An Affordable Hatchback for 2009 - The Dodge Caliber

The 2009 Caliber is a compact hatchback from Dodge and is one of the most affordable options in the market segment. The Dodge Caliber debuted several years ago as a replacement for the aging Neon lineup. The downsides to the Caliber include engine noise, poor acceleration and modest fuel economy.  The 2009 model has a starting MSRP of $16,460 - $24,840.  This price point, along with some nifty convenience features, unique look, and numerous safety enhancements are the Caliber?s high points.  For 2009, the Caliber remains largely unchanged from previous  model years, with the exception of losing its all-wheel drive option. Newly available for 2009 is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell-phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing pictures and digital music files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information.

Drive and Handling for 2009

Steering is nicely weighted but somewhat dull in road feel. SRT4 is the best handling model. The Caliber is considered underpowered in almost every trim -- save the new SRT4 model.  Furthermore, the car's performance is surprisingly truck like for such a small vehicle.  Driving and handling dynamics for SE, SXT and R/T models are mostly consistent, about on a par with the Vibe and the Matrix but not quite in the same league as the more tautly sprung Mazda3.  Under hard acceleration, front-drive models show some torque steer, where the front-wheel drive tugs at the steering wheel.

Dodge Caliber Style

Unlike many of the class leaders, Dodge only offers the Caliber in a five-door hatchback trim.  The 2009 Dodge Caliber?s macho stance gives off an aggressive feel.   The Caliber is without a doubt a Dodge, thanks to the crosshair grille. The Caliber has very large wheels for a car of its size and class. A black rail that runs from the base of the A-pillars and along the roofline to the taillights tricks the eye into seeing a lower, sleeker shape. Overall length is 173.8 inches and width is 68.8 inches. That's slightly narrower than its competitors, but the Caliber is the longest of the four by a couple of inches.

Inside the Caliber

The front seats of the Dodge Caliber offer considerable leg and headroom for the driver and front-seat passenger. The front seats are comfortable, though they lack the support offered by other models in the Caliber's class. In addition, the center console is a nice touch, with considerable storage space. Visibility is a problem, with thick B and C pillars blocking the view for the driver. The 2009 Dodge Caliber interior is undeniably a part of the budget class -- but the hatch's cargo room is a big plus. Hard plastic dominates the interior with no padded surfaces at all. The cargo floor is plastic, similar to that of the Matrix and Vibe, to ease cleaning. The SRT4 has a separate turbo boost gauge, sport seats with deeper bolstering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a short-throw gearshift lever.  Interior volume comes in at 95.2 cubic feet. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 18.5 cubic feet, but with the standard 60/40-split folding seats down it expands to 48 cubic feet.   Available features include a fold-flat front passenger seat, ventilated glovebox, and removable cargo light/flashlight.  

Powering the Caliber

The Caliber packs either a 1.8-, 2.0- or 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28/32 mpg city/highway, 26/30 mpg and 23/26 mpg, respectively.   The SE is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 148-horsepower engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The SRT4 is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 285-horsepower, turbo engine.  A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The Caliber is available with a manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. The SRT4 can only be had with a high-performance manual.

Lineup for 2009

The 2008 Dodge Caliber offers a choice of four models.  The SE ($13,925) comes standard with cloth seats; tilt steering column; an AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers and an auxiliary input jack; a 60/40-split, folding rear seat; removable and washable vinyl cargo mat; and P205/70R15 tires on hubcapped, steel wheels.  The SE comes with manual roll-up windows and manual outside mirrors. Options for the SE are as extensive as the standard equipment is basic.

The SXT ($16,620) comes with the features in the SE Popular Equipment Group, air conditioning with the interior air filter and Chill Zone; a tachometer; YES Essentials cloth upholstery that Dodge says is odor, stain and static resistant; Sirius satellite radio; 115-volt, AC power outlet; a flashlight-like removable lamp that stows and charges in a receptacle in the rear headliner; height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat; a reclining 60/40 split rear seat; and all-season P215/60R17 touring tires on aluminum wheels.

The R/T ($18,395) comes standard with the SXT features, plus the Sport Appearance Group, the Premium Sound Group with MusicGate Pow.  SXT options include seat heaters for the cloth seats ($250); sunroof ($795); the Driver Convenience Group ($760) with Dodge's UConnect hands-free cell phone link, HomeLink universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information center and a tire pressure monitor; the Popular Equipment Group ($200) with fog lights, body side molding, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls; a navigation system with six-disc CD changer ($1395); and the Premium Sound Group ($495) Boston Acoustics sound system with nine speakers, including two articulating liftgate speakers called MusicGate Power.

Safety for the Caliber

The 2009 Caliber has received several safety enhancements, including dual-front airbags, available side curtain airbags, an antiskid system, traction control and available antilock brakes, as well. A tire pressure monitor is standard, as is a driver's knee airbag to protect that area during front impacts. The theft deterrent system is also standard. The vehicle's weight is also due to rigid construction, which helps the vehicle withstand impacts quite well in most cases.

Summary

Combining price with the number of available options makes the Caliber a good choice for those in need of an affordable car - that is if performance is not a big priority. The Caliber also makes an adequate car for first-time drivers. For another view of the Caliber read Edmunds.com's article.  Unfortunately for the Caliber, the interior is lackluster and could really be improved. Caliber comes in SE, SXT, R/T, and high-performance SRT4 trim levels. All use a 4-cylinder engine and come with front-wheel drive.  For user ratings and pricing info click here.