[DETROITcaliber]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, with my sudden interest in Dodge's 2007 Caliber. I'm 17 and not much of a car freak. I'm in search of something with good mileage, affordable, great sound system, something that could fit my huge hockey bag, and something that would turn heads. I found it. The Dodge Caliber.

Excuse me while I barrade you guys with questions and my stupidity.
I went through some threads and tried to figure some things out, but I'm still stumped. Maybe some other posters can help me out here, seems like a nice Caliber community.





General Question:
Ok, I'm interested in the SE because it's the cheapest, but the SXT if possible. The only reason why I like the SXT because of the more horsepower, and A/C standard. I like the Steel Blue and Pastel Slate Grey Cloth interior for either. I'm in look for upgrading both to a MagicGate Power Sound System. Which one is a better deal?

A/C Question: Options on the SE for A/C are "Heater" "Air conditioning Bypass" and "A/C with Chill Zone". I just want standard A/C, so the only option is with the Chill Zone, even if I don't want Chill Zone?

Engine Question:
Does "Continuously variable transaxle II" mean "Automatic"?

Radio Question:
I was wondering if didn't buy the regular Radio, you don't get the iPod jack?The only reason why I want the 2nd upgrade (the one without the cassette but with 6-CD) is because it says RDS on it. RDS stands for Radio Data System which tells you which song is playing on the radio. Does this work on regular radio or just satellite? I have an iPod which I use frequently and a radio transmitter, but I do not like the transmitter because it drains the battery and has somewhat good quality. I don't need 6-CD in dash. I just want the better display and RDS. Which one should I chose?


More to come if I think of any..

 

[Amandyke]

General Question:
Ok, I'm interested in the SE because it's the cheapest, but the SXT if possible. The only reason why I like the SXT because of the more horsepower, and A/C standard. I like the Steel Blue and Pastel Slate Grey Cloth interior for either. I'm in look for upgrading both to a MagicGate Power Sound System. Which one is a better deal?

SE with the 1.8 would probobly get better power to weight ratio than the 2.0 on the SXT. (with a manual transmission, no options etc etc). Basically the only difference is the trim level. SXT will come with more of the goodies than the SE. Floor mats, larger rims, the bigger engine option etc. So really the question is if you want those options as well, then go with the SXT over the SE. But if the only thing you really want added is A/C and the music gate, stick with the SE.

A/C Question: Options on the SE for A/C are "Heater" "Air conditioning Bypass" and "A/C with Chill Zone". I just want standard A/C, so the only option is with the Chill Zone, even if I don't want Chill Zone?

I believe it is an option when you go in to order the car to have the A/C without the chillzone. If not though, it doesn't really matter. All it is is an air conduit that goes to the insulated portion of the glove box.

Engine Question:
Does "Continuously variable transaxle II" mean "Automatic"?

Yes and No. The CVT is completely different than a regular (gears and sprockets) transmission. It runs off of 2 cylinders with a steel belt between. But if all you're asking is if it performs like an automatic, then yes it does.

Radio Question:
I was wondering if didn't buy the regular Radio, you don't get the iPod jack?The only reason why I want the 2nd upgrade (the one without the cassette but with 6-CD) is because it says RDS on it. RDS stands for Radio Data System which tells you which song is playing on the radio. Does this work on regular radio or just satellite? I have an iPod which I use frequently and a radio transmitter, but I do not like the transmitter because it drains the battery and has somewhat good quality. I don't need 6-CD in dash. I just want the better display and RDS. Which one should I chose?

The RDS does work on broadcast stations so long as they use the system on their end. It is my understanding that DCX is working on an iPod interface for their radio's and that'll be an option that you can get later on. Yes are correct that if you get anything other than the base radio you lose the AUX input, however you gain a much better display. So this will come down to if you're willing to use the FM transmitter until the iPod interface comes out.

I'd go for the better radio myself. And just keep the ipod charging while you're on the go.

 

[DETROITcaliber]

Alright thanks for your time

 

[TommyLee]

The Automatic (CVT2) is a 2.0L and the Manual is a 1.8L. This goes for both the SE and SXT (there is no 2.0L Manual and no 1.8L CVT2).

 

[DETROITcaliber]

.....you lose the AUX input, however you gain a much better display.

I've seen a picture of the upgraded radio from Dodge.com
Is there a picture of the basic radio floating around?

 

[Amandyke]

I've seen a picture of the upgraded radio from Dodge.com
Is there a picture of the basic radio floating around?

Any radio that has the AUX input on the front is the base one.

 

[GOT]

I don't know what the 1.8 ratio is but the couple of articles I've read said that the R/T AWD (2.4 manual) has the most power. HOWEVER they also said that the 2.0L/CVT has the same exact power to weight ratio of 19lbs/hp!

Since the 2.0L is coupled with the CVT (the CVT is awesome! and yes it's an automatic), I'd get that over the R/T any day... unless one wants the 4-wheel drive feature. The R/T fwd will be the most powerful when it finally arrives.

 

[Amandyke]

The AWD *REALLY* helps in the corners though. Neutralizes that ugly FWD understeer under acceleration. It's Awesome.

 

[DETROITcaliber]

I got an E-mail from Chrysler about my questions with the Engine and A/C

For my Engine Question:

The Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) operates as a four speed
automatic transmission. A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that
can change the "gear ratio" (gears are not generally involved) to any
arbitrary setting within the limits. The CVT is not constrained to a
small number of gear ratios, such as the 4 to 6 forward ratios in
typical automotive transmissions. CVT control computers often emulate
the traditional abrupt gear changes, especially at low speeds.

The CVT on the 2007 Dodge Caliber RT AWD also includes AutoStick.
AutoStick allows you to drive the car as an automatic or as a manual
transmission without the need of a clutch.

For my A/C Question:

The Chill Zone beverage cooler is packaged with the air conditioning in
the Dodge Caliber. This option cannot be removed.

All Dodge Caliber models include a heater. The air conditioning bypass
on the Dodge Caliber SE acts a cooler to bypass the cool and hot air
through the vents of the vehicle.

Thanks all, for your help

 

[JohnC]

If thats the case, I will have to look at the Jeep Compass. It does not have the chill zone. I don't want that damm chill zone unless it cools to 33 degrees. I want my drinks ICE cold! Not luke warm @ 45 degrees.

Its too bad too, because I like the styling of the Caliber, but theres a good chance they lost a customer because of that.

 

[GregoriusM]

I don't know what the 1.8 ratio is but the couple of articles I've read said that the R/T AWD (2.4 manual) has the most power. HOWEVER they also said that the 2.0L/CVT has the same exact power to weight ratio of 19lbs/hp!

Since the 2.0L is coupled with the CVT (the CVT is awesome! and yes it's an automatic), I'd get that over the R/T any day... unless one wants the 4-wheel drive feature. The R/T fwd will be the most powerful when it finally arrives.

Ummm....... that would be 19lbs/hp without YOU or anyone else in it. Put you and a couple of friends in it and the ratio changes... not huge... but it makes a difference!

 

[GregoriusM]

If thats the case, I will have to look at the Jeep Compass. It does not have the chill zone. I don't want that damm chill zone unless it cools to 33 degrees. I want my drinks ICE cold! Not luke warm @ 45 degrees.

Its too bad too, because I like the styling of the Caliber, but theres a good chance they lost a customer because of that.

The chill zone in the Compass will be the same chill zone as the Caliber.

It's meant to "chill", not FREEZE!! 45 degree drinks on a 90 to 100 degree day are pretty darn cool, I'd say.

And, if anyone doesn't WANT the chill zone, just close the damper, remove the plastic insert that holds the drinks (it is just laying there in the "zone" and you have a much larger, 3 compartment glove box).

Oh, and even your refrigerator at home does not go down to 33 degrees! More like 38 or even 40, if my memory serves me correctly.

 

[JohnC]

According to the Jeep Website photos I have seen and the information I have read, the chill zone will be an option w/ AC, not a standard feature like the caliber.

 

[irloyal]

According to the Jeep Website photos I have seen and the information I have read, the chill zone will be an option w/ AC, not a standard feature like the caliber.

If you want it colder, put in one of those little re-freeazable medical packs. It won,t leak and will help drop temps down to around 38 deg. F for about 3 hours.

 

[caliber4whoosh]

Good idea...and like previous posts have stated...45 degrees is plenty cold for me on a 100 degree day..

From what I understand, you can heat stuff in there too right?

 

[umf]

Yup! Whatever your heat setting is on...so really....you will only want to heat stuff in the winter!

 

[caliber4whoosh]

Cool!! That'll be good for me..keep stuff hot in the middle of the damn winter here..

Wait! I just thought of it! Gloves/goggles! For snowboarding! Awesome!

 

[superbang]

Cool!! That'll be good for me..keep stuff hot in the middle of the damn winter here..

Wait! I just thought of it! Gloves/goggles! For snowboarding! Awesome!

that's a fantastic idea... also... underwear. laugh if you will. but laugh no more when you try it!

 

[GOT]

Ummm....... that would be 19lbs/hp without YOU or anyone else in it. Put you and a couple of friends in it and the ratio changes... not huge... but it makes a difference!

No, really?

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

If thats the case, I will have to look at the Jeep Compass. It does not have the chill zone. I don't want that damm chill zone unless it cools to 33 degrees. I want my drinks ICE cold! Not luke warm @ 45 degrees.

Its too bad too, because I like the styling of the Caliber, but theres a good chance they lost a customer because of that.

Wow...dropping the Caliber because its Chill Zone isn't cold enough? How many other cars are you seriously looking at that have chill zones that do go down to 33 deg?