Dodge: What's New for 2010

2010 Dodge Avenger: This counterpart of the Chrysler Sebring continues substantively unchanged for 2010.

2010 Dodge Caliber: The idea of turning a utility-style package into a mass-market compact car is another one of the master strokes in innovative thinking that typically come from Chrysler and Dodge, but unfortunately the Caliber hasn't been able to fill up its utility-style package with good enough components to register in the minds of very many drivers. The 2010 Dodge Caliber addresses the interior — the car's most glaring failure — with an all-new presentation, including a new instrument panel, central storage bin and lots of chrome accents.

For 2010 the Caliber SE and SXT are equipped with the 158-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 that has a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, a measure to heighten the vehicle's appeal as a fuel miser. Meanwhile, the Sport Appearance package for the SXT has new polished aluminum 18-inch wheels to complement the performance suspension.

2010 Dodge Challenger/Challenger SRT8: The Challenger was the first into the fray against the Mustang a year ago, and we'll see if it can sustain its sales momentum and continue to demonstrate that Dodge means business.

Stability control is now standard on the entry-level SE model and automatic headlights are now standard on the R/T. Dodge has also introduced a new multimedia package for the SE and R/T that features audio controls on the steering wheel.

Late in 2010, the Super Track Pack will be available, combining 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires, front and rear Nivomat self-leveling dampers, a stiffer rear antiroll bar (yee haw, oversteer), a 3.06 rear-axle ratio, high-performance brake pads and a stability control calibration that lets you shut down the system.

The 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is available in Plum Crazy, a color treatment that Dodge made famous back in the 20th century.

2010 Dodge Charger/Charger SRT8: The Dodge Charger continues unchanged for the new model year aside from the installation of side curtain airbags on all models, black rocker-sill cladding for all models, and a chrome grille with a black insert for the SE. The 2010 Dodge Charger SRT8 with its 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 continues unchanged.

2010 Dodge Dakota: The midsize pickup incorporates some suspension measures to improve ride quality.

2010 Dodge Grand Caravan: After its extensive makeover for 2009, the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues largely unchanged. Three-zone climate controls are available (standard for the SE), there's an obstacle display in the electronic information center, and the Grand Caravan SXT with the 4.0-liter V6 features a taller 3.16:1 final-drive ratio to improve fuel economy.

2010 Dodge Journey: Introduced in 2009, the midsize crossover's 3.5-liter V6 has been recalibrated to deliver 1 mpg more in EPA-rated fuel economy for both the front- and all-wheel-drive examples of the SXT and R/T models, and there's even an "ECO" light in the instrument cluster to tell you when you're saving fuel. The brake system for all models has been improved as well. An entertainment system with a larger 9-inch screen is now available for the Journey SXT and Journey R/T, plus remote keyless entry is standard for the Journey SE.

2010 Dodge Nitro: The midsize SUV (well, it does have a five-link solid real axle, although with coil springs, and that's pretty trucky) responds to a bright, new fuel-efficient world with a new engine calibration for its 3.7-liter V6 and four-speed automatic that shuts off the power during deceleration, improving fuel economy. The 4.0-liter V6 continues as before. There are a number of color and feature content changes for both entry-level SE and upmarket SXT models. A part-time 4WD system continues to be standard equipment.

2010 Dodge Ram 1500: Chrysler has pulled Ram trucks out the Dodge division and created its own make for 2010. Please see Ram.

2010 Dodge Ram 2500/Ram 3500: Chrysler has pulled Ram trucks out the Dodge division and created its own make for 2010. Please see Ram.

2010 Dodge Viper/Viper SRT10: The good news is that there will be another year of Dodge's world-famous, Le Mans-winning sports car. The better news is that Dodge has apparently decided to keep making the sports cars after unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer for the franchise. Technically it's a 2009 model, however.