Reviewed for Times Union’s Autos Weekly
by Dan Lyons

A simple measure of progress is to compare where you are, to where you were. Using that yardstick, Dodge has come a looong way since its last compact. The previous model in this class was the Neon. It was simple and straightforward, and the hot rod version (the late, great SRT4) was a pint-sized, performance bargain. But, compared to the new Caliber, Neon looks black and white. Caliber not only replaces Neon as Chrysler Corporation’s resident compact , it also takes on the world. In addition to appearing in the good ‘ol US of A, Caliber will spearhead Dodge’s plan for global expansion, with gas and diesel engines, left and right hand drive.

But, that’s there and this is here. And stateside, Caliber will be offered in three versions. The entry level model of Dodge’s, uh, entry level model is the SE. The front wheel drive SE has an MSRP of $13,985, including destination. Next up is the SXT, with a $15,985 starting sticker price. SXT is front wheel drive as well, but the top level Caliber – the $19,985 R/T – is all-wheel drive . A front drive R/T will join the lineup later in the model year, and later still, a 300 horsepower, tire-smoking SRT 4 version.

Three models, three motors. SE and SXT Calibers get the standard 1.8 litre, inline four cylinder. It makes 148 hp, 125 lb. ft. of torque, and hooked to a five speed manual transmission, it gets an EPA estimated 28 mpg’s city/32 highway. The step-up engine for either model is a 2.0 litre four. Rated at 158 hp and 141 lb. ft. of torque, it is coupled to Chrysler’s CVT2, a Continuously Variable Transmission. EPA says that the 2.0/CVT combo will return 26/30. Finally, the R/T rolls with Chrysler’s 2.4 litre four cylinder. The top motor is rated at 172 horsepower, 165 lb. ft. of torque, and is linked to the CVT. Mileage is estimated at 23/26.

Dodge obviously took a whole new approach to their new compact, starting from the outside in. Caliber’s face shows a strong family resemblance. The crosshair grille and the convergence of fender and hood lines look like big brother Magnum. Side on, Caliber has a curving, coupe-like roofline. A black plastic appliqué traces the roofline from the steeply raked windshield over the top, to the tip of the taillight. The rear view is part wagon, part hatchback, and again, part Magnum, as the corners come together. It’s a sport tourer in ¾ scale: different, interesting and functional.

All hatchbacks or wagons hang their hats on versatility, and Caliber fills that bill nicely. But, Caliber’s interior scores points for flexibility and unique features. Let’s do the fun stuff first. Any Caliber with air conditioning gets a chill zone; a cooled shelf at the top of the glove box that’s slotted to hold four 20 oz. bottles or cans. Cool, indeed. The center console has a storage bin, the cover of which can slide three inches to make a custom arm rest. Within that top is a flip-up holster, sized to hold an MP3 player or cell phone. Front cup holder rings are lit so you don’t deposit the contents of your water bottle on the floor (or your passengers) during night driving. If you spring for the optional Boston Acoustics sound system ($495), two of the nine speakers are mounted on the lift gate. Open the gate, and you can swing the speakers down to project outwards for tailgating. Lastly, there’s an optional light in the headliner above the cargo area that doubles as a removable, self-rechargeable flashlight. Little things, one by one, but together, a collection of interesting options for buyers to choose from.

On the function side, Caliber has a clean, three ring dash display. Controls are within easy reach and straight forward in design. Mid and top level models can opt for two toning on seats and center dash to liven up the cabin colors. Interior fit and finishing are generally good. Only the vents look entry level. All sound systems but the base unit have an MP3 player, and even the standard system has an auxiliary audio input jack for an iPod. Boston Acoustics makes some serious stereo equipment, and their nine speaker, “MusicGate” provides, you should pardon the expression, high caliber sound. I’m six foot one and I fit fine in front on Caliber; with just a slight accommodation in front leg room, six footers will also fit (snugly) behind me. Rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat on all models. They also recline on mid and up level versions, and the front passenger seat folds forward to double as an impromptu desk. Cargo volume ranges from 18 cubic feet to 48 cubic feet, depending on how many seats you fold. There’s enough room in back for a pair of mountain bikes, with wheels removed, or eight feet worth of ladder or long board, if you’re traveling sans front passenger.

Caliber has a solid feel going down the road. It handles well and steering is nicely weighted. Road and engine noise is noticeable at speed but not bothersome. I sampled all three models and drivetrains, but spent most of my time in the mid-level SXT, where Dodge estimates 60% of their buyers will end up. The base SE with five speed stick is good basic transportation for the buck. Engine and stick are well suited to each other and while passing takes planning (as with most small powertrains), the pairing felt fine together and returns a combined estimate of 30 mpg’s. The top level R/T has 24 more horses under foot and 40 more lb. ft. of torque. Not surprisingly, it feels a lot more lively than the base model, which is after all $6,000 less expensive. The R/T packs a high level of content and all wheel drive together for under $20,000. That’s a nice buy, and in areas like the Capital District where we value all wheel drive, I think that the ratio of R/T’s will be higher than Dodge’s estimate of 20%.

Caliber’s base price of $13,985 is $410 less than the model it replaces, the Dodge Neon. About the only thing they share in common is the entry level slot in the lineup. The Caliber is fun, useful and a noticeable notch up in refinement. Dodge is targeting 20-something, first-time, new car buyers and also 40-something parents buying cars for their children. I think they’ll like what they see.

2007 Dodge Caliber
MSRP: SE $13,985
SXT $15,985
R/T $19,985

Drivetrain
Engine: 1.8 litre I-4 2.0 litre I-4 2.4 litre V-6
Horsepower: 148 @ 6,500 rpm 158 hp @ 6,800 rpm 172 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 125 lb. ft. @ 5,200rpm 141 lb. Ft. @ 5,000 rpm165 lb. ft. @ 4,400 rpm

Weights and Measures
Wheelbase: 103.7"
Length: 173.8”
Width: 68.8”
Height: 60.4”
Weight: 2,966-3,308 lb.

Interior
Head Room: 40.0” f/38.9” r Leg Room: 41.8” f/35.6” r
Cargo volume: 18.5-48.0 cubic feet

Chassis
Suspension: Independent front and rear
Brakes: Front disc/rear drum, optional ABS (std. with CVT)

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