Review
Introduction
The front-drive Caliber was Dodge’s bold replacement in 2007 for the Neon, which was discontinued in 2005. American buyers have historically resisted hatchbacks, but there is much to be said for their versatility and cargo capacity, and at the Caliber’s price point, versatility and practicality are often major selling points. The Caliber is one of the few compacts to offer all-wheel drive, but only on the upper-level R/T trim.
Four different inline four-cylinder engines power the Caliber, from a 1.8-liter producing just 148 horsepower to the 285-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter in the furious SRT4. Base SE and SXT Calibers come with a five-speed manual transmission standard or an optional continuously variable automatic (CVT). In front-wheel-drive R/T models, a five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a slightly more advanced version of the CVT is optional. It features a manumatic function with six preset “ratios” that mimic a traditional automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive R/Ts come only with the uplevel CVT. SRT4 models come only with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive.
We were underwhelmed by the Caliber in a major small-car comparison test, where its clunky manual shifter, vague steering, cheap-looking interior trim, and excessive full-throttle noise relegated it to sixth among seven contenders. We also find the CVT option unpleasant to live with, although the R/T’s version is more agreeable. On the other hand, Dodge has made a number of improvements, mitigating our early criticisms.
Major competitors to the Caliber include the Suzuki Reno, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio/Rio5, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Chevrolet Cobalt.
Verdict
The Caliber is a versatile and brawny five-door disguising its hatchback body with brackish packaging that suggests a small-scale SUV, but there’s little inside to win over people not convinced by the exterior. Just the same, the Caliber’s unibody is exceptionally solid, and the 285-hp SRT4 can be a hoot, even if it is a bit of a torque-steering handful.
Click here to read our full review of the Dodge Caliber.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Dodge Caliber.
Click here to read our full review of the Dodge Caliber SRT4.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Dodge Caliber SRT4.
What’s New for 2008
The big news for 2008 is the hot-rod SRT4, a mid-’07 addition to the lineup. Other updates include the replacement of two exterior colors, a new interior color option, and the availability of more chrome accents and packages.
