrysler lineup is modern and innovative; it is also based in that iconic legacy. What's more, the engineering history of the Chrysler brand is wrought with a myriad of important "firsts" for the industry. Today, that is what we at Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Missoula would like to share with you.

Our tour back in time begins…

From 1974 to 1983 American off-roading brand, Jeep, produced the Jeep Cherokee, a full-size SUV similar to the also now discontinued, Wagoneer.

In 1984 the Cherokee evolved into a new model differing from the original with its lack of body-on-frame chassis, and with a platform much more akin to that of a modern SUV. Eventually, the entire nameplate was retired in 2001, when Jeep put an end to all Cherokee production.

Now many Jeep enthusiasts…