Dodge Caliber?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by M.R.S., Apr 1, 2006.

  1. M.R.S.

    M.R.S. Guest

    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
     
    M.R.S., Apr 1, 2006
    #1
  2. M.R.S.

    Matt Whiting Guest

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

    Matt
     
    Matt Whiting, Apr 1, 2006
    #2
  3. M.R.S.

    M.R.S. Guest

    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.
     
    M.R.S., Apr 1, 2006
    #3
  4. 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/
     
    Scott Moseman, Apr 1, 2006
    #4
  5. M.R.S.

    Matt Whiting Guest

    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
     
    Matt Whiting, Apr 1, 2006
    #5
  6. M.R.S.

    Steve Stone Guest

    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.
     
    Steve Stone, Apr 2, 2006
    #6
  7. M.R.S.

    Dave Gower Guest

    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.
     
    Dave Gower, Apr 2, 2006
    #7
  8. M.R.S.

    Licker Guest

    "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
     
    Licker, Apr 2, 2006
    #8
  9. M.R.S.

    M.R.S. Guest

    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.
     
    M.R.S., Apr 2, 2006
    #9
  10. M.R.S.

    Licker Guest

    : "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
     
    Licker, Apr 3, 2006
    #10
  11. M.R.S.

    MoPar Man Guest

    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?
     
    MoPar Man, Apr 3, 2006
    #11
  12. M.R.S.

    Punch Guest

    Belvedere plant
     
    Punch, Apr 3, 2006
    #12
  13. M.R.S.

    jdoe Guest

    IT's made in Belvidere IL in the plant where they made Neons
    Larry
     
    jdoe, Apr 3, 2006
    #13
  14. 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.
     
    Tony Stewart Fan, Apr 4, 2006
    #14
  15. M.R.S.

    Doug Guest

    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
     
    Doug, Apr 5, 2006
    #15
  16. 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.
     
    Tony Stewart Fan, Apr 5, 2006
    #16
  17. M.R.S.

    Joshie2 Guest

    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.
     
    Joshie2, Apr 8, 2006
    #17
  18. M.R.S.

    Art Guest

    Unfortunately in today's competitive market, this is not going to be an
    acceptable excuse.
     
    Art, Apr 8, 2006
    #18
  19. M.R.S.

    Joe Guest

    Well, you know, for $15,000, you can't expect much.
     
    Joe, Apr 8, 2006
    #19
  20. M.R.S.

    Matt Whiting Guest

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


    Matt
     
    Matt Whiting, Apr 9, 2006
    #20
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