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Even though there are plenty of people who, throughout the course of their driving career, will end up changing makes once, twice, or even multiple times, some brands -- even some particular models -- just have that appeal that keeps people coming back for more. You probably know people who are on their second or third of the vehicle they've been driving for years -- it's not all that uncommon. Recently a research firm called IHS did a 12-month study where they looked at which brands and models had the most customer loyalty, and wouldn't you know it -- four of our models here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine made the cut! Two were Jeeps, and there was a Chrysler and a Dodge. Which models were they, and what's with all the Jeep owner loyalty? Find out more here. more First of all, here are the four models: Chrysler Town & Country -- In the Non-Luxury Mid-Size Van segment, the Town & Country takes the top prize for owner loyalty. We can't say we're terribly surprised based on our own experience with T&C owners, but we might take issue with that non-luxury categorization -- how many minivans do you know of with standard leather-trimmed seats? Dodge Challenger -- For the Non-Luxury Sport Mid-Size Car, of course the Challenger was a shoo-in. With its incredible performance, iconic styling, and reputation for quality and endurance, it's not wonder Challenger drivers tend to be lifers. Jeep Grand Cherokee -- The Non-Luxry Mid-Size SUV segment was all wrapped up by the one and only Jeep Grand Cherokee. Why is it the most awarded SUV ever? A lot of reasons, but for drivers who keep coming back for more, it comes down to reliability and comfort. Jeep Wrangler -- It's no secret that Wrangler drivers are a distinctive bunch -- they even have their own wave -- so it's pretty clear that the model would find its way to the top spot of the Non-Luxury Compact SUV segment. One of the main reasons for such Jeep loyalty, in our experience, is that Jeeps are among the most affordable to own, drive, insure, and maintain over time. For people who have been bitten by the Jeep bug, it's hard to go back to anything else. Want to test drive one of our models here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine? Give us a call and we'll get it set up.

Why do Jeep drivers wave at each other? If you're a Jeep Wrangler driver, you may very well already know about the Jeep wave. If you don't, it's time to learn in order to keep all your fellow Wrangler drivers happy with a tradition that keeps going strong. Today we'll tell you about the Jeep wave, the rules (there are only two!) and while we're at it we'll throw in a little information about where you can come and test drive a new or used Jeep Wrangler -- maybe you'll even get to try the wave during your test drive! more Alright, so as simply put as possible, the Jeep wave is a tradition wherein Jeep Wrangler drivers, upon encountering another Jeep Wrangler driver anywhere on the road (or off road!) give a friendly wave to one another. It's a friendly gesture that says, "Hey, you've got great taste in vehicles, and I would know!" Many Wrangler drivers are very interested in keeping the amicable tradition alive. So what are the rules? There are two rules of the Jeep wave: 1. All Jeep Wrangler Owners Must Wave 2. New Jeep Waves First And really that second one is pretty negotiable -- after all, it might not be immediately clear the model year of a given Jeep when passed quickly on the road -- Just wave either way to be on the safe side. If you see another Jeep driver wave,  of course you should wave back! Do other Jeep model drivers do this? Not that we know of, but if you drive a Cherokee, Patriot, or some other great Jeep model, why not give it a try? You never know, you could start an all-new tradition right here in Racine. Speaking of right here in Racine, why not come in and see us for a test drive of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler. We might just see some other Wrangler drivers out there, in which case you know what to do...

Gifts for Jeep Drivers We've all got those people on our shopping lists. The ones who seem to have everything they need, who don't provide much or any help when we ask them what they want, and who seem most interested in their vehicle. Since we're probably not in a position to buy that person a new car (if you are, what are you waiting for?!), a great alternative is to get something related to the brand our friend or relative loves. If you're looking for gifts for Jeep drivers, or something for owners of Chrysler, Dodge, or Ram vehicles, check out our suggestions below: more Jeep Jeep is one of those brands that owners tend to get a bit fanatical about. The good news there is that there is a ton of great Jeep merchandise out there, from hats and hoodies to camping gear and kids' toys, the Jeep Gear store has something for everyone -- and there's free shipping through the end of the year! Ram The Ram Outfitter online shop is running that same free shipping deal, and they've got everything from air fresheners and decals (nice stocking stuffers!) to nice twill shirts and a leather toolbelt. Got a Ram-driving lady on your list? There's plenty of Women's merchandise at the Ram shop as well. Chrysler The Chrysler Collection has plenty of great stuff for your hard-to-buy-for friend. Items include replicas of Chrysler models, travel tumblers to keep beverages hot or cold on the go, home goods, even golf gear! You'll also get free shipping on these items through the end of the year, so make sure and check it out. Dodge If you've got a Dodge lover in your life, one look through the Dodge Life online shop should have you at no loss for ideas on what to get them this year. There's plenty of apparel for both men and women, SRT-specific items, and office-related gifts like ballpoint pens, tablet cases, mugs, and paperweights.

Best winter accessories for Jeep If you're a Jeep driver, one of the things you probably looked for when you purchased your vehicle is the all-weather, terrain-conquering capability that makes owning a Jeep both fun and rewarding. When winter comes, there are a number of additional challenges to getting out there and enjoying the current season, but it's nothing you and your Jeep can't handle. Today we'll tell you about some of the best winter accessories for Jeep vehicles that will help you make the most of the snowy season and keep your Jeep in good health at the same time. more Slush mats -- One thing you probably experience all-too-often getting in and out of your Jeep in winter is a soggy carpet area if you've got regular mats trying to stave off all the melted snow and slush that gets dragged in on your boots. A set of slush mats have deep ribs to help trap and hold water til you clean them out. When summer rolls around, the same functionality helps trap sand after trips to the beach until you take them out for a rinse! Splash guards -- Splash guards are another great winter Jeep accessory to help you protect your vehicle against the elements no matter where you're headed. Contoured to your Jeep and offering great protection against road debris and that salt that gets all over everything in winter, these can be a very wise investment for minimizing seasonal wear and tear. Roof racks -- Of course, no winter adventure with your Jeep would be complete without roof racks to help carry skis, snowboards, or both to wherever you're headed to hit the slopes. Made for easy loading and unloading from other side, the Mopar roof racks available to order will definitely get the job done securely so you can concentrate on having fun outside this winter. If you'd like any Jeep accessories ordered or installed, please don't hesitate to contact our service department today!

Best Off Road Vehicles 2014 So, you want to start off-roading. The first thing you need, of course, is the right vehicle for the job. Now whether you're looking to get into the off-roading scene for work or adventure (or both, of course), we've got an ideal vehicle for you here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. How do we know? A recent article by Popular Mechanics looked at the best off-road vehicles in 2014, and not one but two of our models here made the cut! more First off, what make a great off-road vehicle? One factor is ground clearance, which of course helps keep the underside of your vehicle from coming into hazardous contact with the dirt and rocks below. Then there are wheels and tires that can be optimized for maximum traction, a 4x4 drivetrain, and ideal power in the form of low-end torque. All of these and a number of other factors come in to play when determining a good off-road vehicles. So what were our top two off-roaders here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, according to the recent Popular Mechanics write-up? 1. Jeep Wrangler. To absolutely no one's surprise, the world-famous Jeep Wrangler made the list, and specifically the Rubicon was highlighted. Truly designed for the off-road experience and a consistent leader in the technologies that help make it safer and more fun to traverse all sorts of terrain, the Wrangler is your starting and ending point when you want high adventure behind the wheel. 2. Ram trucks. Now, if your off-roading needs are a little more about business than pleasure, chances are you're looking for a heavy duty work truck that can take you far off the beaten path, and then do some towing and  hauling on  your way back to civilization. That's a tall order, but it's met with our line of Ram trucks, from the basic work truck to our heavy duty models. Questions about what off-road ready vehicle is right for you and your specific needs? Come see us here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine!

Jeep Wrangler Phantom Edition Racine WI Ready to see a truly unique Jeep Wrangler? If you thought this iconic model already stood out on the road, you'll have to get a load of this special edition upfit by Rocky Ridge here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. Here's the third in our three-part series on these Wisconsin exclusive Rocky Ridge models. The first two we brought you were both Ram trucks ( Phantom and Altitude editions), and now here's the Wrangler in the family -- that is, until some lucky driver snags it from us! For the Jeep Wrangler Phantom Edition in Racine WI, you've come to the right place! more Alright, so let's start with the base model for this upfit. It's a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S. What that means is that it's got a 3.6-liter V6 VVT engine, Command-Trac Shift-on-the-Fly part-time four-wheel drive, front and rear stabilizer bars, trailer sway damping, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and electronic roll mitigation -- and that's all before the upfit begins! What does this Phantom upfit entail?  There's a three-inch Rocky Ridge suspension lift to start, which includes Pro Comp ES 9000 shocks, foam bump stops, an adjustable track bar, performance coil springs, a brake-line adaptor bracket, and replacement front and rear sway bar end links. Add to this a set of 18-inch custom powder coated wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a four wheel alignment as part of the package, and you're in store for an off-road experience like nothing you've had before.   The Rocky Ridge Phantom edition of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited also includes Rocky Ridge Full Armour front and rear bumpers, LED off-road and back-up lights, a swing out tire carrier, front and rear light grilles, an all-weather cargo liner, and road force balancing. That's not even all! To learn more about the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Phantom edition by Rocky Ridge here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, just give us a call today or stop in and see us. We're Wisconsin's only Rocky Ridge dealer, so don't miss your chance to see the unique models we've got in stock right now.

Mopar Custom Jeep Hoods If you're interested in customizing your Jeep or have done so in the past, you're probably already familiar with Mopar, Chrysler Group's source for parts and accessories. When it comes to making customizations, what sets Mopar apart from other brands is that its the official brand of Chrysler Group vehicles, Jeep included. One of the latest accessory offerings from Mopar is offered to Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler owners and gives you a chance to customize your hood with a street or trail map of your choice! These Mopar custom Jeep hoods are something brand new and we think they're pretty unique! Here's some more information about what's offered: more Now, let's get something straight. If you go for this, you're not actually replacing the entire hood (that might not be the best expenditure if your current hood is in good shape!) -- it's just a decal. But we're hesitant to say "just" a decal, because these unique map decals are able to be completely personalized! So let's say you've got a special trail that you love to off-road on and have been going there for years with your family. Or there's a highway you've traveled every year since you were a kid on your way out west. Any trail or roadway that's special to you can be transposed onto on of these decals and installed on your Jeep's hood for a completely unique look. You even get to pick a point of interest if you want, that will be marked on your map/hood. Just go to www.mopar.com/jeep-custom-hood-decal/ to play around with it!   The decals are designed to fit the hoods of 2007-2015 Jeep Wranglers, 2011-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees, and 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokees. They include a three-year warranty against defects or fading. If you want help choosing or installing any parts or accessories, just get in touch with our parts department here at Palmen and we'll be happy to help you out!

Is the Jeep Wrangler good in snow? The Wrangler Polar is made with snowy days in mind, but how about the average Jeep Wrangler? Last year, Jeep brought you the Jeep Wrangler Polar Edition, which featured an icy exterior color as well as special features like 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, an available Tru-Lok electronic locker for the Dana 44 rear axel, and Bridgestone Dueler tires with aggressive tread. It was definitely ready for winter. How about the other versions, though? Is the Jeep Wrangler good in snow? Today we explore that question with a look at some of the standard and available features that might just help you get through another Wisconsin winter! more Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we think the Jeep Wrangler is a great choice for winter! Here are a few reasons why: It'll be toasty in here in no time! 1. Advanced drive- and powertrain. Every Jeep Wrangler, even the base model, comes standard with a V-6 engine and 4x4 drive type that allows you to conquer and grip the road most effectively. Many people in Wisconsin prefer a vehicle with a little more capability than the average sedan, and the Wrangler is a solid choice in that regard. 2. High clearance. The Jeep Wrangler sits a little taller than some of its counterparts in the crossover/SUV game, and that can give you a distinct advantage in winter. Anyone who's ever been stuck in deep snow or helped someone else out of it (so probably just about everyone in the state!) knows what we mean here. It's a familiar sight for many of us, but it doesn't need to be scary for drivers. 3. Good heating system. Wranglers are known for how quickly they warm up, and that's worth a lot to many drivers who don't want to shiver and see their breath for half of the morning commute. Even those who opt for a soft-top Wrangler will be impress with how warm it gets inside -- and then of course be grateful for the ease of the soft top once another one of our gorgeous summers rolls around. If you think a Jeep Wrangler might be just what you need this winter, give us a call here at Palmen and we'll get you behind the wheel for a test drive!

When you need a great family vehicle for your life in and around the Racine area, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose between all the cars, crossovers, and SUVs out there all claiming to offer the most for families. How do you decide which one is right for you? There are a lot of great resources out there to help, and one of them is U.S. News, whose trusted and comprehensive auto section does an annual Best Cars for Families. For 2014, the winner for the 2-row midsize SUV category was our very own 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee! more What makes the 2014 Grand Cherokee such a great pick for families? There are a number of reasons, but here are some that U.S. news listed as part of their reasoning for giving it the top spot in its category this year: Comfort: One thing anyone who’s been in a Grand Cherokee can attest to is that the high-quality interior is extremely comfortable. There’s plenty of legroom, premium materials, adjustable seats, and if you go for a higher trim the leather seats and steering wheel only add to the sense of upscale comfort in this capable model. Speaking of capability… Power. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is as oriented to performance as it is comfort. With a standard V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, the Grand Cherokee offers a smooth, capable ride for number of driving situations, from merging onto a busy highway to taking things off-road for a family adventure of epic proportions. Features: The great features in the 2014 Grand Cherokee, both standard and available, are a huge part of what makes families gravitate toward this model. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and you’ve also go push-button start, Bluetooth compatibility, and a 5-inch touchscreen. Getting up into higher trims and optional features, you can get yourself a sunroof, navigation, heated seats, and so much more. Interested in taking the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a spin? We’d be happy to let you have a test drive –  give us a call today!

Start your summer right with Jeep. Jeep Michael Jackson ad If ever there was an automobile brand synonymous with summertime adventure, we’re pretty sure it would have to be Jeep. From a Wrangler with the top down to a Cherokee packed with beach towels and swim fins, there’s just something summery about the Jeep lineup. In its latest ad, Jeep is highlighting that connection, capturing the essence of summer in a series of images to the soundtrack of a voice we think you’ll recognize. Check it out: more So how can you enjoy your Jeep this summer? From off-roading adventures (depending on your capability of course) to road trips in any direction, Jeeps make summer travel even more fun than it already innately is. Today we’ll give you some tips for making the most of your summer excursions in a Jeep! Let's do this! First of all, unless your Jeep is brand new (lucky you!), you’ll want to make sure it’s ready for to make the trip you’re planning. Whether it’s an oil change, fluid top-offs, or a full inspection in our service center, it’s important to ensure that you’re not going be among those unfortunate souls whose summer adventure gets waylaid by car trouble. Next, plot your course. Don’t forget to account for construction. We know all too well here in the Milwaukee area that summer is the prime time for huge projects –  and huge detours. Above all, be flexible, and these little nuisances won’t feel so much like major disasters. Pack smart. If you’re going to be out for an extended trip, make a list of the things you’ll need over the course of a few days so that when those little “Oh, yeah, garbage bags!” moment pop up it won’t be when you’re already on the road. Wherever your summer adventure takes you, we hope you have a safe and happy journey! Thinking about going for it and getting a Jeep? We’re happy to help make that happen!

Save on insurance with these models at Palmen! Cheapest Cars to Insure 2014 If you've been looking at new vehicles for 2014, it's important that you get the whole story on what it will ultimately cost you to own a vehicle. Sure, getting a great deal on your purchase price is important, but sometimes we forget about other costs that get spread out over the long term. Fuel economy is a big one, of course, and most of us think about that when we're shopping. How about auto insurance? That's right, not all vehicles are insured equally - Far from it, in fact! Every year, independent consumer insurance website Insure.com puts together a list of the least expensive cars to insure for that year. We're thrilled at how many of our vehicles made the list - including the number one spot! more The Jeep Wrangler Sahara 1. Jeep Wrangler Sport - Believe it or not, the Jeep Wrangler Sport ranked number one on the list! You might have expected the top spot to go to something like a minivan or large sedan, but since Jeep Wrangler drivers are often very safe, responsible drivers and the Wrangler itself is very solidly constructed and relatively easy and cost-effective to repair, it ranked ahead of the pack for 2014. 3. Jeep Patriot Spor t - Yup, another Jeep at #3! The Patriot Sport is extremely reliable and again it's got that solid Jeep build that makes it an economical fix if something goes wrong. 5. Jeep Compass Sport - Another Jeep in the top 5! The Compass Sport is a family favorite in our area that we definitely recommend taking for a test drive! Here are some more rankings in the top twenty for vehicles we sell here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine: Kids love the Dodge Grand Caravan 6. Chrysler Town & Country 8. Dodge Journey SE 10. Dodge Grand Caravan SE 11. Jeep Patriot Latitude 13. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 14. Jeep Wrangler Sahara 20. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon That's a total of ten - so what you're looking at here is an entire half the list being Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles! Not bad! Want to learn more about the vehicles we've got in stock that are cheap to insure! Give us a call today!

2015 Jeep Renegade Release Few things are more exciting than a brand new model, and when it's coming from a classic brand like Jeep, we have all the more reason to be thrilled to learn more. So here's your chance! If you didn't catch wind of the big reveal yet, here we'll share details and photos of the all-new Jeep Renegade - a game-changing off-road crossover that's about to turn the auto world on its head. Ready? more The first thing that strikes us about the Renegade is that despite looking totally unique and like nothing we've seen before, it manages to fit right in with the Jeep lineup and carry the distinctive appearance of all Jeep vehicles - and it's more than the seven slot grille, though that certainly tops off the look. It's more than that, though - there's something about the confident, energetic stance that just exudes "Jeep." We love the styling along the body, as well. It looks tough and modern at the same time, with an attention to detail and quality that add greatly to its big appeal. According to Jeep, the Renegade will have seating for up to five adults, plenty of cargo storage, and an available My Sky dual-panel roof that gives you multiple options for closing, retracting, or removing your roof panels. Think of it as moon roof meets convertible. Then there's the best-in-class capability. With the standard Jeep Active Drive I 4x4 system on the Trailhawk model, you'll be set for off-roading adventures the likes of which you've never seen before. Front and rear tow hooks and standard 17-inch off-road wheels are more ways in which the Renegade Trailhawk will take you off the beaten path. Not to mention keeping you on the beaten path come winter. It's a big win for you no matter where you are. If you want to learn more about the 2015 Jeep Renegade release in Racine, stay tuned. We'll bring you more updates and information as they are released. Until then, feel free to check out any of our other great Jeep models in stock now!