Several models of Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles have undergone major and minor transformations in recent years, in part due to parent company Chrysler Group LLC’s resurgence financially and in part due to Chrysler’s recent alliance with Fiat SpA. Unfortunately, the revisions have yet to reach Dodge’s Caliber, which is the same basic compact utility vehicle as the 2011 model and is in its final year of production -- the last Caliber rolled off the line November 23, 2011, at Chrysler’s Belvedere, Illinois, assembly plant.

For 2012, the front-wheel-drive Caliber is available in three trims: the standard SE, the modified SXT and the slightly more modified SXT Plus. All three trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter, DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with dual VVT (variable valve timing) capable of 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque. Both the SE and SXT Plus come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, which can be upgraded in the SXT Plus to the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that comes standard in the SXT. The Caliber is rated for 24 mpg city/32 highway with the manual transmission and 23/27 when equipped with the CVT.

Dodge’s 5-door compact, which seats 5 passengers relatively comfortably -- the back seat’s legroom is slightly cramped at only 35.6 inches -- comes standard with a number of different features aimed at improving the comfort of the driver and passengers. For the SE, these include: air conditioning (with cabin air filtration), cruise control, AM/FM radio, Sirius XM satellite radio (with a 1-year subscription), CD player, remote keyless/illuminated entry, sliding console armrest, power windows, power locks, power heated exterior mirrors, glovebox beverage cooler, rear window wiper/washer, 60/40 split folding rear seats, a rear liftgate spoiler and 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers and all-season touring tires. Mechanically, the SE also has Hill Start Assist, which is also available for the SXT Plus. Options available for the SE include 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-season touring tires and a touring suspension. Available upgrades for all trims include Uconnect Phone with Voice Command (and navigation), an engine block heater, cigar lighter and removable ashtray.

The SXT has all the standard equipment the SE does. Additions, beyond the CVT, include a manually height-adjustable driver’s seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, reclining rear passenger seats, fog lamps, passenger assist handles, a tachometer and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The SXT Plus has all the features mentioned (except that it offers only the 5-speed manual) along with a color-keyed instrument panel, colored seat accents and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The SXT comes standard with a touring-tuned suspension, while the SXT Plus has a sport-tuned suspension. Options available for both the SXT and SXT Plus include a CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio, power 6-way driver's seat, power sunroof, heated front seats, tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights, remote start system, security alarm and trailer tow wiring harness. SXT Plus owners can upgrade their sound system to include Musicgate articulating speakers, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display and 9 Boston Acoustic speakers with a subwoofer. Additionally, the SVT Plus can be upgraded to a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Electronic stability control, which had been an option only on more expensive versions, is now standard for all 2012 Dodge Caliber trims. Other safety features standard with the SE include active, anti-whiplash front head restraints, front airbags, side-curtain airbags, inflatable driver’s side knee blocker, traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist. For those upgrading to the SXT or SXT Plus, they come standard with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with brake assist along with the standard safety features found on the SE.

The 2012 Dodge Caliber offers Dark Grey Slate-colored cloth seats. Available exterior paint colors are Black Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat and Redline 2 Pearl Coat.

Owner reviews point out that, although the Dodge Caliber gets decent gas mileage and has ample cargo space (18.4 cubic feet in passenger configuration and 47.4 with the rear seats folded down) compared to similar vehicles, such as the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic and Honda Fit, it is sluggish mechanically and the CVT can be quite noisy. Overall, the consensus is that the Caliber is much better as a grocery getter than a highway driver.

A replacement for the Caliber -- rumored to be a 40-mpg compact with a lot of Fiat influence both externally and internally -- is scheduled to be unveiled by Chrysler at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, so fans of the Caliber should grab one while it's still available, despite its lack of improvement in interior or exterior design.