2007 Dodge Caliber

What's new for the 2007 Dodge Caliber: All-new model.

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.