2004 Dodge Durango Gets New Style
For the new-model year, the Dodge Durango will be restyled. Built on a lengthened wheelbase, it will be longer, wider and taller than the current version. With nearly 15 percent more interior room, it will be available with the 345-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, also used in the Ram pickup. Look for the Durango in dealerships by late fall.
Ford SVT Lightning Is World’s Fastest Truck
Ford reports that the 380-hp SVT F-150 Lightning has been certified as the “World’s Fastest Production Pickup Truck” by Guinness World Records Ltd. In a test run at the Michigan Proving Grounds, a stock 2003 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning was clocked at an average of 147.714 mph, making it the world-record holder. Later this year, Dodge will release its 500-hp SRT-10 Ram, which may take the record.
GM Seeks to Retain Olds Owners
General Motors has offered “loyalty” bonuses of $1,500 for Oldsmobile owners buying another Olds, and $1,000 for those buying another GM brand. In January 2001, some 722,000 loyalty coupons were mailed to Olds owners. This is the last model year for the brand.
Toyota Recalls Sienna Minivans
Toyota is recalling 34,437 of its 2004 Sienna minivans because of a problem with the gas tank, since the tank was damaged severely in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test. Toyota will replace the tanks with a newer design. No fires or injuries have been reported.
Honda Recalling CR-V
Honda will recall 247,000 2002 CR-Vs because a transmission cable could prevent the automatic transmission from moving into park. The problem could lead to a vehicle rolling out of control. Honda dealers will replace shift cables and install a control pin to correct the problem free of charge.
