2007 Dodge Caliber -- It's All New...But Is It Better?
By now we all know that Dodge has bailed on the economy sedan market in favor of the Caliber five-door hatchback. We posted a First Drive
several weeks ago, and now we've got one in the parking garage downstairs. I actually got to drive the Caliber a few months ago as well, but it was in Aspen as part of an all-wheel drive press trip, and there was little chance to really try it out under normal (non snowy) conditions. After a trip home and back in the last 24 hours I have a better idea of what works on this car...and what needs work.
First I should point out that my wife loved the look of the Caliber R/T and couldn't believe it was a roughly $20,000 vehicle. Of course she didn't sit in it or drive it, and that's where the car falls a bit short of my expectations. For starters (and to sound like a broken record player when refering to another domestic product), the interior is just too cheap. The plastic dash tries to escape the issue with a textured surface, but it still looks and feels too cheap, even for an economy hatchback. Same goes for the door panels and center console. BTW, I'd argue that in "R/T" trim, and at $20,000-plus, the Caliber isn't really an "economy" car anymore, making the interior plastics all the more unacceptable. If the Mazda3 can come off as possessing a reasonably high-quality interior than it can be done -- and consumers will (or at least they should) expect others to match that level of interior quality.
Speaking of the Mazda3, that car's FTD factor continues to be its strong suit, and it has established a base-level that others now must chase (so far the Civic comes the closest). The Caliber uses a 2.4-liter engine that offers adequate thrust with 172 horsepower, but it's mated to a CVT that feels...well, like most CVTs -- spongy and squishy. There's no real sense of urgency when flooring this vehicle, just a high-winding groan as the engine revs to around 4,000 rpm and stalls there while the CVT adjusts its interior ratios for maximum acceleration. I know CVTs are more efficient than traditional trannies, but they are also superbly effective at quelling any sense of performance (with rare exception, such as the new Nissan Altima's). On a Dodge product wearing an "R/T" badge that is unacceptable. I know that "SRT" is the new Dodge moniker for ultimate performance, but the Charger R/T and old Neon R/T still were at least still fun to drive. This vehicle is not, and that's a travesty.
Maybe if you start with an SE or SXT, and are careful with option checking, you can create a Caliber that offers good value, but in terms of fun I already miss the Neon (and I never thought I'd say that...). Obviously the 300 horsepower SRT version will have to be fun, just based on power-to-weight alone, but it's too bad the "normal" versions of the car offer nothing for the enthusiast. There's a Forum discussion of this car for those interested.
Big mistake by Dodge. They could have released the car with more FTD after a few months.
My gripe with domestic "interior quality" is the texture they put on the plastics. It can not possibly cost much more to put a different kind of texture on the plastic. It's just a matter of one-time design and taste.
So, my BIG gripe is with American designers' taste of plastic textures. It seems like they grew up with Playskool and Fisher-Price vehicles when they were young, and were imprinted with a love for the touch of their plastic. Every time they touch that Fisher-Price-like plastic of the Dodge Caliber, they are reminded of their warm and cozy youth.
My only comment is the tiny rear-quarter porthole window makes for a real blindspot for the driver, when checking for traffic. Not smart (or good) design.
So is the 300hp version going to be awd? If not, look out!
i just bought the sxt sport and adore it. i find it considerably quieter than the matrix, definately more fun, and i have no blind spot ssues like i did with the matrix.
Nope, FWD only for the SRT-4, which is a recipe for torque steer.
I agree about the plastics - fine for a $15-18k car, not OK at $20 grand or higher.
The Caliber sounds like a car released before development was finished. Give it a few years and it might morph into something really nice.
Perhaps by then the AWD trannies can be beefed up to handle the 300+ hp the SRT-4 will produce.
I own a R/T and disagree completely. The Autostick makes up for the CVT2's lack of FTD when used, but this car isn't built to be an exclusively FTD car. This car is a utility vehicle, and DCX knows that only the people who value and need AWD will purchase the R/T. Most people interested in this car will buy an SXT, and that is what has sold already for the most part. and regarding the interior, I have yet to see a car under $20,000 with a better interior other than the Mazda3, which is clearly the leader in this catagory. I believe that the Caliber offers far more than the 3 for the money overall. If all you want in a car is FTD then buy the 3. I demand more, and the Caliber gives me all I demand. I have absolutely no regrets buying this car.
What's FTD?
Fun-to-drive
Thanks.
My question to you is are you unimpressed with the Caliber or just the Caliber R/T?
Have you drove a Caliber SXT? If so what are your thoughts on it?
Did using the Auto Stick help the performance / feel of the R/T?
I've only driven an R/T (once on snow last January and once on normal, dry roads earlier this week). I can only assume that a manual-shift car without all-wheel drive (thus lighter and with greater control over the engine) would be more fun to drive. I didn't use the autostick extensively, though I played with it a few times. Like most of these "manual-mode" autos it was good to have the increased control over the transmission, but it didn't really transform the driving experience. I think my main problem with the Caliber R/T is that it didn't feel remotely performance-oriented. Body roll wasn't terrible, but it wasn't really tight or confidence inspiring. Same for the drivetrain (not horrible, but not remotely "fun"). If this is the car Dodge wants to sell for $20,000-plus that fine. I'm sure the utility aspects will be attractive to some buyers. But I wouldn't want any performance fans to let the "R/T" badge fool them into thinking this car will get their heart pumping. And I still think the SLIGHT tradeoff in utility is more than made up for in fun-to-drive factor AND interior quality if you go with the Mazda 3 instead. Maybe I'm wrong and the market will love the Caliber, but I think Dodge could have supplied more FTD and better interior plastics for a $20,000 vehicle with an R/T badge. Remember how much the First Neon SRT4 cost? Twenty grand -- and that car had MAJOR FTD (and at least as good of interior quality...).
I went to the dealer and pressed my head against the headrests. I could feel the metal frame of the head rest/restraint against my skull.....Noticed the same thing in the back seat of the previous Neon. Not very promising design. Noticed it in the back of the new Impala as well.
Sit in any Toyota/Honda, etc and I highly doubt you will feel the frame inside the headrest.
Domestics still have work to do.
I see that this may be an old blog, but I just wanted to add my 2 cents: I bought a 2007 Caliber SXT in Feb 2007. I love it!!! It has been silent and smooth. I have had no complaints until recently. When I start my car I drive about 15 yards (or so) to my mailbox. When I get to the mailbox, I turn the a/c off, then the car. The car makes a hissing sound like it's overheating. But it's not. And it's not an overwhelming sound, it just makes a hissing noise.
Just to say it now, I have had my scheduled oil change (as it's only one b/c I just bought the car, my second is approaching soon).
When I drive for about 5-7 minutes, I have to stop at a toll plaza (on the Florida Turnpike) to get a ticket. I come to a full stop. But when I accelerate (mind you, NOT mashing on the gas pedal), I get this clinking/clanging sound, like when a vehicle does not have enough oil. That's what it sounds like. But it's only for a fraction of a second, then everything is fine.
I'm taking it to the dealership, but I'm curious if anyone else has had these same issues?
Other than the issue's I mentioned above, I love my Caliber SXT. The pick up is fast when you need it, and steady when you don't.
Knock wood I don't have any of the problems I've seen mentioned on other sites!!!???? Yet.......
Thanks,
Debbie :)