Caliber Cheaper Than Neon

6508 Views 24 Replies 13 Participants Last post by powerman_dsr, Feb 8, 2006

JayC

Discussion Starter · Jan 12, 2006

We mentioned this fact in our recounting of the 2007 Dodge Caliber debut at the Detroit Auto Show, but felt that it was significant enough not to be glossed over. The new Caliber will go on sale in the U.S. with a base MSRP of $13,985, which includes a $560 destination charge. The Neon is still listed on Dodge’s website with a base MSRP of $14,395, which is a difference of $410 that favors the all-new Caliber.

Without knowing all the specs on the Caliber, we can’t compare the two models to see exactly how much more or less you’re getting for the money. We do know that the Caliber’s 1.8L four-cylinder World Engine that produces 148 hp handily outperforms the Neon’s base 2.0L four-cylinder that makes 132 hp. Of course, we’d venture to guess the Neon weighs a lot less, too.
It was assumed the Caliber would carry a price that matched its size, which anyone can see is larger than the Neon and today’s current crop of small cars. Instead of growing itself out of the segment, this Neon-replacement has managed to price itself back in, which gives Dodge a very compelling buy in the sub-$15,000 market.

The real question is with the Caliber going for so cheap, does Dodge need an even less expensive model in its lineup to take on the likes of the Chevy Aveo, Kia Rio and Scion xA? Subcompact cars are notoriously difficult to make a good business case for in North America and Ford seems to be doing fine here without one, so we doubt Chrysler will be pumping out Akinos any time soon.

Source: Autoblog

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1 - 20 of 25 Posts

Germaneon

· #2 · Jan 12, 2006

I think DCX is doing a new strategy. Offer the vehicles for a really good MSRP, include some nice stuff but avoid these crazy rebates.
I think this way will work. Since mad rebates make your products look trashy give no rebates and sell with aggressive MSRP.

Xtreme Thunder

· #3 · Jan 12, 2006

Germaneon said:
I think DCX is doing a new strategy. Offer the vehicles for a really good MSRP, include some nice stuff but avoid these crazy rebates.
I think this way will work. Since mad rebates make your products look trashy give no rebates and sell with aggressive MSRP.

I think they are going to sell pretty well, and like you said, even without the rebates. I think they are leaning towards a volume seller this time to make up for the 1-2,000 rebates.

SolaraGuy

· #4 · Jan 13, 2006

The Caliber is starting at $15,995 in Canada and the the Neon lists at $15,770 - still a bargain, i'd say

oohsoobad2

· #5 · Jan 13, 2006

I think thats great news. Even the base Calibers I have driven are better than the Neons.

suzq044

· #6 · Jan 14, 2006

cool.. where r u driving em? lol

Diallu

· #7 · Jan 14, 2006

I want an srt but I'm going to go with an r/t. Hehh good news I really didn't want a 1.8/2.0 litter engine.

sr4tuner

· #8 · Jan 21, 2006

i dont dcare if it's cheaper aslong as it's faster

well actually i do

Germaneon

· #9 · Jan 22, 2006

sr4tuner said:
i dont dcare if it's cheaper aslong as it's faster

Although the 1.8 base Caliber has more power than the base Neon I don´t think it can outperform the Neon. Since Caliber is heavier than Neon and has the worse drag-coefficient.

Xtreme Thunder

· #10 · Jan 22, 2006

Germaneon said:
Although the 1.8 base Caliber has more power than the base Neon I don´t think it can outperform the Neon. Since Caliber is heavier than Neon and has the worse drag-coefficient.

I don't know the Caliber may be more efficient in the way it handles the power too. I don't know how the CVT will perform, but it may be better than the 5 spd or the 4 spd auto.

suzq044

· #11 · Jan 23, 2006

3

easier to put it as.. "its just one big gear, instead of 3-7" <- 7spd auto is in some new car that came out..

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Germaneon

· #12 · Jan 23, 2006

Xtreme Thunder said:
I don't know the Caliber may be more efficient in the way it handles the power too. I don't know how the CVT will perform, but it may be better than the 5 spd or the 4 spd auto.

Than the Nissan Murano with CVT must be a rocket.

Xtreme Thunder

· #13 · Jan 23, 2006

Germaneon said:
Than the Nissan Murano with CVT must be a rocket.

Well, true I guess. I gues you will have to like it if you get the CVT

I personally never driven or driven in a CVT car so I will have to wait for test drive for me to make a real informed observation. I just want to see it at my local dealer ASAP!

Germaneon

· #14 · Jan 24, 2006

Xtreme Thunder said:
I just want to see it at my local dealer ASAP!

Me too. Unfortunately in Germany we have to wait until June 10. This is the day the Caliber arrives at the dealerships.

Xtreme Thunder

· #15 · Jan 24, 2006

Germaneon said:
Me too. Unfortunately in Germany we have to wait until June 10. This is the day the Caliber arrives at the dealerships.

Man, I don't think that I could wait that long, isn't NA supposed to receive them in April-ish time frame?

Fin-Caliber

· #16 · Jan 25, 2006

Germaneon said:
Me too. Unfortunately in Germany we have to wait until June 10. This is the day the Caliber arrives at the dealerships.

In Finland we have same situation. We have to wait also June.

I just can't wait my test drive.

Xtreme Thunder

· #17 · Jan 25, 2006

Fin-Caliber said:
In Finland we have same situation. We have to wait also June. I just can't wait my test drive.

Yeah I am getting really impatient to sit and get my hands on one of these

Ramsport47

· #18 · Jan 27, 2006

I have a 2005 Neon with the SRT desing package...I love it...peole shy away because they think it's an actual SRT4...I am anxiously awaiting Caliber...I'm thinking it will be the replacement for the beloved Neon...I've priced mine out already...SXT and I have to get the 1.8L because I want a 5 speed manual...should be a blast to drive

Xtreme Thunder

· #19 · Jan 27, 2006

Ramsport47 said:
I have a 2005 Neon with the SRT desing package...I love it...peole shy away because they think it's an actual SRT4...I am anxiously awaiting Caliber...I'm thinking it will be the replacement for the beloved Neon...I've priced mine out already...SXT and I have to get the 1.8L because I want a 5 speed manual...should be a blast to drive

Yeah it may be the replacement to my Neon as well. As much as I don't want it to, but the Neon my be sold to my younger brother when the time comes. So it will still be in the family and he better take care of it just like I have! If not I will get >>>

lol

suzq044

· #20 · Jan 27, 2006

lol.. the SRT-design ones are.. aside from the bottom grille, completely unlike SRT-4s ..

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