2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4

At the top of its lineup sits the 2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4 and its 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder turbocharged engine, mated to a six-speed manual Getrag transmission that gets 23 city/29 highway mpg. Performance upgrades also include an electronic stability program, performance-tuned steering, a high-performance suspension, and 19-inch painted aluminum SRT wheels with 225/45R19 BSW all-season performance tires.

Exterior upgrades feature a hood power bulge, liftgate spoiler, and a large-diameter bright exhaust tip. Interior highlights include premium cloth low-back bucket seats with SRT inserts, a height adjuster and lumbar support for the driver's seat, an instrument cluster with performance data display screen, and a vehicle information center. The SRT does share the AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-CD/DVD/MP3 player with the R/T, but not the nine Boston Acoustics speakers and subwoofer - it gets the four standard speakers that come with the SE and SXT.

By Tim O'Sullivan