Are you a consumer looking for a vehicle that offers that latest in high technology, yet is affordable? Both the Dodge Caliber and the Ford Focus can be had for under 20K, yet they both carry some very useful and cool tech features.

Dodge Caliber: Dodge loaded its entry-level Caliber with gizmos when it was introduced three years ago, including a Chill Zone section of the glovebox to keep drinks cool; a rear cargo light that also serves as a removable LED flashlight; a part of the armrest that flips up to hold an iPod; and illuminated cupholders. Optional tech can also be added to the Caliber without breaking the bank. Chrysler’s UConnect hands-free phone system is one of the best Bluetooth systems available at any price.  Also offered is a $595 Premium Sound Group option that includes a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with an 8-inch subwoofer, and a Music Gate boombox-style speaker enclosure that swings down from the hatch for tailgate-style tunes.

Ford Focus:  Ford made an important — and successful — strategic decision to include its Sync technology not just on high-end models, but on a broad range of its vehicles. It picked the entry-level Focus as a major player for the launch of Sync since Ford realized that it’s the type of vehicle — and technology — that would appeal to the car’s young target market. Sync proved not only popular, but also became a benchmark for the way drivers access music on portable media players via voice activation. Sync’s Bluetooth feature also makes hands-free calls almost effortless, and the system can even receive and reply to text messages. The best part is that Sync is standard on the top-of-the-line Focus SEL and SES models.

The Ford Edge sales have recently  hit 400,000, more than any midsize crossover since its introduction in late 2006
Considering the fact that  the crossover segment is one of the most fiercely contested in the industry, this is a huge achievement. The new 2011 Ford Edge is expected to continue the success as Ford introduces America to the revolutionary MyFord Touch driver connect technology and offers unbeatable fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

In 2006 when Edge was introduced, the midsize crossover segment accounted for 4.3 percent of the retail industry. Last year, that number grew to 9.5 percent. And this year, it’s expected to top 11 percent, making the segment the same size as full-size pickups and more than sports cars. Now comes the new 2011 Ford Edge with three new powertrains, bold new styling, improved driving dynamics and industry-leading MyFord Touch technology. The 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited, which account for about 80 percent of all Edge sales, have EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive), which is unsurpassed in each category among V6 competitors. The new Edge is now 1 mpg better city and 2 mpg better highway – with even greater power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 horsepower, best-in-class among V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge.

Redesigned for the 2010 model year, the all new 2011 Mustang gets two new engines, new transmissions and vast improvements to ride, handling, and drive noise. 2011 Mustang represents a significant improvement over the 2010 offering of America’s pony car. The Mustang has been in continuous production for 46 straight years, and more than 9 million Mustangs have been built and sold to date. That gives the Mustang the longest production run of any single model in Ford history.

Anyone who hasn’t been in a Mustang for a couple of years will want to take a look at the 2011. Much improved for 2010, the 2011 sees some interior changes that add to the overall comfort and appeal of this vehicle. The front bucket seats are significantly more comfortable and better looking than those used in the 2009 models, though they could still use slightly more lateral support. The aforementioned noise, vibration and harshness improvements have made what was once a rather loud car pleasingly quiet, though the Mustang’s all-American pony car rumble is still audible to drivers and onlookers alike.

The 2011 Mustang is offered in V6 Base and Premium models, V8-powered GT Base and Premium models, and the supercharged V8-powered GT500. Each are available in coupe and convertible body styles. V6 models use a new 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower. GT models have a new 5.0-liter V8 that produces 412 horsepower. The GT500s have an updated 5.4-liter V8 that produces a whopping 550 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional on all but the GT500.

The 2011 Ford Mustang comes in three body styles: coupe, convertible, and a glass-roof coupe. Each is available in both the traditional V6 model and the V8-powered Mustang GT. Both the V6 and V8 engines are more powerful in 2011.

The 2011 Ford Mustang is at the front of the pack when it comes to performance per dollar. The 2011 Mustang V6 handles quite well and delivers power close to last year’s V8. The GT is quicker, faster, quieter and more refined than any V8 Mustang ever.

The 2011 Mustang has more features, more comfort, and more sheer performance than any previous production Mustang, and it’s priced to sell. If you are looking for muscle car power with great design ata nice price, the 2010 Mustang could be for you! We recommend checking out a review for the 2010 Chevy Camaro in Philadelphia PA for comparative purposes.

The Dodge Avenger offers a stylish and muscular body, a rarity found in the crowded sedan segment. Considering its affordable price, its handling is extremely solid, and that solidity translates into a quiet cabin, very good suspension isolation, and accurate steering inputs and response. The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the R/T version we spent the most time in was smooth, quiet, powerful and responsive, and is equipped with a drive-by-wire electronic throttle that enhances smoothness. At a rating of 235 horsepower, this engine is well below the state of the art in power production for 3.5-liter V6s, but the ultra-smooth six-speed transmission’s ratios help the car to feel light and sprightly. Its fuel economy is EPA-rated at 16 mpg City and 27 mpg Highway. One vehicle the Dodge Avenger goes head to head with is the 2010 Ford Fusion, found at most Ford dealers. Power delivery in the Fusion Hybrid is smooth and progressive, exhibiting none of the artificially sudden throttle response of its Asian competitors. IA Ford dealers speak highly of the Fusion’s  handling and on-road dynamics are exemplary. Because its handling is alert and agile, more so in some respects than Accord’s or Camry’s, it will respond accurately to driver inputs in an emergency. Four-wheel disc brakes, made more effective with standard ABS, provide forceful, easily modulated stopping power. Overall, the Avenger offers a very good combination of ride smoothness, control of body roll in corners, straight-ahead stability, and willingness to turn when asked. It rides smoothly, it’s quiet over the road, and it has relatively sporty handling.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta was a much anticipated launch, with a fun, unique and trendsetting campaign.  Furthermore, the Ford Fiesta will be participating in this years X Games. For the 2011 X Games, Fiesta’s all-star driver lineup grows from three drivers to four with the addition of Ford Rally America and WRC driver Ken Block to last year’s trio of Kenny Brack, Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. This year’s rally competition at X Games will be comprised of two competitions: Rally Car Racing and SuperRally, a European-style rallycross where four cars will race simultaneously against each other. The Ford foursome of Block, Brack, Deegan and Foust will drive their Fiestas in both competitions.

In addition to the action at X Games, Ford has created unique ways for fans to get in on the fun. One, called “I Win! You Win!” is an on-site promotion where fans in attendance to X Games can text “FORD” to 66937 to be randomly paired with one of the featured athletes for the events. The athletes include Ford Racing rally drivers and Metal Mulisha’s motocross team. If a fan is paired with an athlete and that athlete wins the event, the fan wins the athlete’s custom Fiesta.

Fans also will have another opportunity to win a Fiesta through the “Rock It Like Block” contest. A grand-prize winner will win a 2011 Ford Fiesta, custom designed by Ken Block. The contest runs through Aug. 13, and entries can be submitted at www.rockitlikeblock.com.

Ford also is teaming up with Metal Mulisha to display a Ford Fiesta in its pits during X Games. The team will sign autographs at the Ford Fiesta display, where co-branded Ford and Metal Mulisha posters and skateboard decks will be given away.