Dodge Caliber: crossover-like compact cars, 2007-2012
The Dodge Caliber, often slammed by reviewers, started out in 2007 with a starting price of $13,985. Its moment in the sun was the "Cash for Clunkers" time, when it was subsidized with a trade-in; the Caliber was one of the most popular cars under that program before supplies ran out.
A hot Caliber SRT4's 285 horsepower easily beat the Neon SRT4, but sales did not, and it did not last long. The high-performance car cost just $22,995, with stability control, on-board performance metrics, and a brake lock differential.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber redesign hiked up the price by $4,000, but dramatically improved the interior; along the way, the suspension was retuned and the continuously variable transmission was adjusted to address criticism of the first cars, with a "fake automatic" shifter added. In 2012, the Caliber started at $18,085, but large rebates took the edge off for American and Canadian buyers. One can easily see the difference in the look of the original and second generation Calibers, just by glancing at the gauges (they were kept in the same place but restyled):
The Caliber's wheelbase sat between the first and second generation Neons, at 103.7 inches; it was just 1.4 inches wider, though a good 4.4 inches taller (60.4 inches) than the final Neon. Ground clearance increased to seven inches; those wanting more could get a related Jeep Compass or Jeep Patriot.
Dodge Caliber had an eclectic mix of interior features, including standard side-curtain air bags, an optional flip-down speaker set in the tailgate, a self-recharging removable flashlight, and a storage bin in the glove compartment which routed the (optional) air conditioning through a bin that could hold up to four bottles or can, named "Chill Zone."
Other features included:
In Europe, a Volkswagen diesel engine had about the same horsepower as the base gasoline engine, with more than double the torque of the base powerplant, with an EU-estimated 30 mpg city, 46 highway (thanks, Filip Norrgard). Worldwide, the Caliber used a new gasoline engine series, the "World Engine," renamed later to "World Gas Engine." While this engine was revised into the "Tiger Shark," the revisions never made it to the Caliber. The 2.4 liter engine beat Volkswagen's expensive five-cylinder Rabbit engine by 22 hp.
The Dodge Caliber, often slammed by reviewers, started out in 2007 with a starting price of $13,985. Its moment in the sun was the "Cash for Clunkers" time, when it was subsidized with a trade-in; the Caliber was one of the most popular cars under that program before supplies ran out.
A hot Caliber SRT4's 285 horsepower easily beat the Neon SRT4, but sales did not, and it did not last long. The high-performance car cost just $22,995, with stability control, on-board performance metrics, and a brake lock differential.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber redesign hiked up the price by $4,000, but dramatically improved the interior; along the way, the suspension was retuned and the continuously variable transmission was adjusted to address criticism of the first cars, with a "fake automatic" shifter added. In 2012, the Caliber started at $18,085, but large rebates took the edge off for American and Canadian buyers. One can easily see the difference in the look of the original and second generation Calibers, just by glancing at the gauges (they were kept in the same place but restyled):
Dodge Caliber had an eclectic mix of interior features, including standard side-curtain air bags, an optional flip-down speaker set in the tailgate, a self-recharging removable flashlight, and a storage bin in the glove compartment which routed the (optional) air conditioning through a bin that could hold up to four bottles or can, named "Chill Zone."
- A floor console sliding armrest that moved fore and aft by three inches; its lid had a flip pocket for storing a cell phone or MP3 player (pictured on right)
- A 110-volt outlet in the center console (SXT and R/T)
- Front cup holders rings glowed blue-green to match other center stack lighting
- The front passenger seat folded forward to create a table-like surface (SXT and R/T)
- 60/40 rear seats folded flat and reclined 12 degrees (SXT and R/T models)
- A removable (for washing) vinyl load floor in the cargo area
- YES Essentials® fabric which was phased in during 2007; it was a stiff but easy-care, soil-repellant, and anti-microbial
In Europe, a Volkswagen diesel engine had about the same horsepower as the base gasoline engine, with more than double the torque of the base powerplant, with an EU-estimated 30 mpg city, 46 highway (thanks, Filip Norrgard). Worldwide, the Caliber used a new gasoline engine series, the "World Engine," renamed later to "World Gas Engine." While this engine was revised into the "Tiger Shark," the revisions never made it to the Caliber. The 2.4 liter engine beat Volkswagen's expensive five-cylinder Rabbit engine by 22 hp.
Engine | HP (Dodge.com) | HP (Press Kit) | MPG | Lb-Ft | N•m |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.8 liter (stick) | 143 @ 6,400 rpm | 148 @ 6,400 rpm | 28/32 | 125 @ 4,400 rpm 124 @ 5,500 rpm | 169 |
2.0 liter (CVT) | 150 @ 6,400 rpm | 158 @ 6,400 rpm | 26/30 | 141 @ 5,200 rpm 135 @ 5,200 rpm | 190 |
2.4 liter (CVT) | 173 @ 6,000 rpm | 172 @ 6,400 rpm | 23/26 | 165 @5,200 rpm 164 @ 4,400* | 224 |
2.4 turbo (stick) | 285 | 265 | 22/28 | 260 | 352 |
2.0 diesel (stick) | 140 @ 4,000 rpm | n/a | 30/46 | 229 @ 2,500 | 310 |
Gas mileage (FWD except for the 2.4) is estimated; figures out there vary wildly. * Press kit / dodge.com respectively. |