The 2010 Dodge Journey receives driver and front-passenger active head restraints, a larger 9-inch screen for the rear-seat entertainment system and standard keyless entry.
Other neat options include MyGIG, Chrysler's hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch screen. Speaking of pricing, that's another of the Journey's strengths, as the base SE model costs about the same as a bare-bones five-seat family sedan.
The Journey's cabin materials are no nicer than those of the dismal Dodge Caliber economy car, on which the Journey is based. Overall, the 2010 Dodge Journey has a split personality. Among competing crossovers, Toyota's RAV4 offers a third-row seat along with better performance, and the surprisingly enjoyable Kia Rondo is another model to consider. We do not recommend the Journey.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options A midsize crossover SUV, the 2010 Dodge Journey comes in SE, SXT and R/T trim levels. All models come standard with two-row seating for five; with the optional 50/50-split-folding third-row bench (SXT and R/T only), capacity increases to seven. The top-drawer R/T features 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls.
The base-model Journey SE comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The EPA gives the four-cylinder Journey ratings of 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. Every 2010 Journey includes antilock disc brakes, traction control, rollover-sensing stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Interior Design and Special Features Inside, the 2010 Dodge Journey is a spacious, versatile family hauler.
The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan gains active front-seat headrests across the lineup and standard tri-zone manual climate control on SE models.
The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan has history on its side, if nothing else. A dual-screen rear entertainment system, Sirius Satellite TV and hard-drive audio storage are also available.
Unfortunately, these attributes are overshadowed by the Grand Caravan's quality issues and other faults like low-quality interior materials and a feeble base engine. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan is available in three trim levels: C/V, SE and SXT. The SXT adds a larger engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, an eight-way power driver seat with manual lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, power and remote-operated sliding side doors (optional on SE), second-row power windows and third-row power vent-style windows (also optional on SE), an overhead console with storage bins and ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and satellite radio. With the SXT, the rear DVD entertainment system includes a swiveling second-row flip-down screen.
The front-wheel-drive 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with one of three V6 engines. The SXT comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 197 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque and gets 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The Grand Caravan comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front headrests and full-length side curtain airbags.
Optional on both the SE and SXT trims are second-row integrated child booster seats (requires Swivel 'n Go). In government crash tests, the 2010 Grand Caravan scored a perfect five stars in all frontal- and side-impact categories. The Grand Caravan's interior design theme is plain but functional, with high-mounted audio controls for easy visibility and operation. Aft of the comfortable front seats, there are various seating choices.
The 2010 Grand Caravan's handling will be adequate for most owners, particularly in sport-tuned SXT trim. As for Grand Caravans with the ancient 3.3-liter engine, we'd say don't bother -- they're sluggish and marginally less efficient than the muscular 4.0-liter SXT.
The 2010 Dodge Charger receives standard side curtain airbags and minor exterior styling tweaks, but is no longer available with front-seat side airbags.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Charger is a large sedan available in base, 3.5, Rallye, R/T and SRT8 trim levels. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all but the base and SRT8.
Stepping up to the Charger 3.5 (formerly SXT) nets you a larger V6 engine, 18-inch wheels (AWD only) and satellite radio. The Rallye adds 18-inch alloy wheels (RWD), foglamps, power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and a rear armrest. The Chrome & Leather package adds 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, automatic headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery and an upgraded six-speaker sound system. Chrome-clad 20-inch wheels are optional on the Rallye.
The Charger R/T adds to the Rallye with Chrome & Leather package (minus the chrome wheels) the V8 engine, an iPod interface, an auto-dimming mirror, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth and a touchscreen stereo faceplate. The SRT Option Group III is essentially the R/T's Media Center package.
The 2010 Dodge Charger is available with four engines, one for each trim level. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on the 3.5, Rallye and R/T. The base Charger gets a 2.7-liter V6 that produces 178 hp and 190 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Considering the engine's meager power output, fuel economy is a lackluster 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. This engine gets a four-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive and a five-speed auto with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy ratings are 17/25/20 mpg with RWD and 17/23/19 mpg with AWD.
The Charger R/T is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 making 368 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. The Charger SRT8 is the king of the hill, with a 6.1-liter V8 that produces 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. In government crash tests, the 2010 Dodge Charger achieved a perfect five stars for frontal crash protection and rear side crash protection. The Charger's large size and long wheelbase translate into a generously sized cabin with plenty of rear legroom. Unfortunately, the 2010 Dodge Charger's sloping roof line makes rear-seat access more challenging than in other sedans, and rear headroom is a bit less than normal as well.
For 2010, the Dodge Challenger SE now comes with a five-speed automatic as well as stability control. Relative to the Mustang and Camaro, the Challenger offers far better rear passenger space, a smoother ride and a more serene cabin. Cornering performance is compromised by the Challenger's bulk, light steering and (in non-SRT8 models) soft suspension and tires, but like the original Challenger, this one excels on boulevards and highways. Ultimately, the Challenger's appeal depends on what kind of pony car you're looking for.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Challenger is a large sport coupe capable of seating five passengers. A late-availability Super Track Pack is said to include the regular Track Pack's equipment plus high performance tires, a larger rear stabilizer bar, performance brake pads and a revised stability control calibration with an "ESP off" function.
Powertrains and Performance The base Challenger SE is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 250 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic as standard equipment, with a six-speed manual available as an option. In recent testing, the Challenger R/T reached 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and the Challenger SRT8 took only 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy registers an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg in combined driving for the V6 Challenger SE. All 2010 Dodge Challenger models feature stability control and side curtain airbags as standard safety equipment.
Interior Design and Special Features Unlike the Dodge Challenger's distinctive-looking exterior, the interior is quite bland. At 16.2 cubic feet, the Challenger's trunk boasts impressive cargo capacity for this segment.
Driving Impressions While performance numbers for the 2010 Dodge Challenger are impressive, the feeling behind the wheel leaves us a bit flat. In the hands of our experienced test-drivers, the Challenger SRT8 can weave through the slalom cones with impressive speed, but on curvy roads in the real world, even this high-performance Challenger variant lacks the nimbleness and steering feel to keep up with the Mustang GT.
As a boulevard cruiser or road-tripper, though, the Challenger shines. Power down the windows, though, and you'll get to enjoy the Challenger's big-displacement soundtrack.
For 2010, the Dodge Caliber is offered in five new "lifestyle" trim levels ranging from the value-oriented Express base model to the sporty top-of-the-line Rush. All models get an upgraded interior that includes a padded center armrest, padded door trim panels and active front head restraints. The Caliber's two available four-cylinder engines are a good case in point.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Caliber is a compact four-door hatchback that's offered in five new "lifestyle" trim levels. Interior upgrades include a tachometer, fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seatbacks.
Springing for the Uptown model gets you rear disc brakes (versus drums), automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats and a premium nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls and flip-down speakers in the liftgate.
The sporty 2010 Dodge Caliber Heat takes the Mainstreet model's equipment list and adds 18-inch polished alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, rear disc brakes (versus drums) and specialized interior trim. Building on the Caliber Heat is the Rush, which adds a larger 2.4-liter engine, 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance A 2.0-liter engine rated at 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque is standard on all trim levels except the Rush. The 2.0-liter engine returns EPA estimates of 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 23/27/25 mpg with the CVT.
Safety Front-seat side airbags and stability control aren't available on the Express but are optional on the remaining trim levels.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber earned perfect scores in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, including five stars in both frontal and side impacts.
The 2010 Dodge Avenger leaves us wondering what it's supposed to be avenging. The 2010 Dodge Avenger's interior is also a letdown.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Avenger midsize sedan comes in three trim levels: SXT, Express and R/T. The Express adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foldaway heated mirrors, eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter and a six-speaker sound system with touchscreen stereo interface, digital music storage and steering-wheel controls. R/T options include the Express' upgraded stereo or a further upgraded multimedia bundle featuring Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system, real-time traffic, digital music storage and the additional option of six Boston Acoustics speakers. The front-wheel-drive 2010 Dodge Avenger Express and SXT are powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission is a four-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Dodge Avenger SXT are 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.
Safety Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Dodge Avenger includes antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the Avenger earned a top five-star rating for its performance in head-on collisions. The poor quality of the Avenger's interior materials is a major letdown, especially if you compare the Avenger to cars like the Fusion or Accord.
Driving Impressions The four-cylinder 2010 Dodge Avenger offers sluggish acceleration and unrefined gearchanges from the outdated four-speed automatic. Handling capabilities are likewise underwhelming, though the Avenger does have decent ride quality
For 2011, the Dodge Ram 3500 gains a new "Outdoorsman" package and a number of standard features. When one considers the Ram 3500's impressive work abilities, there's good reason they call these trucks "heavy duty."
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup is available in three cab styles: regular, Crew Cab and Mega Cab (a jumbo crew cab).
The regular cab comes in ST or SLT trims; the Crew Cab in ST, SLT or Laramie trims; and the Mega Cab is SLT or Laramie only. With the exception of Crew Cab short beds, all Ram 3500s have a dual-rear-wheel axle.
Power windows and door locks are standard on Crew Cab models, while regular cabs have manual controls.
The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, chrome-clad wheels, electronic trailer brake control, power folding/heated side mirrors, a sliding rear window, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control and satellite radio. SLT Crew Cab and Mega Cab Rams are eligible to upgrade to the Big Horn package (sold as the Lone Star package in Texas). On the other end of the spectrum is the luxurious Laramie, which features polished alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver seat with memory, power-adjustable pedals, auto-dimming mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and an upgraded nine-speaker surround-sound audio system with digital music storage and iPod integration.
Additional luxuries available for the upper trims include a sunroof, remote start, power-adjustable pedals, front bucket seats, a navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, satellite radio, an upgraded stereo and a rear-seat entertainment system. The 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 is available in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Dual rear wheels are standard, but buyers may choose a single rear wheel as an option. Properly equipped, the Ram 3500 can tow up to 22,750 pounds.
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 includes antilock disc brakes and side curtain airbags.
For 2011, the Dodge Ram 2500 gains a new trim package, "Outdoorsman." Midway through the model year, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine gains a power boost for a total of 800 pound-feet of torque.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup is available in three cab styles: regular, Crew Cab and Mega Cab (a jumbo crew cab). The regular cab comes in ST or SLT trims; the Crew Cab in ST, SLT or Laramie trims; and the Mega Cab in SLT or Laramie only.
Power windows and door locks are standard on Crew Cab models, while regular cabs have manual controls.
The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, chrome-clad wheels, electronic trailer brake control, power-folding/heated side mirrors, a sliding rear window, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control and satellite radio. SLT Crew Cab and Mega Cab Rams are eligible to upgrade to the Big Horn package (sold as the Lone Star package in Texas). On the other end of the spectrum is the luxurious Laramie, which features polished alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver seat with memory, power-adjustable pedals, auto-dimming mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and an upgraded nine-speaker surround-sound audio system with digital music storage and iPod integration.
The 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (4WD is electronically engaged at the high trim levels and mechanically engaged at the lowest one). Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 includes antilock disc brakes and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds braking tests, a Dodge Ram Power Wagon came to a stop from 60 mph in 141 feet, which is about average for a heavy-duty pickup.
Both of the Ram's engines are strong and provide plenty of power for towing and hauling heavy loads, though compared to its diesel-powered heavy-duty rivals, the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500isn't quite as strong when accelerating on flat land or trying to maintain speed on long uphill grades with a heavy trailer in tow.
The 2010 Dodge Journey receives driver and front-passenger active head restraints, a larger 9-inch screen for the rear-seat entertainment system and standard keyless entry.
