Dodge Caliber 2006 - Present
| Years Produced | 2006 - Present |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-litre |
| Horsepower | 172 horsepower |
| Torque | 158 lb-ft |
| 0-60 Mph | 5.9 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 14.0 @ 103.5 mph |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
| Fuel Economy | Not Added Yet |
| Transmission | Not Added Yet |
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Dodge Caliber 2006 - Present
Despite being big in US for many decades, the Caliber is Dodge's first global car, with the company reckoning it's been designed around the needs of picky UE consumers. It certainly looks different. As a five-door family hatchback it's competing against cars like the Ford Focus and VW Golf. But Dodge's radical design changes makes it look more like a mini-SUV because of its large headlamps and Dodge's particular radiator grille. Maybe it will not attract everyone, although it looks like it will change along the years better than the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
This car provides comfortable seats and an extensive cargo area for such a small car. It has inherited the bold macho design from Dodge's trucks that make it stand out in its class. Despite those high points, the Caliber lets us down with mediocre performance and an interior that doesn't keep pace with competitors, even with updates for 2010.
Caliber's SE and SXT standard engine is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that yields 148 hp. It's mated to a five-speed manual transmission, though a continuously variable transmission is available. Optional on the SE and SXT models is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower. On the 2.0-litre engine, a five-speed manual transmission is standard feature, and the continuously variable transmission is available. R/T trims come with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 172 horsepower. It has a standard five-speed manual transmission and an available continuously variable transmission. Gas mileage for the Caliber ranges from 19/26 mpg city/highway to 25/30 mpg city/highway. That means you can go a long way with its 13.6 gallons fuel tank.
The steering is well balanced too, and the ride has been fine-tuned from the American model for the EU roads and driver tastes. Push it hard into a corner and there's surprisingly little body rolling. The gear change is a bit sticky. If you're looking for a zippy, fun-to-drive hatchback, look somewhere else because it covers the quarter-mile in "just" 18.1 seconds. The standard version comes with 17 inch aluminum wheels and P215/60R17 all-season touring BSW tires.
As safety concerns, the Caliber earns a score of "Good," the highest possible, for front-end crash tests. However, in side-impact tests, it only earns a "Marginal" score, which is the second lowest score.
Electronic stability control (ESC) is available on Caliber SXT and R/T models. The Caliber has disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. Anti-lock brakes are not available, which is a big negative side for safety. Advanced multi-stage airbags are standard for all trims, as are supplemental side-curtain airbags in the front and rear.
It may not be a luxury limousine, but they have made the interior a nice place to be, and features like a cooler in the glovebox and Dodge's optional uConnect system make the Dodge Caliber a decent choice for interior features. However, there are others in the class that offer higher quality materials and more comfort. Driver convenience group, MusicGate sound system, heated front seats, cruise control, 6CD changer. The cargo space is another advantage. With the back seats folded flat, there is 1,360 litres of space, which is close to 120-litres more than a five-door Ford Focus.
In conclusion the Dodge Caliber tries to be the quintessential hot hatch, but underpowered engines, sloppy handing and subpar interior materials holds him back in reaching higher scores.