Dodge Caliber?

I'm thinking of actually getting one!!!

At least a test drive first, but I want a manual 1.8L which won't be
available 'till the summer


Anyone given thought to this car... It is NOT really all that fuel
efficient, and it's really heavy. I hope this reflects on it's crash test
results when they are published

 

Why would being not fuel efficient and heavy reflect in the crash test
results?

Matt

 

The chassis structure is one seriously heavy component... and with weight
you have a fuel efficiency penalty.

Typically, the IIHS uses vehicle weight for crash data.. IIHS prefers
something a little bit more substantial than a Geo Metro.

 

I'm curious how well the 300-hp SRT4 version performs.
Aside from being FWD, it has the makings of a hot rod.

Thanks,

Scott Moseman
http://www.TheHEMI.com/

 

Weight doesn't help you when you are crashing into a fixed barrier,
which is what I believe both the government and IIHS do for their crash
tests. Weight only helps if you are hitting something lighter than you
and moveable.

How does it use vehicle weight for crash data? I thought they actually
crashed the cars.


Matt

 

I looked at one and saw lots of them at 3 different dealerships while
shopping for a PT Cruiser.

In one place the sales people were hyper about it. Trying to make it out as
the hot "Gotta Have It" car of the year.

It has lots of neat toys for the money. Lots of gizmos. The 110 volt AC plug
in the center console and places to put toys, cellphones, etc.
The factory drop down from the tailgate ghetto blaster speakers for those
that just have to share their favorite sounds.

What tuned me off was I don't think it would haul as much stuff in one shot
as the PT Cruiser (not a fault, just my needs)
and that CVT tranny.

New technology is great but I don't want to be paying for a rebuild every
couple of years because
I bought into version 1.0 CVT in the DCX stable.

 

True, but I think the reference to weight equaling crash worthiness relates
to the fact that for any given size class of vehicle, it takes structure and
devices devoted to crash protection to produce good crash results.
Specifically, crumple zones, reinforced body elements and such add-ons as
door impact bars, stronger seat attachments, shock absorbers, extra air bags
etc. All this adds weight.

 

"Steve Stone wrote: "I looked at one and saw lots of them at 3 different
dealerships while shopping for a PT Cruiser. In one place the sales people
were hyper about it. Trying to make it out as the hot "Gotta Have It" car of
the year. It has lots of neat toys for the money. Lots of gizmos. The 110
volt AC plug in the center console and places to put toys, cellphones, etc.
The factory drop down from the tailgate ghetto blaster speakers for those
that just have to share their favorite sounds.
What tuned me off was I don't think it would haul as much stuff in one shot
as the PT Cruiser (not a fault, just my needs) and that CVT tranny.
New technology is great but I don't want to be paying for a rebuild every
couple of years because I bought into version 1.0 CVT in the DCX stable."

One reason they are being pushed so hard is there is a competition amongst
salesman across the regions dealerships for a chance to go to a test track
and drive one wide open around the track.

CVT technology is not version one but two. It has been around in other
applications for a while. I have them on variable speed equipment I operate
inside a large chemical plant. Never had a CVT mechanical failure but have
had other failures with the equipment (process side).

I don't work for DC but have do contract on my off days to a local Chrysler,
Dodge and Jeep dealer on occasions to transport vehicles. I have had the
opportunity to drive just about every model out there. My services have
also been obtained by a Ford and Chevy dealership so I get to drive a lot of
different makes and models.

When I drove the Caliber it was not the RT model but the midrange model. It
had plenty of pickup when pulling out in traffic and was not very
uncomfortable for a 6 hour drive. It handled well except when I was on a
bridge crossing a lake and the wind was blowing across the highway. The car
was pushed in the same direction as the wind was going. It was not much
worse then my Chevy 1500 when I have no weight in it. Only my Chevy 3500 or
Dodge 2500 hold the road in strong winds and that is only due to weight and
being a dolly.

Sarge

 

Hi Sarge,

The SXT automatic is the only Caliber available at the moment from what I
understand.. The manual 1.8 will be delivered in the summer, same with the
R/T.

 

: "The SXT automatic is the only Caliber available at the
moment from what I understand.. The manual 1.8 will be delivered in the
summer, same with the R/T.

The one I had the chance to drive was at the dealership the day I returned
from a delivery. It was factory reps given the sales people their training.
It was an automatic and not the RT model. I believe it was the middle model
with all the extras for show and tell. I was able to take it for about a 5
mile test run. The dealership I transport for has a few base model and only
sold one or two out of the first shipment they received. I was over there
Friday and someone bought one.

Sarge

 

Where is the Caliber made?

Am I right in thinking that for some unknown reason Chrysler did not
actually have the Caliber on display at the Detroit auto show in
January?

 

Belvedere plant

 

IT's made in Belvidere IL in the plant where they made Neons
Larry

 

Anyone test driven the Caliber yet? I've got high hopes for it. It has
a lot of youth-friendly features, and it would be perfect for a tailgate
with the flip out trunk speakers, and cooling glove box.

 

Several auto mags have tested it, with mixed reviews.

The consensus seems to be that it's a car with potential but needs
further development.

I hope the mags are wrong but suspect that again, a U.S. car has been
brought to market with too much cost cutting and not enough
engineering.

Also, Car and Driver mag complained that the units are being loaded up
enough with options so that the $13998 base price is unrealistic with
the average Caliber going for over $20K - too high a price for its
target market.

Doug

 

I read some reports about the Caliber after the Detroit Auto show and
most people were pretty positive. It apparently has a lot of potential
for customizing and has a lot of cool features. I'll be interested to
test drive one.

 

Not surprising with so much new technology.

A car brought to the home market hasn't the luxury of user testing as
the imports have.

Here in Canada the C$18,000 model was missing a few power items I want.
For C$20,000 (about US$17,000) it had all I want, including the 2.0L
engine and CV Trans.
This car (?) is on my short list, but I'm not buying anything for 3
more years.
IMO it is priced very competitively.

 

Unfortunately in today's competitive market, this is not going to be an
acceptable excuse.

 

Well, you know, for $15,000, you can't expect much.

 

Maybe yes, maybe no. For just $1300 more than that, I got quite a lot
in my 06 Sonata.


Matt