With plenty of features and trim levels to choose from, the versatile 2011 Dodge Caliber puts some real meat on the bones of the compact hatchback segment.

In size alone, the newest Dodge Caliber (starting MSRP $17,380) delivers where other hatchbacks dare not tread. More like a manageable sport utility than its classification suggests, the Caliber is hefty, but hardly heavy; behind the signature Dodge crosshairs are muscular fenders, oversized halogen headlamps, a standard spoiler and a powerful set of optional 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. The Caliber has five trim levels to choose from – Express, Heat, Mainstreet, Uptown and Rush – and each gets its own unique allotment of features, allowing you to handpick the five-door that best fits you.

The 2011 Caliber comes equipped with a punchy 2.0-liter 16-valve dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine and a standard five-speed manual transmission, good for 158 hp and 141 lb/ft of torque. Standard on the Rush and available on Uptown trims is an upgraded 2.4-liter World Engine, which boosts output to 172 hp and 165 lb/ft of torque, and comes accompanied by the optional second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle transmission (CVT2). A dynamic AutoStick® provides manual control over six simulated gears, allowing for quick acceleration and responsiveness.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) comes standard on every Caliber trim except the entry-level Express, and Dodge has customized the hatchback’s suspension to best fit each trim level. Mainstreet and Uptown trims get a smooth and refined touring suspension setup while Heat and Rush models see more sport-tuned driving mechanics. All this adds up to an enjoyable, agile ride accompanied by up to 32 mpg fuel efficiency.

An increase in size of the Dodge Caliber pays off inside where the five-seater offers more than 96 cubic feet of interior passenger space. Folding 60/40-split rear seats and an optional flat-folding front passenger’s seat unlock nearly 48 cubic feet of cargo space while clever storage areas in the doors, instrument panel and center console add even greater versatility. Upper trims get sophisticated leather seats with careful stitching and optional heating in the front; Heat and Rush trims add sleek sport appearance inserts.

Every trim comes standard with thoughtful amenities like heated exterior mirrors, illuminated cupholders and an exclusive Chill Zone® cooled beverage storage bin. SIRIUS Satellite Radio and an MP3 auxiliary audio jack also come standard, and Uptown and Rush models get a booming nine-speaker Boston Acoustics® sound system (optional on the Heat). A set of articulating speakers hang down off the tailgate of the Uptown and Rush (also optional on the Heat) while several trims feature the optional uconnect™ multimedia, navigation and hands-free phone system.

The frame itself is constructed to strict Dodge standards, as the newest Caliber gets a specially engineered safety cage complete with innovative crush zones and reinforced, high-strength materials. Heat, Uptown and Rush trims use grabby four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and all models get a tire pressure monitor, key fob with illuminated entry and front, knee and side-curtain airbags (seat-mounted side bags are optional).

With its versatile options, satisfying performance and muscular styling, the 2011 Dodge Caliber brings some much needed beef to the compact barbeque, and puts a scrawny hatchback class on notice.

View Our Dodge Caliber Inventory

Weeklong Road Test: 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Crew Cab 4×4

By: James Hamel
Milwaukee Examiner

Full size pickup trucks aren’t built for shrinking violets or for people who don’t like to get their hands dirty. They are big, brash, all-consuming and decidedly all-American. But some full size pickups seem like they have lost a bit of their edge while chasing ever more luxurious cabin comfort and increased use of exterior chrome.

Thankfully, however, there is still a full size pickup truck out there with enough charisma and brutish machismo to fight the ever blurring edges of pickup truck and luxury car. It’s the 2010 Dodge Ram and while its interior may have recently become suitably upmarket, it is not a truck for wimps. It’s a truck that is as ruggedly individualistic as the people who buy them.

But does that make it perfect? Read on to find out.

Exterior Styling

This is where the 2010 Dodge Ram Crew Cab (now with longer rear doors) really scores big bonus points. Exterior detailing has always been a Chrysler strong suit and the 2010 Ram is the head turner among full size pickups. Its gaping grille, high hood line and average for the class ride height blend together to create a truck that is aggressive yet endearing in appearance.

Of additional interest to buyers of the 2010 Dodge Ram is the introduction of the all new and completely brilliant RamBox. This feature adds two lockable utility boxes built into the sides of the truck bed. The RamBox option adds $1,895 to the price of your truck but it is well worth it to have the additional secure storage space. Also, keep in mind that you will probably get part of that money back at resale time.

These handy little RamBoxes I was so enamored with managed to swallow an entire shopping trip’s worth of supplies from Costco with only a few bulky items needing to be stored in the truck’s cab. And you know everyone (including me) buys way more stuff at Costco or Sam’s Club than they really should. But the Ram Boxes swallowed impulse buy after impulse buy.

Of additional interest to owners who order the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 we tested is the 10,450 lb. tow capacity and the epic 1,900 lb. payload capacity. That means this truck is ready for some serious work even if you aren’t.

Interior Styling, Utility and Build Quality

The last generation Dodge Ram had an interior that felt about a thousand years behind the Ford F-150 in quality and style. While you could still argue about which one has the more stylish interior, the 2010 Dodge Ram now has high quality plastics, chrome effect trim and enough “feel good effect” to fill the interior of a luxury sedan. Really, full size pickups should feel as finely built and luxurious as the Ram does given their ever elevating sticker prices.

My test Ram came extremely well equipped with power adjustable pedals, air conditioning, power everything, a 506-watt Alpine audio system with 9-speakers and a subwoofer, iPod integration, steering wheel mounted audio controls, power driver seat, Sirius satellite radio, Uconnect (like Bluetooth) and a navigation unit with 30 GB of hard drive storage. The one missing piece was a rear backup camera which apparently is a late 2010 addition that was too late for my tester.

I tried my best with the “Park Sense” rear park assist system beeping away at me but it never made me feel absolutely sure I wasn’t going to back this very long truck into anything. Another issue I have with the Ram is the confounding number of option packages that include things you would expect to be standard (illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors?) on an uplevel model like the SLT.

Otherwise, however, the 2010 Dodge Ram could be the only vehicle a family, construction foreman, weekend landscaper, boat owner, plumber or commuter would really ever need. There is nothing this truck can’t tow, haul or carry. The interior is full of so many gigantic cubby holes, pockets and storage nooks that you will no doubt start losing things in there during the first week of ownership.

Driving Impressions and Fuel Economy

Although there is a less powerful V8 and V6 engine, to get the full Ram experience you really should tick the box for the 5.7 liter 390 horsepower/406 lb. feet of torque Hemi V8 (my tester was so equipped). As you would expect, it pulls strongly from low revs and emits a delicious V8 burble that no competing truck motor has ever pulled off as convincingly.

But while the Hemi was always the Ram’s trump card in years past, now there is something completely different that makes this pickup truck special. Thanks to a revolutionary independent rear suspension (all other full size pickups use ancient leaf springs) the 2010 Dodge Ram actually rides…like a car. Travelling over freeway expansion joints and parking lot potholes never upsets the ride. This is the truck to buy if you plan on hauling passengers around a lot.

Otherwise, steering feel is well weighted and very communicative for a vehicle of this size. My only gripe was with the five speed automatic which felt like it was holding back the Hemi with some rough downshifts that were mainly noticeable because everything else (especially the ride) was so smooth.

This full size, 4-wheel drive, 5,000 pound monster truck was never meant to be fuel efficient. It was meant to be fast, offer endless utility and be able to withstand epic amounts of abuse. In other words, my Ram tester returned 15 miles per gallon during my week with the truck. EPA estimates are 13 city/18 highway. But remember, this isn’t supposed to be a hybrid commuter.

How Dog and Kid Friendly is It?

With durable (yet expensive feeling) plastics abounding in the interior and richly textured cloth seats, I have little doubt about how well the 2010 Dodge Ram SLT Crew Cab’s back seat will handle canines and young humans with juice boxes. On the CrewCab model the rear doors open wide and the jump in height is nice and low. That matters if you have an older dog like I do.

Final Thoughts

The 2010 Dodge Ram is finally a truly well rounded full size pickup truck thanks to its signature Hemi growl, newly refined interior, class leading ride quality and endless amounts of utility. When you add the exclusive RamBox with the burly exterior styling you have the formula for a terrific workhorse. Now it will be all up to you as to whether or not you use it for work, play or just going to the mall.

Vehicle Tested: 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Crew Cab 4×4

• Base Price: $34,240
• Price as Tested: $42,725
• Engine: 5.7 liter Hemi V8
• Power: 390 horsepower/407 lb. feet of torque
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Economy: 13 city/18 highway
• Mileage as Tested: 15 miles per gallon
• Runs on: Regular Unleaded
• Crash Ratings (NHTSA):  five stars (front, both sides)
• Rollover ratings: three stars
• Towing Capacity: 10,450 lb.
• Payload Capacity: 1,900 lb.
• Turning Radius: 45.4 feet
• Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles Bumper to Bumper
• 5 years/60,000 miles Powertrain
• Assembled in: Warren, Michigan

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezk0e1VL80o

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RyPamyWotM

Dodge Charger – Man’s Last Stand – Super Bowl Ad

You’ve sacrificed a lot, but surely there is a limit to your chivalry. Drive the car you want to drive.

The Ram Truck Brand today announced a 26-state, 50-venue Master Sportsman’s Tour that’s expected to give more than a million hunters and fishermen an up-close look at the all-new, redesigned 2010 Ram Heavy Duty pickup.

The Ram Truck Brand in cooperation with dealers in regions with a heavy concentration of hunting, fishing and boating participants will be setting up camp at many of America’s top outdoors expositions and showing off their trophy-winning Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks.

“It’s a fact that pickup truck owners — especially Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck owners — enjoy hunting, fishing and boating,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This tour gives our dealers — who, like me, enjoy these outdoor sports — a chance to talk with fellow sportsmen and meet tens of thousands of potential local customers at one time.”

Ram Heavy Duty Truck owners are divided evenly into two groups: those that purchased their truck for work (vocational) and those that purchased their truck for recreational use. However, among those that purchased their truck for work, nearly 100 percent use their truck for recreation, as well.

Ram HD owner demographics illustrate a passion for the outdoors: 36 percent own power boats; 47 percent hunt; 57 percent fresh water fish; and 33 percent salt water fish. Amazingly, 58 percent of Ram HD owners own more than one trailer, accounting for the 37 percent of Ram HD owners that own boat trailers and the 37 percent who tow camping trailers.

Ram Heavy Duty trucks are ideally suited for sportsmens’ needs, boasting legendary durability, and offering new features and refinements that stand out from the crowd. Features that include more than 40 storage spaces including hidden, in-floor bins, integrated brake controller and exhaust brake standard with diesel powertrains. And refinements like soft-touch interior surfaces and easy-riding passenger cab hydro mounts.

Ram Heavy Duty trucks also feature the two most well-known powertrains in the business, including the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI with variable valve timing and the powerful, yet durable 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel.

The Ram Truck Brand launched the new 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups late in 2009 as 2010 model year trucks, and already they’re earning awards.

Building on the success of their award-winning sibling the Ram 1500, the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty have won Motor Trend’s “2010 Truck of the Year,” Four Wheeler magazine’s Pickup Truck of the Year and Most Influential 4x4s of the Decade (2005-2010 Ram Power Wagon), MotorWeek’s Driver’s Choice Award Pickup Truck of the Year and the Texas Auto Writers (TAWA) “Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas.”

About the Ram Truck Brand

With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Ram Truck brand offers the boldest, most powerful and capable pickup truck lineup on the planet.

The Ram Truck brand will add to its award-winning truck lineup with the introduction of it all-new 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks, Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year. The new heavy-duty trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability, building on the Ram’s leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment.

Introduced in 2008, the Ram 1500 is a game changer in terms of its ability to “outsmart” and “out-tough” the competition with its bold exterior design, crafted and refined interior, engineering excellence, superb innovation and best-in-class features and amenities. The Ram 1500 also ranks at the top of Strategic Vision Inc.’s (SVI) 2009 Total Quality Index™ (TQI) in the full-size truck segment. According to the survey, the Ram 1500 leads the way with the highest Total Quality score of any truck in the 15-year history of the study. Customers specifically noted that the Ram has the best added storage capability along with the best truck interior ever rated by customers.

The Ram Truck brand will further enhance its commercial vehicle presence with the introduction of a “new crew” of commercial-grade work trucks: the new 2011 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Led by an all-new crew cab, the new 2011 Ram Chassis Cabs are built on a proven frame and chassis, and engineered for maximum uptime, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.

Chrysler Media Services LLC
Source: http://www.dodge.com/en/experience/news/articles/?guid=2010_3_01_ram_2500_3500_pickups

Ram Sportsman’s Tour Appearance Calendar

- March 3-7; Fred Hall’s Fishing Tackle & Boat Show; Long Beach Convention Center; Long Beach, Calif.
- March 4-7; Colorado RV Sports, Boat and Travel Show; National Western Complex; Denver, Colo.
- March 4-7; New Jersey Boat Show; New Jersey Convention Center, Edison, N.J.
- March 4-7; World Fishing & Outdoor Expo; Rockland Community College Field House; Suffern, N.Y.
- March 4-7; Red River Valley Sportsmen’s Boat Camping and Vacation Show; Fargodome; Fargo, N.D.
- March 4-7; Central Oregon Sportsmen’s Show; Deschutes Fair & Expo Center; Redmond, Ore.
- March 5-7; Iowa Deer Classic; Iowa Events Center-Hy-Vee Hall; Des Moines, Iowa
- March 5-7; Atlantic City RV & Camping Show; Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, N.J.
- March 5-7; Erie Sport & Travel Expos; Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, Pa.
- March 10-14; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show; Wisconsin Expo Center at State Fair Park; West Allis, Wis.
- March 11-14; Western New York Sport and Travel Expo; Hamburg Fairgrounds; Hamburg, N.Y.
- March 11-14; Sioux Empire Sportmen’s Boat, Camping and Vacation Show; Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center; Sioux Falls, S.D.
- March 12-14; Annual Augusta Camper and RV Show; Augusta Civic Center; Augusta, Maine
- March 12-14; Biloxi Boat and RV Show; Mississippi Coast Coliseum; Biloxi, Miss.
- March 12-14; International Motorsports and Recreation Expo; Reno-Sparks Convention Center; Reno, Nev.
- March 12-14; Reno Boat Sport and RV Show; Reno-Sparks Convention Center; Reno, Nev.
- March 12-14; National Capital Boat Show; Dulles Expo Center; Chantilly, Va.
- March 17-19; 2010 Tri-State Camp Conference; Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, N.J.
- March 18-21; Ultimate Sports Show; DeVos Place; Grand Rapids, Mich.
- March 18-21; Cleveland Outdoor Adventure Show; IX Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- March 18-21; International Sportsmen’s Expo; South Towne Exposition Center; Salt Lake City, Utah
- March 18-21; Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show ; Spokane County Fair and Expo Center; Spokane Valley, Wash.
- March 19-21; Maine Boat Show; Cumberland County Civic Center; Portland, Maine
- March 19-21; Traverse City Hunting & Fishing Expo; Civic Center / Howe Arena; Traverse City, Mich.
- March 19-21; The Saltwater Fishing Expo; Garden State Exhibit Center; Somerset, N.J.
- March 19-21; Binghamton Camper and RV Show; Binghamton University Events Center; Binghamton, N.Y.
- March 19-21; Ohio Deer and Turkey Expo; Ohio Exposition Center, Columbus, Ohio
- March 19-21; New England Salt Water Fishing Show; Rhode Island Convention Center; Providence, R.I.
- March 20-22; Northeast Outdoors Show; Empire State Plaza; Albany, N.Y.
- March 24-28; Fred Hall’s Fishing Tackle & Boat Show; Del Mar Fairgrounds; Del Mar, Calif.
- March 24-28; Northwest Sportshow; Minneapolis Convention Center; Minneapolis, Minn.
- March 25-28; Palm Beach International Boat Show; Flagler Drive; West Palm Beach, Fla.
- March 26-28; Tidewater Boat Show; Hampton Roads Convention Center; Hampton, Va.
- April 2-4; State of Maine Sportman’s Show; Augusta Civic Center ; Augusta, Maine
- April 8-11; Pomona RV and Travel Show; Pomona Fairplex; Pomona, Calif.
- April 9-11; Pensacola Boat Show; Pensacola Civic Center; Pensacola, Fla.
- April 9-11; Iowa RV and Travel Show; Iowa Events Center-HyVee Hall; Des Moines, Iowa
- April 9-11; Wisconsin Deer and Turkey Expo; Alliant Energy Center; Madison, Wis
- April 10-11; Reno-Sparks Convention Center; Reno, Nev.
- April 15-18; Suncoast Boat Show; Ken Thompson Park-City Island; Sarasota, Fla.
- April 16-18; West Virginia Horse Expo; West Virginia State Fairgrounds; Lewisburg, W.Va.
- April 22-25; Bay Bridge Boat Show; Baybridge Marina; Stevensville, Md.
- May 22-23; Ride the West Horse Ranch Expo; FAB Quarterhorse Ranch; Spokane, Wash.
- June 9-13; Houston Summer Boat Show; Reliant Center at Reliant Park; Houston, Texas
- July 23-25; Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo; McAllen Convention Center; McAllen, Texas
- Aug. 10-22; Acadiana Great Outdoors Expo 2010; Cajundome & Convention Center; Lafayette, La.
- Sept. 10-12; Tampa Boat Show; Tampa Convention Center; Tampa, Fla.
- Sept. 23-26; Norwalk Boat Show; Norwalk Cove Marina; Norwalk, Conn.
- Sept. 25-Jan. 9, 2011; Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show; Florida State Fairgrounds; Tampa, Fla.
- Oct. 15-24; 58th Annual California RV Show; Fairplex Expo Center; Pomona, Calif.

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