2011 Dodge Caliber Trims and Specs

The 2011 Dodge Caliber Express lacks the stability control or steering refinements of the remaining Caliber trims, but does get a 2.0-liter, 158-hp GEMA engine, here mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A full power package includes heated power mirrors and keyless entry, and a satellite-ready CD and MP3 player comes standard with a digital-media player connection, iPod adapter and Bluetooth. The unique cooled glovebox is standard across the trim lineup as well. There’s an automatic rearview and a 115-volt outlet, both welcome features at this level. A rear spoiler contrasts sharply with 15-inch wheels with covers, especially with the sporting image the Caliber attempts. Cloth upholstery covers front bucket and split-folding rear seats here. Final safety features include dual front and curtain-side airbags, a driver knee airbag and four-wheel antilocks, albeit with drums in the rear at this level.

The "Heat" trim of the 2011 Dodge Caliber is a bit of a misnomer, as it gets the weaker 2.0-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission, although the continuously variable transmission is an option. The heat apparently comes from the antilock four-wheel discs and “sport” suspension, not to mention 18-inch alloys. Otherwise, the Heat is little different from the base Express trim with its cloth bucket seats and power package. The satellite-ready stereo plays both CDs and MP3s and comes with a standard digital media player connection, iPod adapter and Bluetooth. Don’t forget the cooled glovebox and 115-volt outlet, either. You’ll get a rear spoiler, remote entry and stability control. For safety, look to dual front and curtain-side airbags, as well as a driver’s knee airbag.

The 2011 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet trim utilizes the same 2.0-liter GEMA engine as the Express, but here it gets a continuously variable transmission to transfer power to the front wheels. It also gains height adjustment for the driver’s bucket and a fold-flat passenger bucket. The Mainstreet also gets a “touring” suspension, as well as stability control and 17-inch alloy wheels. Foglights sit in the front fascia, bookended by a rear spoiler at the back end. Heated power mirrors are joined by power windows, doors and remote entry, and a satellite-ready CD and MP3 player comes with a standard iPod adapter and Bluetooth. The Mainstreet also gets a 115-volt outlet, automatic rearview and a cooled glovebox. While antilock brakes are standard, there are drums in the rear here. A driver’s knee airbag follows dual front and curtain-side units and rounds out the safety features.

In a weird combination of Dodge’s ideas of “sport” and “luxury” for the 2011 Caliber, the Rush trim seems to meld the Heat and Uptown trims for a bit of both. With the 2.4-liter engine as standard and the option of a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, it offers the highest performance available for the Caliber. And with automatic climate control and heated front bucket seats, a valiant attempt at luxury is made as well. The stereo has been upgraded to a Boston Acoustics system and has controls on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The curious liftgate speakers make another appearance here, as well as the standard cooled glovebox. The Rush also gets a “sport” suspension and four-wheel antilock discs behind 18-inch alloys. A full power package includes heated power mirrors and remote entry. Safety is handled by stability control and five airbags, including a driver’s knee bag.

The Uptown trim is where the 2011 Dodge Caliber truly attempts to become a touring vehicle. The biggest reach here is the “touring” suspension the trim enjoys, but this doesn’t mean we should ignore upgrades like automatic climate controls and leather upholstery. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped as well and includes controls for the upgraded Boston Acoustics stereo. The front bucket seats are heated here as well, and the driver’s seat gains 6-way power and lumbar adjustment. The infamous liftgate speakers also make their debut here, touted as a tailgater’s special. Sadly, the 2.0-liter engine is still standard here, but the Uptown also gets the option of a 2.4-liter powerplant for a bit of a performance upgrade. It’ll have to be yoked to the continuously variable transmission, as the five-speed manual simply isn’t an option here. You’ll get a rear spoiler, foglights and 17-inch alloys to dress up the outside as well. For safety, there’s stability control, dual front and curtain-side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and finally four-wheel antilock disc brakes, instead of the disc/drum combo of the lower trims.