Chrysler gives the Dodge Avenger what amounts to a new, well, lease on life for 2011. The Avenger in the past has taken shots from reviewers for being too “rental car” like. They knocked the midsize sedan for being generic and bland and for possessing little to make it stand out in a crowd.

The front-wheel-drive vehicle went through a major makeover featuring some exterior updating, a revamped cabin, an upgraded engine option and other assorted tweaks that, many critics feel, march the 2011 Dodge Avenger several steps in the right direction. The experts haven’t necessarily turned to raving about the Avenger, but they certainly appreciate the improvements and give it better marks overall.

The base engine remains a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque and is the only choice for the two lower-end trims of the Avenger, the Express and the Mainstreet. Upgrades with the 4-cylinder have cut down its noise and vibration factors. The 4-cylinder can be mated with a 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission and fuel mileage estimates are 21 mpg city and 30 highway.

The big powertrain change comes with the new and touted 283-hp, 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque that is standard in the Heat trim and optional in the Lux. It replaces a 3.5-liter V6 and bumps the power up by almost 50 horses. The V6 pairs with a 6-speed automatic and gets 19/29 with gas and 14/21 with E85 fuel.

Experts save many of their compliments for the 2011 Dodge Avenger’s interior, which previously took much of the heat. Where the cabin had been decked out with far too much hard plastic, now soft-touch materials and classier styling have softened up the look and feel. The Avenger scores well for the comfort of its seats and roominess, at least for those in the front row. Dodge also gets good marks for its ability to quiet the cabin while at the same time giving it a better sound system.

Upgrades in everything from suspension and shocks to steering systems and brakes have added to the driving experience of the Avenger and helped stabilize what had once been considered the car’s somewhat choppy ride. Some reviewers cite it as a good commuter car. Others go even further and praise its smooth and responsive handing and most everything about its new setup while noting it is fun to drive to boot.

The Express starts things out with the 2011 Dodge Avenger and gets 17-inch steel wheels, cruise control, a four-speaker stereo with CD player, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column and cloth upholstery. Additions with the Mainstreet include alloy wheels, six-speaker stereo with satellite radio and automatic climate control. The Heat has 18-inch wheels, heated front seats and further stereo upgrades. The Lux boasts leather seats and Bluetooth.

The 2011 Dodge Avenger scores well in government and insurance safety tests. All trims come equipped with stability and traction control, antilock four-wheel disc brakes and a full array of airbags.