All new for 2007: Dodge Caliber

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Summary

The 2007 Dodge Caliber is an all-new compact four-door hatchback. Highlights include a versatile interior design, fuel-efficient engine choices and truck-influenced styling. The Dodge Caliber is pretty easy to identify thanks to its distinctive styling cues. In just about every regard, the 2007 Dodge Caliber is better than the now departed Neon. And for most of the things compact hatchbacks are expected to do, the Caliber suffices well enough. The 2007 Caliber is certainly interesting, and definitely worth a look.

Full Review 2007

The Dodge Caliber five-seat four-door hatchback replaces the Dodge Neon compact sedan. The Caliber fits in a class among the Ford Focus ZX5, Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Impreza wagon and Toyota Matrix. In North America it comes in SE, SXT, R/T and SRT4 trim levels. The Caliber is the debut model for a new platform developed with Mitsubishi.

Exterior

The Caliber is clearly a Dodge, thanks to the crosshair grille. Higher Caliber trim levels have very large wheels for a car of this size and class: Fifteen-inch steel wheels with wheel covers are standard on the SE, but the SXT jumps to 17-inch aluminum wheels, and the R/T's are 18 inches. The model line starts with manual side mirrors, black door handles and a body-colored grille. The SXT steps up to power side mirrors and a chrome grille. The engines used in the Caliber are built in Dundee, Mich.

The EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy for each is 28/32 mpg, 26/30 mpg and 23/26 mpg, respectively.

Currently the SE and SXT trim levels come with the 1.8-liter and five-speed-manual transmission. The 2.0-liter and continuously variable automatic transmission are optional. Front-wheel drive is the only choice at these levels. An R/T with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive is promised for September 2006.
(The Caliber's AutoStick only downshifts automatically when in Drive.)

Anyone who's concerned about visibility or overall fit might want to consider the SXT trim level or higher, because the SE doesn't have a driver's seat height adjustment. Shorter drivers will appreciate the center armrest, which slides forward. The SE and SXT have basic cloth upholstery. I found the Caliber's interior comfortable and workable. Now compacts and significantly smaller subcompact cars are remarkably roomy. The front passenger seat also folds forward in all but the SE trim level. The Caliber's cargo area and towing capacity are on par with its competitors:

Features 

Nifty features include illuminated cupholder rings and the MP3-player/cell phone holster in the armrest. The feature is shared with the Jeep Compass. /p>

I'm confident that the Caliber delivers on both fronts.

It is a five-passenger, five-door hatchback, with a choice of four-cylinder engines and a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.  The Caliber fits in a class among the Ford Focus ZX5, Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Impreza wagon and Toyota Matrix.  This Dodge comes in SE, SXT and R/T trim levels.

Engine and Powertrain

TThe 2007 Dodge Caliber offers a choice of three four-cylinder engines, a 1.8-liter rated at 148 horsepower, a 158-hp 2.0-liter, and a 165-hp 2.4-liter. The engines are very modern, with all aluminum with variable valve timing and flow-control valves in the air intake that help ensure complete, clean combustion at all engine speeds. The ratings are: 125 pounds-feet at 5,200 rpm, 141 pounds-feet at 5,000 rpm and 165 pounds-feet at 4,400 rpm for the small, medium and large engines, respectively.   Disc/drum brakes are standard; four-wheel discs and antilock brakes with brake assist are optional in some cases.

Trim

The SE comes with the 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission. The 2.0-liter engine is optional, and both engines are available with the CVT automatic. The SE comes with cloth seats; tilt steering column; an AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers and an auxiliary input jack; a cell phone/MP3 player holder built into the front center sliding armrest; 60/40-split, folding rear seat; removable and washable vinyl cargo mat; and all-season, P205/70R15 tires on hubcapped, steel wheels. The SE comes with manual roll-up windows and manual outside mirrors.  

The SXT also comes standard with the 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual, with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT optional, but the list of standard features expands dramatically. SXT options include the Leather Interior Group, which gets leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and a manual lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat. Seat heaters can be ordered for the cloth seats.  The R/T comes standard with the 2.4-liter engine, the CVT, and all-wheel drive. Standard features include the SXT features, the Sport Appearance Interior Group, cruise control, leather-clad steering wheel with audio controls, cargo cover, a sport suspension with performance steering and P215/55R18 all-season performance tires on aluminum wheels.

Interior

The Caliber has room for five passengers. The front seats in the 2007 Dodge Caliber are comfortable, with decently bolstered back cushions. Front-seat headroom is impressive.  The cargo floor is plastic and easy to clean.  

The Caliber is clearly a Dodge, thanks to the crosshair grille and the signature red paint that seems to adorn all Dodge models upon their introduction. The trademark crosshair grille dominates the front end.  The 2007 Dodge Caliber's exterior is certainly innovative, yet somehow carries a retro feel at the same time.  The Caliber has very large wheels for a car of its size and class: Fifteen-inch steel wheels with wheel covers are standard on the SE, but the SXT jumps to 17-inch aluminum wheels, and the R/T's are 18 inches. Full-round door handles, either chrome-trimmed or body color, bridge scooped-out grip spaces.  The side view of the Dodge Caliber shows strongly blistered fenders front and rear beneath a wedge-shaped beltline.  Safety/p>

 In addition to the required airbags, the Caliber has standard side curtain-type airbags and a driver's knee airbag designed to keep the driver positioned properly for the primary restraints.

Conclusions 

The 2007 Dodge Caliber's arrival, slated for this spring, doesn't include parades and fireworks. Unlike Chrysler's PT Cruiser's debut, the Caliber is entering a segment that already has many established players. That the Caliber is competitive is testament to its quality and features.

Dodge has all the basics right, and the Caliber is a solid car for the average buyer. But our initial impressions were dampened by the lack of driving excitement. If the Caliber were a Buick, this feeling would be a nonissue. But this is Dodge we're talking about, home of the Viper and the Charger SRT-8. Caranddriver.com praises its a spacious back seat and trunk."The Caliber is unconventional, but risk has paid off recently in both Chrysler and Dodge camps. And it's hard to argue with the price." adds Road and Track Performance-oriented hatchback buyers will likely want to wait at least until the five-speed manual R/T becomes available, and preferably for the SRT version.