Make: Dodge
Model: Caliber
Year: 2007
Overview: First announced in early 2005 as the replacement for the outgoing Neon line of compact sedans, the 2007 Dodge Caliber took the world by storm when it was first unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan in January of 2006. The Caliber, introduced as one of Dodge's first crossover vehicles, was designed to compete with such crossover vehicles like the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe and will fill the gap the Neon left behind. The small wagon sports a Magnum-esque style and bears the signature Dodge "crosshair" grille and was a huge hit among Dodge fans. Set to be released nation-wide in late February, the Caliber will pick up where the Neon left off in terms of style, comfort, affordability, and reliability, all with the added versitility of a hatchback.
Powerplant: The Caliber is equipped with an all-new, four-cylinder powerplant known collectively as the World engine. Designed by DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai, and built cheifly in Dundee, Michigan, the World engine features an all-aluminum block, dual overhead cams and a next-generation variable valve timing system. The Caliber is the first vehicle to use the World engine, and is the first Dodge vehicle to feature variable valve timing. The World engine presently comes in three sizes: a one-point-eight liter one hundred and forty-three horsepower variant, a two liter one hundred and fifty horsepower variant, and a two-point-four liter one hundred and seventy-two horsepower variant. The engine has a redline of six thousand five hundred and features an advanced computer control system. The Caliber is also among the first Dodge vehicles to use an innovative computer-controlled throttle system. Dodge is expected to release a turbocharged variant of the two-point-four liter World engine that is expected to make three hundred horsepower sometime later in 2006.
Drivetrain and Driveline: The Caliber's drivetrain is entirely dependant upon the size of the engine. The one-point-eight liter engine features a New Venture five-speed transmission driving the front wheels. This transmission features a redesigned hydraulic clutch package. The two liter engine features a next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission that drives the front wheels, and the two-point-four liter engine features the Continuously Variable Transmission driving all four wheels The all-wheel drive option is currently only available on the R/T trim level. The Caliber is the first Dodge vehicle to use the Continuously Variable Transmission, which utilizes a system of pulleys and belts instead of gears. These pulleys allow the engine to remain in its powerband constantly when under load and increased fuel economy in comparison with the older Neon four-speed. The Caliber uses a standard rack-and-pinion steering system with power steering standard on all models and features four wheel independent suspension comprised of McPherson struts and springs. The Caliber also comes standard with seventeen-inch steel or alloy wheels and a front disc/rear drum braking system. The R/T trim level utilizes a four disc braking system and an innovative locking rear differential. The R/T trim level performs well in icy conditions and will be a very favorable vehicle for climates that are cold quite often.
Performance: The Caliber, while slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, is a quick and agile vehicle with tight steering and adequate power for its size. The Caliber's center of gravity is very low, which prevents body roll and lessens the chance of a rollover accident in emergency steering conditions. The steering is extremely tight and the vehicle is very responsive to driver input. Utilizing an all-new chassis and stiffer sway bars, the Caliber sticks to the road like glue and handles extraordinarily well in corners. Acceleration is quick in the Caliber, the vehicle reaching sixty from a dead stop in just under nine seconds. The R/T manages to squeeze in just over eight seconds. Fuel economy is very impressive, with highway driving yielding close to thirty-five miles per gallon and city driving yielding about twenty-seven.
Interior Styling and Comfort: The Caliber features a very roomy interior and a generous amount of headroom. With the driver's seat fully adjustable forward, back, up, and down, even the tallest or shortest of drivers can find a position they are comfortable in. The passenger seat is also adjustable forward and back, and it is also capable of being folded forward to allow more cargo space. The rear seats are roomy with enough room for three adults, and they can also be folded flat to add more cargo room. The cabin is accented with high-quality plastics that are robust and solid, and the seats are cloth with color-keyed inserts. The R/T has an option for leather seating both front and rear. The cargo area is adequate with plenty of room for several suitcases or luggage. The aft floor can be lifted to reveal the spare tire and jack, which can be removed for even more cargo space. In the glove compartment is the Chilled Beverage Holder, a special compartment that can store four twenty-ounce bottles of any drink that can be kept cool utilizing the air conditioner. Four cup holders are in the vehicle, with the front two accented with indiglo-blue rings that can be switched on with the parking lights. The center armrest can be slid forward or backward to accommodate shorter or taller drivers, and it features a built-in cell phone/iPod holder. Options include heated front seats, an informative Driver Information Center which futures such amenities as a compass and automatic tire pressure monitors, a sound system crafted by Boston Acoustics, a rechargeable flashlight in the rear dome light, audio controls behind the steering wheel, a six disc in-dash CD and MP3 player, a one hundred and fifteen volt power outlet, and even a removable ash tray and cigarette lighter. The cabin is very quiet and the ride is smooth even on the roughest of roads.
Safety: The Caliber comes equipped with standard driver and passenger front airbags, side curtain airbags, and inflatable knee bolsters. The vehicle also features standard seat belts with adjustable anchors for all five seating positions. A higher belt line and stronger frame also ensures passenger safety and minimizes cabin deformation in an accident. The windshield is double-layered and all cabin windows are made with automotive safety glass. Though the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has not officially tested the vehicle, it is expected that the vehicle will receive a five-star crash rating.
Summation: The Caliber is an impressive addition to the Dodge line-up. Designed with the utmost care, Dodge expects that there will be no recalls with this vehicle for the first year and assured reliability for years to come. A fun vehicle to drive, the Caliber surpasses its predecessor in every way and looks to be a staple in the Dodge line-up for several years. A SRT-4 version of the Caliber, which features three hundred horsepower, will be available later this year.
Model: Caliber
Year: 2007
Overview: First announced in early 2005 as the replacement for the outgoing Neon line of compact sedans, the 2007 Dodge Caliber took the world by storm when it was first unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan in January of 2006. The Caliber, introduced as one of Dodge's first crossover vehicles, was designed to compete with such crossover vehicles like the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe and will fill the gap the Neon left behind. The small wagon sports a Magnum-esque style and bears the signature Dodge "crosshair" grille and was a huge hit among Dodge fans. Set to be released nation-wide in late February, the Caliber will pick up where the Neon left off in terms of style, comfort, affordability, and reliability, all with the added versitility of a hatchback.
Powerplant: The Caliber is equipped with an all-new, four-cylinder powerplant known collectively as the World engine. Designed by DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai, and built cheifly in Dundee, Michigan, the World engine features an all-aluminum block, dual overhead cams and a next-generation variable valve timing system. The Caliber is the first vehicle to use the World engine, and is the first Dodge vehicle to feature variable valve timing. The World engine presently comes in three sizes: a one-point-eight liter one hundred and forty-three horsepower variant, a two liter one hundred and fifty horsepower variant, and a two-point-four liter one hundred and seventy-two horsepower variant. The engine has a redline of six thousand five hundred and features an advanced computer control system. The Caliber is also among the first Dodge vehicles to use an innovative computer-controlled throttle system. Dodge is expected to release a turbocharged variant of the two-point-four liter World engine that is expected to make three hundred horsepower sometime later in 2006.
Drivetrain and Driveline: The Caliber's drivetrain is entirely dependant upon the size of the engine. The one-point-eight liter engine features a New Venture five-speed transmission driving the front wheels. This transmission features a redesigned hydraulic clutch package. The two liter engine features a next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission that drives the front wheels, and the two-point-four liter engine features the Continuously Variable Transmission driving all four wheels The all-wheel drive option is currently only available on the R/T trim level. The Caliber is the first Dodge vehicle to use the Continuously Variable Transmission, which utilizes a system of pulleys and belts instead of gears. These pulleys allow the engine to remain in its powerband constantly when under load and increased fuel economy in comparison with the older Neon four-speed. The Caliber uses a standard rack-and-pinion steering system with power steering standard on all models and features four wheel independent suspension comprised of McPherson struts and springs. The Caliber also comes standard with seventeen-inch steel or alloy wheels and a front disc/rear drum braking system. The R/T trim level utilizes a four disc braking system and an innovative locking rear differential. The R/T trim level performs well in icy conditions and will be a very favorable vehicle for climates that are cold quite often.
Performance: The Caliber, while slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, is a quick and agile vehicle with tight steering and adequate power for its size. The Caliber's center of gravity is very low, which prevents body roll and lessens the chance of a rollover accident in emergency steering conditions. The steering is extremely tight and the vehicle is very responsive to driver input. Utilizing an all-new chassis and stiffer sway bars, the Caliber sticks to the road like glue and handles extraordinarily well in corners. Acceleration is quick in the Caliber, the vehicle reaching sixty from a dead stop in just under nine seconds. The R/T manages to squeeze in just over eight seconds. Fuel economy is very impressive, with highway driving yielding close to thirty-five miles per gallon and city driving yielding about twenty-seven.
Interior Styling and Comfort: The Caliber features a very roomy interior and a generous amount of headroom. With the driver's seat fully adjustable forward, back, up, and down, even the tallest or shortest of drivers can find a position they are comfortable in. The passenger seat is also adjustable forward and back, and it is also capable of being folded forward to allow more cargo space. The rear seats are roomy with enough room for three adults, and they can also be folded flat to add more cargo room. The cabin is accented with high-quality plastics that are robust and solid, and the seats are cloth with color-keyed inserts. The R/T has an option for leather seating both front and rear. The cargo area is adequate with plenty of room for several suitcases or luggage. The aft floor can be lifted to reveal the spare tire and jack, which can be removed for even more cargo space. In the glove compartment is the Chilled Beverage Holder, a special compartment that can store four twenty-ounce bottles of any drink that can be kept cool utilizing the air conditioner. Four cup holders are in the vehicle, with the front two accented with indiglo-blue rings that can be switched on with the parking lights. The center armrest can be slid forward or backward to accommodate shorter or taller drivers, and it features a built-in cell phone/iPod holder. Options include heated front seats, an informative Driver Information Center which futures such amenities as a compass and automatic tire pressure monitors, a sound system crafted by Boston Acoustics, a rechargeable flashlight in the rear dome light, audio controls behind the steering wheel, a six disc in-dash CD and MP3 player, a one hundred and fifteen volt power outlet, and even a removable ash tray and cigarette lighter. The cabin is very quiet and the ride is smooth even on the roughest of roads.
Safety: The Caliber comes equipped with standard driver and passenger front airbags, side curtain airbags, and inflatable knee bolsters. The vehicle also features standard seat belts with adjustable anchors for all five seating positions. A higher belt line and stronger frame also ensures passenger safety and minimizes cabin deformation in an accident. The windshield is double-layered and all cabin windows are made with automotive safety glass. Though the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has not officially tested the vehicle, it is expected that the vehicle will receive a five-star crash rating.
Summation: The Caliber is an impressive addition to the Dodge line-up. Designed with the utmost care, Dodge expects that there will be no recalls with this vehicle for the first year and assured reliability for years to come. A fun vehicle to drive, the Caliber surpasses its predecessor in every way and looks to be a staple in the Dodge line-up for several years. A SRT-4 version of the Caliber, which features three hundred horsepower, will be available later this year.
