2007 Dodge Caliber Review

PROS
Impressive fuel economy, Passenger and cargo room, Crisp handling and steering

CONSUnimpressive acceleration, Sloppy transmission, Too much road noise

What will they think of next? One would hardly characterize Dodge products as small. Everything Dodge does is BIG and BOLD. Dodge Ram, Dodge Magnum, and the new Dodge Nitro. Dodge is all about getting in your face and being bigger and bolder than the competition.

So it's no surprise that Dodge's new small car really isn't. It's not small and it isn't a car. In addition, it sports so many innovative features that it's hard to keep track of which is the most impressive.

Three models are offered: SE, SXT, and R/T. Standard on SE and SXT is a 148-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that mates to a 5-speed manual transmission. Optional on both is a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). R/T models come with a 172-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that is available with either the 5-speed manual or the CVT.

SE and SXT come with front-wheel drive. R/T is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The AWD  system in the R/T does not have a low range and is not intended for off-road use.

Standard safety equipment includes curtain side airbags and a driver knee airbag. Front side airbags, antilock brakes, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitor are optional. SE standards include tilt steering wheel, center console, split-folding rear seats, and CD player. SXT adds air conditioning, fold-flat passenger seat, power windows, mirrors, and locks, keyless entry, and a cooled glove box. R/T adds to SXT antilock brakes, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, satellite radio, fog lights, sport suspension, and alloy wheels.

What will they think of next?

Dodge Caliber offers a dizzying array of "gee-wiz” features. So many, in fact, that you wonder how we could have ever lived without them. But, like sliding-side doors on minivans or fold-down rear seats on wagons it’s only a matter of time before the other automakers begin to copy the innovative Caliber. Washable and removable cargo floor Illuminated cup holders and mp3-player mount Dome-light flashlight Cooled glove box w/beverage holder Drop-down "tailgating" speakers

The SE model has a retail price of $13,575. SXT lists for $15,425. Front-drive R/T has a base price of $17,670 while the AWD version will set you back $19,670. All models have a destination charge of $560.

Get up and Go
Despite a curb weight of 3300 pounds and an advertised 172 horsepower, R/T acceleration is best described as adequate. Dodge doesn't quote a 0-to-60 mph time, but it's not likely much better than 10 seconds, which places Caliber R/T mid-pack among other subcompact wagons.

Perhaps more frustrating that then engine's lackluster performance is the sloppy CVT. Away from a stop it's slow to change ratios to provide quick acceleration. In passing situations it seems to slur power delivery even more as it searches for the right passing gear. Around town the CVT shifts smoothly and delivers seamless, albeit lackluster, power.

Automakers claim that one benefit of a CVT is improved fuel economy compared to a conventional automatic. Indeed, Caliber R/T AWD's EPA ratings of 23 mpg city and 26 mpg highway are better than most comparable AWD vehicles. In addition, real-world fuel economy is likely to exceed 25 mpg and Dodge recommends less-expensive regular-grade fuel for the R/T.

On the Road Compared to other Caliber models, R/T has the largest wheels and tires and a firmed suspension, defining its role as the sportiest model in the lineup. Still, ride quality isn't terribly harsh. There's a fair amount of bump absorption on broken and pitched pavement and a good deal of suppleness on scalloped concrete surfaces. The ride is harder than a typical subcompact--car or SUV--but in keeping with the vehicle's overall character.

Where R/T really shines is on expressway on-ramps and in fast turns. There, the larger wheels and tires and firmer suspension do an excellent job of holding the road and limiting body lean. Firm and accurate steering help lend to the sporty feel. In slow and tight turns there a fair amount of front-drive understeer--even on AWD models--that seems out of place.

Sadly, the uncarpeted and open cargo area booms a fair amount of road noise into the passenger compartment. There's also a reasonable amount of wind noise from the mirrors and the engine moans loudly in hard acceleration.

Behind the Wheel Caliber's modern and tasteful interior sports few soft touch surfaces. Though not unusual for the class, a softer center armrest and padded arm rests would be welcome. Gauges are easy to read and audio and climate controls are mounted high in the center stack and are clearly marked and easy to operate day or night.

Front bucket seats are firm yet comfortable enough for long trips. Front-seat head and leg room are ample, accommodating even large adults. Seating position is SUV-like and a little higher than you might expect for a car this small, but outward visibility is just adequate thanks to thick roof pillars.

Rear-seat room is excellent compared to other subcompacts. There's great foot and knee room and head room is more than adequate for 6-foot tall adults. However, the center console has two cup holders for rear-seat occupants that eat into foot space for center riders.

Cargo area is impressive for a subcompact car--even a hatchback or wagon model. The hard plastic load floor is nice for cleaning, but allows smaller objects to slide around too much. It would be nice if Dodge added a cargo net or divider. Rear seats fold flat to increase cargo capacity to SUV-like proportions. Interior storage is aided by three different glove boxes and roomy center console.

There's plenty of passenger and cargo space for a small family, decent fuel economy, and lots of innovations that will keep you wondering, "What will they think of next?" Caliber can do double duty as a daily commuter and a weekend get-away car while still getting the kids to and from sporting events and dance recitals.

At an entry price point of $15,000 you can forgive the sloppiness of the CVT's power delivery, but a fully-loaded R/T lists for more than $24,000 and at that price the recalcitrant transmission just won't do. However, if Dodge is able to iron out the CVT issues or if acceleration isn't tops on your shopping list, Caliber is a great choice for buyers looking for something a little bigger and bolder than your typical subcompact.