My own little mini-review...just got in my first revised '11 Avenger, a "Heat" edition (don't ask me what jackass at Chrysler thought Dodges should get asinine trim names like "Heat," "Express," or my favorite "Citadel" ).

For $25,700 MSRP, this one is a mid-level model with the new Pentastar V6, cloth seats, moonroof, 18" alloys, spoiler, 30 GB hard drive radio, climate control yadda yadda. I compared it to my sister's '10 Malibu 1LT she has, that had the same MSRP in 2010. Her's is a 4 cylinder, and has a few less items than this Avenger.

I cannot really compare the handling of both, because I haven't driven either one to the limit...yet. However, I do have to say the new Pentastar in a 3,400 lb car is absolutely fantastic. With the 6 speed AT, the 1-2 shift at 6,500 RPM drops it right to about 5,000 or so, and acceleration is VERY strong. Sadly, so is torque steer My wife's GTP definitely has less torque steer, with a similar output and 0-60 time.

Otherwise, I came away very impressed with the car. The revised bumpers and tailights smooth out the look and make it look sportier. I always liked the look of the Avenger, but that was the only thing I ever liked about it The new interior is great, and the seats, while looking the same as the old ones, are MUCH softer and more comfortable. I love the red stitching on the door panels, console and dash, and the Heat model has dark red seat inserts that are really sharp.

Other than the torque steer, the only other letdowns involve a couple small interior nitpicks. The center stack trim still feels a little cheap on this mid-level model. Otherwise, I came away very impressed. I wouldn't say that the interior is BETTER than a Malibu, overall, but it certainly is as GOOD AS the Malibu.

Overall, I realize that Dodge benchmarking the current Fusion and Malibu, when a fresh Malibu is on its way, isn't landmark in anyway. But, for Dodge, its a big step forward. These days, I almost feel like Dodge could be a modern-day Pontiac within 3-4 years. I think about the fact that this mid-level Avenger is only a few thousand more than my Grand Am GT was back in '02, and how vastly superior it is.

I think if more Pontiac owners gave the Charger and new Avenger a shot, they may be surprised. Just my .02...I'm well aware of how strong the mid-sized competition is.