Hey Guys,

I'm just wondering what you guys thought of the new Dodge Caliber?



and story here...http://aftermarket.autoblog.com/2006...pecs-and-pics/

should be an interesting competitor and definately has a couple features I'd like(the drink cooler, iPod holder, and the liftgate speakers)

-wC

 

Ugly and gimmicky.

 

the windows look almost like a vibe

 

I kinda like it. Helluva replacement for the Neon.

 

the rear hatch looks very similar to another car



-wC

 

Does it have a Hemi?

 

Lol! NO! There is supposed to be a turbo version though.

 

I think they should call it the Dodge "StinkBug."

 

Yeah the Version with the SRT-4 Neon motor(ugh) or a TurboDiesel version.

 

Well I'm in a bit of a quandry to tell you the truth.First I had my heart set on a PT cruiser that was about 4 years ago.Then I saw the HHR come out and thought that was better than a PT, (more cargo, better mileage, same retro look. Then the caliber just came out.Decisions decisions!! :-o, anyway I have driven all 4 including the Vibe, heres my observations so far;

The Vibe gets great mileage, it should 126hp and 118 hp for the awd, get up and go fair, fair cargo room less than the HHR and roughly the same as the PT and Caliber.

The HHR has a ton of rear cargo, 172 Hp, 4 sp auto, looks good, but priced hi (compared to Caliber actually all three are higher than caliber with similar options PLUS you get AWD in the caliber.

The Caliber is smaller cargo wise, 172 HP, CVT, compare to driving snowmobile or other CVT all-terrain, or Nissan Murano, and Ford Escape (I think), this is not bad, but could get a bit of getting used to.The caliber I tested was an SXT, 2.0 L, 158hp, cvt,around town the passenger wouldn't feel the difference between auto and CVT. The highway, different story. mash the throttle, pegs @6200 and stays there till you either reach maximum velocity or let off on the gas........no shift, you have to be wondering when the hell IS this thing going to shift??? Its not, a rush in a different way.!!!!
Very nicely appointed at around $17K ca.

Now the RT is a bit different. it comes standard with AWD, CVT but with a slap shift feature tha supposed to fool a person that it is a 6 speed, Boston accoustics 9 speaker, all the power options, no sunroof, security package ,convienience package (tire pressure compass, day night mirror) not leather $25K ca, same as a 2LT, but you get awd with the caliber. The RT is coming out with a fwd later this year, and probably about $23K ca.Also later an SRT4 edition 300 hp, fwd rumours with a manual.......

I like the HHR cargo room and looks, I don't like the price,

I like the caliber price and options, just low on cargo space........

This point I dunno.........