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Born from low-caliber ambitions.
Expert review
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Brian Sy on September 9, 2008 | Has driven a 2009 Dodge Caliber
Dodge's decision to replace its long-running Neon with the Caliber seemed strange at the time. After all, why trade a known entity for a no-name car wearing an unfashionable body? So far, however, the Caliber seems to be overcoming the odds, proving to be just as popular as the Neon ever was.
The Caliber's high points include a useful cargo area, a wealth of engine choices (four, one of which puts out 285 turbocharged horsepower), and the availability of all-wheel-drive. It also has a number of innovative convenience features like a chilled glovebox, a dome light that doubles as a flashlight, and a pair of liftgate-mounted speakers that can face outward (should you ever want to throw a mini-street party behind your car).
For the most part, though, the reasons for its popularity are lost on the automotive press. The Caliber is generally seen as one of the poorest-driving cars in its segment, with dull handling, a noisy cabin, and horrid-sounding engines that drone incessantly. The SRT4 version is as fast as advertised, but it's also cursed with a stiff shifter and clutch, artificial steering, and too much power for the front wheels to handle. Taking even more criticism is the Caliber's interior, which suffers from sub-par seat comfort and some of the lowest-quality materials in the business.
If you must buy a Caliber, it's probably best to get the R/T version, which at least has the 172-horsepower 2.4-liter engine (instead of the 1.8 and 2.0-liter versions), all-disc brakes, and an upgraded suspension and wheels. But really, if it's a compact hatchback you're after, try on the Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe twins, Subaru Impreza, and Chevrolet HHR first.
2009 Dodge Caliber
- Overall
- Value
- Comfort
- Performance
- Styling
- Reliability
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Anonymous on February 16, 2009
Caliber is getting a bum rap from reviewers... Most seem unhappy with the power and the CVT tranny.
I bought my Caliber for economy, and that it delivers! 28 MPG overall and you can't beat the price for what you get... I sit higher up than other cars in its class, like a mini SUV, and I love the head room. More room in back too. Biggest "little" car in its class.
The CVT tranny is smooth as silk and quiet at all speeds. No winding through the gears with jerks and lurches.
Solid as a rock, and cheaper to buy and maintain than the imports. Visibility out the back is limited... Glad I'm going forward most of the time!
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Anonymous on April 29, 2009
The CVT is nice, though getting use to the feel [or lack of therefore] of its shifts. When I first got my Caliber, I was happy. But under 30k, Ive had soo much trouble with the thing. I have the R/T and Ive had major issues with the suspension, the Fuel System, and yes my seats make some funny squeaking noises, Ive chewed threw three sets of tires [though its seen about 4 alignment racks]. The engine is extremely loud for its age [keep being told that its "normal" wear...ha! For being not even 2 years old its seen the shop more times than it should. Though it is certainly apealing... under $20k, its spacious, and fuel efficient, but this isn't something Id expect from Chrysler... :(
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Tom Fann on July 18, 2009
Don't trust this so-called "expert review" because it does not apply to the 2009 Caliber. The all-wheel-drive was dropped for the 2009 model year, and the engine has been made much quieter. This "expert" obviously has not driven a 2009 Caliber. I have owned one for over 6 months. It's very quiet. It handles very well and is a great deal of fun to drive, due to both the wonderful handling and the powerful and smooth 2.0L engine/CVT combination. I recently spent hours driving on a long trip; the seat remained comfortable the entire trip. And I really don't understand the complaint about low-quality materials in the interior. That simply isn't true. There is no thin vinyl on flimsy hardboard, like I have seen in other cars. To anyone interested in an inexpensive, all-purpose car, one that's versatile, fun-to-drive, and gets 27+ mpg, you owe it to yourself to look at a Dodge Caliber, and judge for yourself. My wife and I love ours!
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