Vehicle: 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT with CVT, ABS, 9-speaker premium sound group and driver convenience package
Price as tested: CDN$20190
Performance: Caliber is powered by 3 engines. A sluggish 1.8L with 148hp and 152 lb/ft of torque in base model. A barely adequate 2.0L with 158hp and 141 lb/ft of torque in our SXT tester and somewhat adequate but still not enough 2.4L with 172hp and 165 lb/ft of torque in R/T version. All these engines are DaimlerChrysler co-developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai for its small car program. In terms of refinement and NVH, all of these engines are notches above those rough units previously resided in Neon and SX 2.0, however, they are still not there with the best from Honda and Toyota. With the base 1.8L, one better opt for 5-speed stick because CVT won’t do much for its sluggishness. This engine is simply a dog, only a stick shift only be able to squeeze the most out of its lackluster package. The 2.0L, however, gives it a more responsive feel with CVT. You would likely use Dodge’s all-new CVT until’s “L” gear because its like a sports mode in other CVTs. It encourages more aggressive shifting point. This is important for an engine that is barely adequate when more sporting feel. As for the 2.4L, its the best out of the trio due to extra ponies and torque. Unfortunately, it comes with the burden of optional AWD which still makes it feels a little better than 2.0L due to extra weight. Without using CVT, all these engines are going to be a snake when matching with those torque-converter slushmatics. The throttle response is acceptable. All of these engines’ maximum torque available above 4400 rpm also make them torqueless. One only feel its torquery enough for daily driving thanks to the CVT. Although this CVT is far from Audi Multitronic, even Nissan Xtronic’s efficiency, it has done a great enough job to move these motors. The biggest surprise of the 2.0L motor is it revs low even its adequately powered. Just revved at 2500 rpm @ 120 km/h is impressive. As far as engine quietness goes, all of them are noisy above 4000 rpm. Which means before one reached maximum torque, this engine remains in quiet zone until its torque starts to appear. The funniest thing is Caliber got torque steer when it doesn’t have any torque!! One only wish Chrysler’s SRT department will come out with an SRT-4 version sooner better than latter.
Handling: Caliber’s dynamics is surprise given its part crossover, part CUV and part hatchback. The steering is precise and track on the right path despite the lack of on-center feel. The off-center feel is equally lacking. The body rolls and understeer are acceptable given its status in life. Thankfully the chassis is stiff and solid without any flex when pushed. Our SXT’s 17″ wheels also hang on decently around corners.
Brakes: The brake pedal feels decently with good braking distance in the Caliber. However, ABS is a $600 option even on the top-of-the-line R/T model. That’s totally unacceptable in 21st century when Honda will offer standard ABS even in the $15k Fit DX hatchback.
Interior: Caliber’s interior is a huge mixbag. When it comes to versatility, its a wonderful package. It got a huge cargo space with its handy 40/60 fold down rear seats and low liftover hatch. There are more cargo space than Matrix and PT Cruiser when all seats folded down. Due to Caliber’s somewhat boxy roofline, there are plenty of head and legrooms aboard. The interior storage space is another nice touch of this Neon replacement.
But when it comes to interior materials and build quality, Caliber’s execution has left a lot to be desired. Everywhere from door panels to dashboard all covered in low-rent cheap grey plastic in our tester. Even the velour covered the seats feel very rental-car like. The best quality of the interior are knobs for HVAC. You also feel like driving on top instead of in a car in the Caliber.
Conclusion: Consider how poorly executed its Neon predecessor was, Caliber already a huge step forward in most areas. However, it still has a very long way to go before it can catch up with its competitors. One only wish SRT will be coming out with a performance version soon, or Caliber will be just remain a lame duck.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 DODGE CALIBER SXT
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Performance: 1/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 1.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 1/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 2/5
Overall rating: 2/5