Today’s new car buyers are a lot smarter than in the past. They have to be, because in this uncertain economy there’s more to buying a new vehicle than just miles-per-gallon on the highway. Resale value, price, reliability and innovation all factor into the equation.
And with that said, it’s reassuring to know the Dodge Durango is out there to meet our needs.
That’s the opinion of Strategic Vision, the San Diego-based company of clinical psychologists and business professionals with more than 30 years of experience studying how and why consumers make buying decisions and the factors that drive owner satisfaction and loyalty.
Strategic Vision has announced the results of its most recent Total Value Index™ (TVI), and in the category of Mid-Size Traditional Utility vehicle, the 2011 Dodge Durango took top honors.
That’s not surprising when you consider the Durango’s three-row vehicle seating that’s spacious enough to carry a growing family or the soccer team, and performance-tuning to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. The second-row captain’s chairs, with an innovative flip-and-fold feature and integrated soft-touch armrests, are available on all trim levels – SXT, Crew, R/T and Citadel models.
With its four-wheel independent suspension, near 50:50 weight distribution and responsive steering and handling, Durango has driving dynamics unlike what you typically find in a sport-utility vehicle (SUV).
Durango delivers the perfect blend of power and fuel efficiency. Its award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers a best-in-class 290 horsepower along with a best-in-class driving range of more than 550 miles on one tank of fuel.
From its sleek exterior design to its modern, spacious interior, and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the Dodge Durango is all-new from the inside out.
And that’s what got the attention of Strategic Vision.
“The way you become a Value leader in this economy is to create an exceptional product that is affordable,” said Chris Chaney, Strategic Vision’s Vice President and head of Automotive Research. “Price alone will not determine value.”
Starting at $28,995, the Durango is built for families on the go, as Dodge expands its leadership position in the SUV segment.
Strategic Vision has presented Total Value Awards™ annually since 1995. Based on Strategic Vision’s quantitative “ValueCentered®” NVES study, the Total Value Index was calculated from 68,088 buyers (of 325,000 total who responded during 2011) who purchased models during September 2010 to June 2011.
