2008 Dodge Caliber

As the successor to the Dodge Neon SRT4, the Caliber SRT4 has a tradition to uphold: being the fastest, meanest, front-wheel-drive sport compact car in all the land. With 285 turbocharged horsepower, it's definitely a front-runner in acceleration, but Dodge will have to expand the Caliber's talents a bit more if it wants to earn top billing.

My impression of the Caliber started with my almost stalling it right out of the gate, thanks to a clutch pedal that's too quick and too stiffly sprung. The shifter is also stiff and clunky (and physically, a pain in the palm), and I found the steering artificial. Yes, the power is breathtaking, but there's too much of it for the front tires to handle, which has you either zig-zagging down the road or sliding wide of your intended turn altogether. The engine isn't exactly melodious, either.

Father Neon would not be pleased.