Introduction

Dodge, a division of Daimler Chrysler, produced the Dodge caliber as a compact car. It was made available in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model year car.

The Dodge Caliber is a five door hatchback which is 60.4 inches in height, 68.8 inches in width and 173.8 inches in length. Wheelbase measures at 103.7 inches and the car's curb weight is at 3,052 lbs.

Styling elements of the Dodge Caliber borrows a lot from large Dodge Vehicles such as the car's crosshair grille and large, flaring fenders.

The Dodge Caliber is the second DaimlerChrysler model to offer a continuously variable transmission, which is dubbed the CVT2 by Dodge sourced from Jatco which is a Nissan subsidiary. The first to offer the technology was the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Power And Performance

It is mainly powered by a 1.8 to 2.4 L GEMA gasoline engine. Transmission for the car is by either a 5-speed manual, 6 speed manual or the JATCO CVT2 CVT transmission. There is also an optional electronically controlled all-wheel drive system with variable torque at speeds of 25 to 65 mph for optimal handling when driving.

The Dodge Caliber uses the GS platform which was co-designed with Mistubishi Motors. The platform is also used by the Mitsubishi Lancer, however, the Caliber is more similar to the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Patriot.

Trim Levels

There are four models available for the Dodge Caliber. The SE Model is the base model of the Dodge Caliber. It features a front wheel drive system using a 1.8L 148 hp GEMA I4 engine driving through a Magna Drivetrain T355 5-Speed manual transmission. There is also an available option for a 2.0L 158hp version of the GEMA engine attached to a CVT2 transmission.

There is no air conditioning, power windows, door locks or mirrors available with the standard configuration of the SE. Unlike the other models, the grille surround for the SE is body colored. There is also no tachometer and assist handles. The standard wheels were 15” wheels with wheel covers.

The SXT version, on the other hand, offered more features than the SE, though the engine and transmission choices remained the same. The SXT had standard air-conditioning equipment, a Chill Zone beverage cooler, power windows, locks, mirrors and remote keyless entry, and the driver's seat had height adjustment, the passenger folds flat for load carrying and the rear seat could be reclined. The grille surround for the SXT was chrome and 17 inch wheels were standard with aluminum wheels as an option. The cargo light also doubled as a removeable, rechargeable flashlight, the front dome light also incorporated reading lamps and the front console included a 115 volt, 2 prong outlet.

The R/T model uses a 172 hp 2.4L version of the GEMA engine, using the CVT2 transmission and programmed with an “AutoStick” feature which gave six simulated fixed ratios in clutchless manual mode, adding to the standard CVT “Drive” mode. The wheels were 18 inches for the standard model with chromed wheels available as an option. At the start, only the all-wheel drive, CVT2 was available. However, a front wheel variant with the T355 5-speed manual transmission soon followed.

There is also the SXT Sport model which is also listed as the SXT “E” package. It had identical features with the SXT. It's features were the 17-inch aluminum wheels, color-keyed cloth seat inserts, color-matched instrument panel trim and fog lamps.

The R/T is externally different by its body-color or chrome door handles which were black on other models, a chrome side molding, chromed exhaust tip and front fog lights as well as R/T badging.

The R/T also came with a standard, color-keyed fabric seat inserts, optional leather seats like the SXT, standard color-keyed instrument panel trim, leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and speed control and a cargo area cover.

Conclusion

The Dodge Caliber has a base price that starts at an easy 13,985USD.Man consider the car to be an affordable performance car. That is because, along with that price is a car that looks great, drives great and carries one of the better badges around, the Dodge car brand.