75th Anniversary Jeep Models Suit Up in Green and Bronze

While a 75th anniversary is generally called a diamond anniversary, things are a little different for Jeep, which reaches that milestone this year. A diamond-encrusted Jeep would just be silly, though, so the company instead is decking out its 75th Anniversary models in special green paint (although other colors can be specified) and lots of bronze accents. Wearing the green and bronze are 75th Anniversary editions of the Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Compass, Patriot, and Renegade.

Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary edition

Available in Sarge Green as well as Black, Bright White, Mojave Sand, Rhino (gray), Granite Crystal (also gray), and Billet Silver, the 75th Anniversary Wrangler comes with low-gloss bronze 17-inch wheels, as well as bronze steel bumpers, tow hooks, Jeep badging, grille inserts, and headlight rings. The interior features leather seats with mesh inserts, seat heaters, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen audio system with Uconnect and SiriusXM satellite radio. Other equipment includes special rock rails, a power-dome hood, Command-Trac four-wheel drive with a 2.72:1 transfer case, a 3.21:1 rear axle ratio, a Dana 30 front axle, a Dana 44 rear axle, and Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires. Pricing starts at $35,570 for the two-door Wrangler and $39,370 for the four-door Unlimited.

Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition

Offered in Recon Green as well as Brilliant Black, Rhino, Bright White, Billet Silver, and Granite Crystal, the Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition gets a specific grille, front fascia, and headlamps, plus black body accents. It also adds the following: unique 18-inch (or 20-inch) wheels in low-gloss bronze; the same bronze finish for the grille rings, fog-lamp bezels, tow hooks, roof rails, lower fascia trim, and badges; heated seats in leather or Gode-Tex (not Gore-Tex) cloth, with Tangerine contrast stitching and 75th Anniversary logos; an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen; blind-spot monitoring; and a power sunroof. Pricing for the Laredo starts at $35,770, while the Limited is $41,870 (add $2000 for four-wheel drive).

Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition

The Cherokee is based on the Latitude model, and the color choices mirror those of the Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition’s bronze exterior elements include special 18-inch wheels, trim, and badging. Inside, the seats have Gode-Tex cloth inserts and Tangerine contrast stitching. An 8.4-inch touchscreen audio system and a dual-pane sunroof are also included. Pricing starts at $28,870 ($30,870 for four-wheel drive).

Compass 75th Anniversary edition

Available in Recon Green as well as Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, and Granite Crystal, the Compass 75th Anniversary edition is based on the Sport model. Its bronze bits include: roof rails, front fascia trim, rear step pad, tow hooks, badges, and 18-inch wheels. Also included are a power sunroof, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic. Pricing starts at $23,470 ($25,470 with four-wheel drive).

Patriot 75th Anniversary edition

Based on the Patriot Sport model, the 75th Anniversary edition is offered in the same colors as the Compass. It also comes with the same special equipment, although its bronze wheels are 17 inchers rather than 18s. Pricing starts at $21,470 ($23,470 with four-wheel drive).

Renegade 75th Anniversary edition

The newest member of the Jeep family also gets to participate in the 75th anniversary. Its special edition comes in Jungle Green, as well as Alpine White, Black, Omaha Orange, Mojave Sand, Glacier Metallic (silvery blue), Granite Crystal (gray), and Anvil (another gray). Bronze elements include the grille surrounds, fog-lamp bezels, roof rack, taillamp and rear-fascia trim, badges, and 18-inch wheels. Based on the Latitude model, the Renegade 75th Anniversary edition also adds a Beats audio system and MySky sunroof. Pricing starts at $24,370 ($26,370 with four-wheel drive).

The 75th Anniversary Jeeps arrive at dealerships in the first quarter.

Read more at: http://blog.caranddriver.com/75th-anniversary-jeep-models-suit-up-in-green-and-bronze/

INTRODUCING THE LUXURIOUS 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE OVERLAND

Who knew adventure could be this refined? For those who are as passionate about driving as they are about arriving, the new 2016 Jeep® Cherokee Overland® is a mid-size SUV built to perform and designed to stand apart with luxurious details and sophisticated styling.

The Overland nameplate carries a rich heritage known for blending legendary capability like world-renowned available Jeep brand four-wheel drive with the very latest technologies, including an Alpine® Premium Audio System, Blind Spot Monitoring, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist, Uconnect® 8.4 with Navigation and Rear Cross-Path Detection.

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland is appointed with inviting details and alluring design, inside and out. The exterior features new body-color fascias with a bright front chin extension, body-color door cladding and wheel flares, new 18-inch fully polished aluminum wheels, standard HID bi-xenon headlamps and an “Overland” badge on the liftgate.

Inside, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland’s unmatched interior features a host of standard and available premium enhancements, including a leather-wrapped instrument panel and steering wheel with Brown Zebrano high-gloss wood trim; heated and ventilated power-adjustable Nappa leather-trimmed driver and front-passenger seats with four-way power lumbar; Berber carpeted floor mats; silver anodized interior finishes; and a CommandView® Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof (available).

With the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland, every mile you travel will be extraordinary. And as an added bonus, Cherokee Overland drivers will be enrolled in the exclusive Jeep Wave program and enjoy a range of great benefits, including no-charge maintenance for two years.

The new 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland will be available spring 2016. Visit jeep.com/wave to learn more about the Jeep Wave program, and head to jeep.com for to check out the full 2016 Jeep vehicle lineup.

Facebook No Longer Just Has A 'Like' Button, Thanks To Global Launch Of Emoji 'Reactions'

After more than a year of working to build alternatives to its trademark ”like” button, Facebook's has globally launched emoji “Reactions.”

Users can still respond to a post or comment with the traditional “like” button. But starting Wednesday, holding down the “like” button on mobile or hovering over the icon on desktop, gives users an expanded menu allowing them to choose from six different animated emoji “Reactions”: Like, Love, Haha, Wow Sad or Angry. “Reactions” are designed to be an extension of the “like” button as opposed to a full-on replacement. Users will be notified when their posts receive ”Reactions” in the same way they’re notified about “likes.”

Facebook said it wanted to give users more authentic ways to quickly and easily respond to posts, whether they are sad, serious, funny or happy. Before emoji “Reactions,” users were often put in the awkward position of resorting to “liking” a post about a death or one that expressed frustration or disappointment, without distinction from how one would “like” an engagement photo. “Reactions” should solve this problem.

“We heard from people that they wanted more ways to express themselves on Facebook,” said Facebook product manager Sammi Krug. “When people come to Facebook, they share all kinds of different things, things that make them sad, things that make them happy, thought-provoking, angry. We kept hearing from people that they didn’t have a way to express empathy.”

“Reactions” should also help Facebook FB boost clicks. Krug said the team was initially concerned that housing “Reactions” behind the “like” button could make the feature difficult for users to find, but that hasn’t been the case. Users who have ”Reactions” have already been responding more frequently to posts than users without them. A bump in Facebook's already strong engagement would be well received by investors, as well as by advertisers, who can learn more about users through data on their emotional response to content.

INTRODUCING SPECIAL-EDITION JEEP® BRAND 75th ANNIVERSARY MODELS

The Jeep brand celebrated 75 years of unparalleled history and 4×4 leadership with the introduction of a full lineup of special-edition models at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). In honor of the Jeep brand tradition of off-road capability and world-class craftsmanship, the new 75th Anniversary models feature unique available Jeep Green exteriors, Satin Bronze wheels, Bronze and Orange exterior accents, unique interiors, and 75th Anniversary badging.

In addition to the introduction of the new #Jeep75 models, the Jeep Grand Cherokee received a 2016 Most Popular on Edmunds.com Award as the most researched vehicle in the Midsize Traditional SUV segment. Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Product Marketing, was presented the award from Edmunds.com at NAIAS. The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition includes an all-new, unique front fascia, grille and headlamps, and cloth seats with leather-trimmed heated seats with embossed 75th Anniversary logo and Tangerine accent stitching.

The flagship of open-air freedom, the 2016 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary edition models feature 17-inch wheels, front and rear tow hooks, Jeep badge and unique front and rear steel bumpers, all in Low Gloss Bronze, as well as a 75th Anniversary grab handle and unique off-road rock rails.

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition, 2016 Jeep Renegade 75th Anniversary edition, 2016 Jeep Compass 75th Anniversary edition and 2016 Jeep Patriot 75th Anniversary edition models all come equipped with distinctive accents and 75th anniversary badging to mark this milestone diamond anniversary.

Learn more about the Jeep brand history and 75th Anniversary special-edition models at jeep.com and fcanorthamerica.com.

2016 Dodge Journey

Two words best sum up the 2016 Dodge Journey's success: "versatility and value." With a price starting just under $22,000, the Journey undercuts more expensive rivals like the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot. Granted, two of the three come standard with a V6 engine, and the 4-cylinder Journey has neither the power nor the features (Bluetooth isn't even standard) to compete with the above-mentioned group. However, the Journey's higher trim levels do come well appointed and can be equipped with one of the most powerful V6 engines in this class. Though aging, the 2016 Dodge Journey still has some surprises in store, such as clever in-floor storage and one of the best infotainment systems money can buy.

You'll Like This Car If...

Those who need 7-passenger accommodations and are on a limited budget will appreciate the 4-cylinder engine offered on four of the five available Journey trims. The family-friendly Journey is extremely versatile with lots of places to hide cargo and precious items.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need a large 3rd-row seat, a Chevy Traverse or Honda Pilot makes a better choice. The Journey's 4-cylinder engine and outdated 4-speed automatic are not the best choice for a 7-passenger SUV. Look to the Kia Sorento for a better 4-cylinder entry model, as well as a better warranty.

2016 sees the entry-level AVP trim dropped and the model lineup reduced to just five trim levels. SE, SXT and Crossroad trims have lower base prices than last year, while a new Crossroad Plus trim builds on the success of the Crossroad by offering standard leather seating and the Uconnect 8.4-inch display.

Driving the Journey

Driving Impressions Those accustomed to older, truck-based SUVs will be quite pleased with the way Dodge's Journey crossover SUV for 2016 rides and drives. A unit body and advanced suspension setup help the Journey return car-like driving characteristics similar to a tall-riding station wagon, which is essentially what the Journey is. Confident on highway runs and surprisingly agile over narrow, twisting roads, the Journey is devoid of the bobbing and weaving one might experience in a truck-based SUV. Although we found the 173-horsepower 4-cylinder engine adequate with two people aboard, any additional bodies or cargo demands the Pentastar V6, which delivers an additional 100 horsepower and nearly the same fuel economy. We like the Journey's upright seating position and found the front seats to be remarkably supportive and comfortable, even after driving long distances.

Favorite Features

CARGO FLEXIBILITY

Dodge's Journey SUV for 2016 has numerous clever storage ideas. Not only does the rear seat fold flush, there are additional storage bins beneath the 2nd-row floor and front-passenger seat cushion. The same seat can fold flat to better accommodate long items such as a surfboard and skis.

3.6-LITER PENTASTAR V6 ENGINE

Dodge's Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine is not only smooth and powerful, it also returns impressive fuel economy on par with the Journey's smaller 4-cylinder engine.

The 2016 Dodge Journey's cabin is available in a 2-row, 5-passenger layout or as a 3-row, 7-passenger configuration. Passenger space for adults is commendable up front and good in the second row, but legroom is very tight in the third row, which is best left for kids or occasional use. One of the best features of the Journey is its available Uconnect infotainment system. In addition to a large and easy-to-use 8.4-inch touch screen centered in the dash, there are supplementary buttons for climate and audio that are simple to see and use.

Exterior

Is it a sport-utility vehicle or the reincarnation of a station wagon? With the 2016 Journey from Dodge, its 192.4-inch length exceeds much of the competition, but Dodge's designers have given it exterior treatments such as the chrome-trimmed cross-hair grille and eye-catching aluminum-alloy wheel choices that keep it from being merely bland. If a more stylish look is important, opt for the R/T version, with its 19-inch wheels, monochromatic treatment and distinctive R/T labels. For a tougher-looking version, there's the Dodge Journey Crossroad, which features a faux skidplate, standard roof rails and blacked-out wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2016 Dodge Journey 7-passenger crossover SUV is available in a five trims, from the base SE to the top-line R/T. At its most basic, the 2016 Journey includes dual-zone climate control, 4.3-inch touch-screen media center, keyless entry and push-button start, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and power windows and door locks. Entertainment is provided by a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary and USB inputs, but no Bluetooth streaming as standard. Safety features include electronic traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all rows.

Optional Equipment

Plenty of options can be had on the 2016 Journey. Among the more popular are 3-row seating (Flexible Seating Group), traction-enhancing all-wheel drive in lieu of the standard front-drive setup, an 8.4-inch touch-screen Uconnect infotainment system and navigation. Amenities that bring an upscale feel include leather seating, Infinity speakers, rear-seat video entertainment system with 9-inch screen and two wireless headphones, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, and heated front seats and heated steering wheel. A Driver Convenience Group adds a rearview camera and distance-alert function when in reverse, but more advanced safety functions like blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking are not available.

Under the Hood

Two engines are available for Dodge's 2016 Journey crossover SUV. Standard on lower trims is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that makes an only-adequate 173 horsepower. The engine we recommend is the 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that is optional on all but base Dodge Journeys and standard in higher trims. The V6 is also your only choice if you require all-wheel drive (AWD) instead of the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) to deal with inclement weather and slippery roads. Both engines run on regular unleaded gasoline. All Dodge Journeys use automatic transmissions, with the 4-cylinder stuck with an older-style 4-speed and the 6-cylinder using a newer 6-speed. The Journey's towing capacity is on the light end, limited to 1,000 pounds with the 4-cylinder and 2,500 with the V6.

2.4-liter inline-4 (SE, SXT, Crossroad)
173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg

3.6-liter V6 (SE, SXT, Crossroad, R/T)
283 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (FWD), 16/24 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The 2016 Dodge Journey has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $22,000, including destination charge. Better-equipped mid-level versions of the Journey such as the SXT and Crossroad are in the mid-$20,000 range, while a top-line R/T version with AWD reaches the mid-$30,000 level. At its base price, the Dodge Journey SE remains the lowest-priced midsize SUV, and even after climbing trims is a good value among midsize SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9 and Kia Sorento. The Mitsubishi Outlander with seating for seven is also a value leader among 3-row SUVs, but is smaller than the Journey. Before buying, be sure to check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for their new Journey SUV. In the years ahead, the Journey's residual value is expected to be average, still lagging the Toyota Highlander.

Read more at: http://www.kbb.com/dodge/journey/2016/?r=45198081889915920