MY CALIBER INSPECTION

[regfootball]

nice looking on the outside, nicely packaged as far as height, etc.

could not get inside, but the plastics looked awfully cheap. The dash is boxy and plain, but everything seems laid ok pretty good. Leg room looked spacious and the height of the seats seemed to be appealing. The gray color scheme was a bit dreadful. Cabin is at least airy.

cargo area looks small. It doesn't appear as though you can get items with much height or width back there.

forget what it was priced at but it seemed decent.

I will give it a pass since it has all new chassis and powertrains and at least in the seating areas seems to provide comfort. The user controls seem well laid out. The exterior styling is a hit, IMHO.

I would consider buying one if I was looking in that class of vehicle.

A solid B. The SRT version would be a hoot. Can't wait to sit in one at the auto show!

As an aside, my guess is the Vibe has as much seating room and more cargo room. Of course, the Vibe has the cheesy Toyota 4 in it. I'm thinking the HHR has as much room for seating and more for cargo as well. Who cares about the useless Tuscon, its ugly and is plan crap. The Outlander has a nicer interior and likely has equal room or a tish more as well.

Edited February 26, 2006 by regfootball

[torobud]

Go check one out at the autoshow (like you said I know...) because sitting in it and seeing all the features might shock you... The 300 Hp SRT4 is pretty insane as well...

I don't think it is my cup of tea but I do believe that it has a bang for the buck that a LOT of HS/College student's parents will like...

[Charger4U]

nice looking on the outside, nicely packaged as far as height, etc.

could not get inside, but the plastics looked awfully cheap.  The dash is boxy and plain, but everything seems laid ok pretty good.  Leg room looked spacious and the height of the seats seemed to be appealing.  The gray color scheme was a bit dreadful.  Cabin is at least airy.

cargo area looks small.  It doesn't appear as though you can get items with much height or width back there.

forget what it was priced at but it seemed decent.

I will give it a pass since it has all new chassis and powertrains and at least in the seating areas seems to provide comfort.  The user controls seem well laid out.  The exterior styling is a hit, IMHO.

I would consider buying one if I was looking in that class of vehicle.

A solid B.  The SRT version would be a hoot.  Can't wait to sit in one at the auto show!

As an aside, my guess is the Vibe has as much seating room and more cargo room.  Of course, the Vibe has the cheesy Toyota 4 in it.  I'm thinking the HHR has as much room for seating and more for cargo as well.  Who cares about the useless Tuscon, its ugly and is plan crap.  The Outlander has a nicer interior and likely has equal room or a tish more as well.

im glad that for once you hade positive things to say about a dodge.

[ocnblu]

I'm still leary of a CVT, and as far as I've seen from Dodge's "build and price" situation at their site, that's the only way an R/T comes, at least so far. They need to have at least a manual transmission available with all 3 engines, if not a stepped automatic to hedge on, in case the CVT proves unreliable. Also, after test driving an ION with CVT, I don't like the way they behave.

[caddycruiser]

I'm still leary of a CVT, and as far as I've seen from Dodge's "build and price" situation at their site, that's the only way an R/T comes, at least so far.  They need to have at least a manual transmission available with all 3 engines, if not a stepped automatic to hedge on, in case the CVT proves unreliable.  Also, after test driving an ION with CVT, I don't like the way they behave.

Yeah, they said until they get them fully intro'd and then maybe a couple of more months, the RT will only first come as an AWD model with CVT. But then FWD and a stick will soon come standard, once they get everything rolled out.

[Intrepidation]

I think Dodge did a great job styling the Caliber, it looks much more aggressive than most other cars in the segment. The interior design looks alright, way better than a Neon anyway. The SRT-4 looks sweet, should be a blast to drive too. Two things I wonder about the Caliber though: 1.Iis any of the interior besides the seats soft to touch? I can't really tell from pictures, but everything from the dash to the armrests looks like they're made of hard plastic. Wish they weren't if they really are. 2. Since the stereo head unit is identical to what's in the Magnum/Charger, wouldn't it be wise to offer the Nav system in it? I mean, Honda is doing it already with the Civic, if Dodge jumps in now with a Nav, they'll be the only domestic compact with the option. Seems like a smart idea to me; if/when I get a new car a Nav system would be nice.

[BrewSwillis]

2. Since the stereo head unit is identical to what's in the Magnum/Charger, wouldn't it be wise to offer the Nav system in it? I mean, Honda is doing it already with the Civic, if Dodge jumps in now with a Nav, they'll be the only domestic compact with the option. Seems like a smart idea to me; if/when I get a new car a Nav system would be nice. 

I don't think Americans are prepared to pay high enough prices for cars like the Caliber that have Navigation. I bet they will offer it in Europe, like Mazda does with the 3. Some cars in this class are considered premium vehicles in Europe, and the people are willing to pay higher prices for stuff like navigation. Don't expect to see it in Caliber in the US though.

[Intrepidation]

I don't think Americans are prepared to pay high enough prices for cars like the Caliber that have Navigation. I bet they will offer it in Europe, like Mazda does with the 3. Some cars in this class are considered premium vehicles in Europe, and the people are willing to pay higher prices for stuff like navigation. Don't expect to see it in Caliber in the US though.

You have a point about people in Europe willing to pay more for compacts, supposedly this is why in America we're still stuck with the original Ford FOcus, since the new one is considered a "premium compact" and would cost a lot more than the current Focus if Ford brings it stateside. Stil, if there's demand for it, Dodge may stick it on the options list later on. Who knows.

[PeterJ]

I saw one at a local dealer last night and was overall impressed. Surprisingly, I was quite a bit more impressed with the interior than I expected to be and somewhat less impressed with the exterior. First of all on the outside, I thought the Caliber had sort of a retro PT Cruiser/HHR feel to it, where in photos I thought it looked modern. As for the interior, which a lot of people have voiced problems with, I thought it was actually very good. If you have no problems with the Magnum/Charger and 300 (like I do) you're going to like the Caliber just fine...the feel is very, very similar to the larger Dodges. The example I saw was an SXT with the color inserts on the interior...not perfectly executed IMO, but a nice upgrade none the less. For the time I got to sit in it, the interior seemed a little more tight than I expected. I'd definitely echo Reg's comments that the cargo space isn't outstanding for a hatch but that's the price you pay for the fastback look as with the Magnum.

Fortunately for me, this is exactly in the class of vehicles I'll be looking at when shopping this spring/summer. Not sure if it will be at the top of the list when it's said & done, but regardless this is bound to be a very big hit for Dodge and will help to solidify the resurgence of hatchbacks.

I have yet to read a review of this car that isn't either positive or glowingly positive.

Edited March 1, 2006 by PeterJ

[MyerShift]

Agreed on the plastics being "cheap" in that they are rock hard, but guess what- so are the Cobalt's!

Seems rather nice, sat in one at NAIAS, and it was an SE with a stick, and I liked the way it moved through its pattern, not rubbery like the Suzuki Forenza's of Chevrolet Aveo's, or even the Neon's.

[Croc]

Mazda3 has nav and is a compact. I'd buy it, but DCX won't let me...

[regfootball]

I saw a Caliber on the road today.

I like it. It's got a bit of a 'pissed off dunebuggy' look to it.

Chrysler scored on the styling of this one.

[regfootball]

can't wait to see one at the AUTOSHOW this next weekend.......

Edited March 5, 2006 by regfootball

[CSpec]

I sat in a Caliber yesterday at the Rochester show and let me tell you, it is appallingly bad. Hideous, badly grained plastics that flexed like crazy (especially the door panels). The door handle was the worst, though. It was just a little plastic tab on the door with nothing around it, and it was extremely flimsy. The doors also made an extremely cheap little "pop" when you opened them. Nice looking out the outside, pretty roomy, but man what a bad interior. Everyone there was commenting on how rough and ugly the plastics were.

[regfootball]

but the low end calibers are cheap with new engines and a great seating position.

I would take one over a Vibe. maybe.

I suppose my wife's old Omni had a nicer interior though.

[Intrepidation]

I suppose my wife's old Omni had a nicer interior though.

Here is something that baffles me about today's compact car interiors (and even some midsize). I have a 1989 Dodge Shadow. It's no luxery car but the dash, door armrests and center armrest are all made of soft-touch materials, and the doors themselves are covered in soft fabric. The hard plastic portionson the pillars and lower dash are nicely textured, at least I think they are. So why is it that an 80's subcompact has nicer materials than most of todays?

I wanna go and take a look at a Caliber up close, and poke around for myself still though.

[torobud]

a great seating position.

Since when is a more upright seating position good? Did I miss a memo?

Note: I am not commenting on the Caliber directly but since when does good seating position refer to seating that feels like it belongs in a mini-van or a truck?

Sorry - random rant over..

Go check out the Caliber in person - I still say it is quite a good package overall that will sell well..

[The O.C.]

this is why in America we're still stuck with the original Ford FOcus, since the new one is considered a "premium compact" and would cost a lot more than the current Focus if Ford brings it stateside.

I always considered this a bull$h! excuse from Ford.

If Mazda can build a (relatively) affordable small car on this VERY platform (Mazda3) why can't Ford bring the European Focus over here?

Even base Volvo S40s (same platform) start at as low as $25K MSRP......and Volvo is considered a "premium" brand!

[MyerShift]

Chrysler has the balls to do something different, and do what no other American automaker is doing. All hail the Five-Pointed Star!

[regfootball]

I thoroughly checked out the Caliber at the autoshow yesterday.

I think they pretty much have hit it spot on. Its a neat package at a good price. EXCEPT......

some glaring flaws........

1. really cheap hard plastic on a lot of the inside. The graining is not overly nasty I guess, but this stuff is CHEAP. In the tan its not as obvious. And, I realize the car is cheap....but man, this just continues the recently Chrysler tradition of cheap interiors and brings it to the next level. In tan, I could accept it but the graytones are bad. The natty grained stuff is better than the adjacent pebble grained stuff. GM has been doing a better job with their plastics and Chrysler always seems to get a pass while GM and others get ripped on continually.

2. the folding rear seat has a fuzzy carpet like finish shile the cargo floor has a durable hard surface. Why doesn't the seatback match?

3. they could have moved the climate controls up so they weren't behind the shifter. who was the dumb ass that approved that? the shifter is tight against the control stack.

4. i didn't like how the structure intrudes on the door openings. Its tough to get in and out of because of the restricted size doors.

5. The interior feels incredibly confined with an extremely high cowl and mailslot windshield view and this to me, is the DEALBREAKER on the car. Someone made the comment sitting in the HHR that it felt confined and I agree to apoint (I tested an HHR and it did feel claustrophobic) but the cowl is so high and constricting on the Caliber along with the small side windows it feels like a prison. I do not like that. AT ALL. The seats are good and all seating positions are nice but then they botch it with a constricting interior! Vehicles like this are supposed to feel spacious and accommodating, not like a prison! The culprit is the high hood and firewall. WHAT IS IT WITH ALL THESE NEW CARS AND TALL BLUNT FRONT ENDS!?!?!!? is it the STUPID ASS EUROPEE ONS AND THE DUMB ASS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY STANDARDS? SCREW EM WHY ARE YOU CROSSING THE STREET ANYWAYS NOW I CAN'T SEE OUT OF THE CAR TO MISS YOU!!!!!

-so, the interior is a dealbreaker feeling so confined.

otherwise i liked the ipod holder (although i wonder if it allows it accept the bottom digital connection to the cable) and it fell right at hand and still allowed use of the armrest. BRAVO. the gauges were nice and the radio looks nice. the car is stylish and priced well. it has new engines.

Edited March 12, 2006 by regfootball

[thegriffon]

… The Outlander has a nicer interior and likely has equal room or a tish more as well.

Outlander goes away soon (or at least as soon as they can get rid of the current inventory—maybe a year or so), the new model is a 5/7-seat midsize crossover very similar to the new SantaFe, Captiva and CX-7.

[regfootball]

Outlander goes away soon (or at least as soon as they can get rid of the current inventory—maybe a year or so), the new model is a 5/7-seat midsize crossover very similar to the new SantaFe, Captiva and CX-7.

After comparison, I still think the Outlander interior is a nicer quality with nicer seats and the trunk is larger, although the dash forms are dated. At one point last year, before I sold my Mitsubishi I could have gotten into a base Outlander with stick for around 13,500 new, except that ABS is not offered on that base model or with a stick. Plus the huge warranty.

I do think the Caliber is the right product for Dodge right now and it will be a hit I think, but its too bad they botched the whole visibility / confinement thing. The Vibe, HHR all benefit. The Maxx even begins to be a great option to a heavily optioned Caliber.

[Intrepidation]

The Maxx even begins to be a great option to a heavily optioned Caliber.

The Maxx is hideous, though not as bad as the Malibu sedan. Those are the ugliest things on sale in America right now. The revised front end helps a little, but it's still not a pretty car (and the sedan is still ucking fugly).

[regfootball]

The Maxx is hideous, though not as bad as the Malibu sedan. Those are the ugliest things on sale in America right now. The revised front end helps a little, but it's still not a pretty car (and the sedan is still ucking fugly).

the BU's aren't pretty, but I think a Maxx with its v6 and larger size and much better airy cockpit is a good option to the Caliber. I know the more expensive Malibus don't really compete but a low end Maxx in comparison to a high end Caliber is a realistic comparison for some shoppers.

There were quite a few Calibers I saw with stickers at about 20 grand. That's not far off a basic Maxx with some discounts.

[MyerShift]

I highly doubt people would even cross-shop these vehicles.

They're in different segments, and aimed at different people. The Caliber is for younger, more hip sorts of people who want to look good in their vehicles. The Malibu is for boring people.

The Caliber reminds me of a mini-Pacifica, that's a good thing! The styling is more rounded in person, and that relieves me. The front has a subtle point and isn't as flat as some would have us to believe.

[Intrepidation]

I highly doubt people would even cross-shop these vehicles.

They're in different segments, and aimed at different people. The Caliber is for younger, more hip sorts of people who want to look good in their vehicles. The Malibu is for boring people.

The Caliber reminds me of a mini-Pacifica, that's a good thing! The styling is more rounded in person, and that relieves me. The front has a subtle point and isn't as flat as some would have us to believe.

I was riding by the local Dodge dealership, which sells primarily trucks, but they had one white Caliber up front, it looks really nice, even in white (white usually makes cars look like rentals, but the Caliber looked pretty good in it)

[enzl]

We've got one in our CJD showroom right now...I can't comment on the rest of the range, but this one (an SXT with minimal options) has a cheapy interior.

Hopefully, the higher line versions will be better in this regard. The rest of the car looked fantastic and, generally, the car is alot more interesting looking than pictures suggest.

[MyerShift]

If I had the money I would probably go and get a new Caliber with a stickshift.

Oh well. I am happy with my Breeze.

But Chevrolet does have the Cobalt coupe, and Saturn has the Astra coming... but I would still rather have a Chrysler overall.

[Intrepidation]

If I had the money I would probably go and get a new Caliber with a stickshift.

Oh well. I am happy with my Breeze.

But Chevrolet does have the Cobalt coupe, and Saturn has the Astra coming... but I would still rather have a Chrysler overall.

Insterested in the Caliber SRT-4? I know I am *drool*

[pow]

I priced one and looked at several on eBay, and it seems awfully expensive for something so cheap looking. The Mazda5 and HHR are all better choices, IMO.

[Intrepidation]

I priced one and looked at several on eBay, and it seems awfully expensive for something so cheap looking. The Mazda5 and HHR are all better choices, IMO.

I think the Caliber competes more directly with the Mazda3 hatchback. I think the HHR is ok, but I'd personally go for the PT if I was looking into something like the HHR

Edited March 22, 2006 by Dodgefan

[Dsuupr]

Good looking exterior, interior looks old school cheap.

[carstar]

i've been inside three calibers in a dealer. the wiper and headlamps stalk are a bit loose, the dash may be hard but the rest of the interior is good in quality. overall it's ok and i love some of the clever ideas: led flash light, mp3 holder, drink cooler......

17' hubcaps on the sxt wtf??

[Robert Hall]

I highly doubt people would even cross-shop these vehicles.

They're in different segments, and aimed at different people. The Caliber is for younger, more hip sorts of people who want to look good in their vehicles. The Malibu is for boring people.

The Caliber reminds me of a mini-Pacifica, that's a good thing! The styling is more rounded in person, and that relieves me. The front has a subtle point and isn't as flat as some would have us to believe.

Yeah, about the only thing GM has in the US that is really comparable is the Vibe..too bad the Cobalt isn't offered in a hatch. The Caliber will be a good competitor for the Focus and Mazda3... too bad Honda has wimped out and offers only trunked Civics in the US now.

[regfootball]

Yeah, about the only thing GM has in the US that is really comparable is the Vibe..too bad the Cobalt isn't offered in a hatch.    The Caliber will be a good competitor for the Focus and Mazda3... too bad Honda has wimped out and offers only trunked Civics in the US now.

cobalt hatch = cobalt HHR

[Intrepidation]

There's a few consumer reviews of the Caliber on edmunds and so far they seem really happy with it. No real complaints about the interior either. It's a good starting sign, now if it can be reliable Dodge will be all set.

[torobud]

the BU's aren't pretty, but I think a Maxx with its v6 and larger size and much better  airy cockpit is a good option to the Caliber.  I know the more expensive Malibus don't really compete but a low end Maxx in comparison to a high end Caliber is a realistic comparison for some shoppers.

There were quite a few Calibers I saw with stickers at about 20 grand.  That's not far off a basic Maxx with some discounts.

GREAT comparison... a loaded up Caliber and a base Malibu with incentives...

Even though this may put the price near each other I see a total of about 5 people worldwide that would actually look at the two competitively as a serious buyer...

[torobud]

Another note - Up to 7 model variations of the Caliber are expected... could be fun..

SE, R/T, SRT, ......

[Robert Hall]

cobalt hatch = cobalt HHR

Nah, the HHR is a retro wagon. I mean a proper 5dr hatch version for the Cobalt, like the Astra....

[regfootball]

Nah, the HHR is a retro wagon.  I mean a proper 5dr hatch version for the Cobalt, like the Astra....

no one really wants cars like that anymore. that's why its an HHR and not a cobalt hatch. more folks want the 'crossover' or spacewagon.

need proof? Golfs don't sell, Focus 5 doors aren't common. etc.

[Robert Hall]

no one really wants cars like that anymore.  that's why its an HHR and not a cobalt hatch.  more folks want the 'crossover' or spacewagon.

need proof?  Golfs don't sell, Focus 5 doors aren't common.  etc.

It's a small niche (at least in NA), but some people still buy them...hence, the Caliber. If I were buying a compact car, I'd rather have a hatchback like the Caliber, Golf, Focus or Mazda3 than a small 4dr sedan.. more useful.

Edited March 25, 2006 by moltar

[The O.C.]

After FINALLY getting a chance to go to a dealer and inspect a few Calibers, I'm quite impressed.

Although they were both base models, it seems to be quite a bit of car for the money. I was impressed with the interior roominess in the back seat (for such a small car) and the interior quality was not as horrible as I remember the auto show cars being (were they prototypes or pre-production?)

The word on the street is that early sales reports are quite encouraging with the car selling relatively quickly and covering a broad age-spectrum of buyers.

The SRT version outta be HOT.....!

[regfootball]

It's a small niche (at least in NA), but some people still buy them...hence, the Caliber.   If I were buying a compact car, I'd rather have a hatchback like the Caliber, Golf, Focus or Mazda3 than a small 4dr sedan.. more useful.

cars like the HHR, Caliber and Vibe are SUV/crossovers, not traditional hatchbacks. the mazda3 and focus are traditional hatchbacks. the caliber will succeed more because its not a traditional hatchback. that's also why the cobalt HHR exists and not just a cobalt hatchback

Edited March 27, 2006 by regfootball

[regfootball]

After FINALLY getting a chance to go to a dealer and inspect a few Calibers, I'm quite impressed.

Although they were both base models, it seems to be quite a bit of car for the money.  I was impressed with the interior roominess in the back seat (for such a small car) and the interior quality was not as horrible as I remember the auto show cars being (were they prototypes or pre-production?)

The word on the street is that early sales reports are quite encouraging with the car selling relatively quickly and covering a broad age-spectrum of buyers.

The SRT version outta be HOT.....!

i like the caliber, but the ridiculously high cowl / mailslot winshield-driver's view and horribly claustrophobic interior is a huge deal breaker.

Edited March 27, 2006 by regfootball

[Robert Hall]

cars like the HHR, Caliber and Vibe are SUV/crossovers, not traditional hatchbacks.  the mazda3 and focus are traditional hatchbacks.  the caliber will succeed more because its not a traditional hatchback.  that's also why the cobalt HHR exists and not just a cobalt hatchback

Whatever... the Caliber and Vibe are close to traditional 5dr hatchbacks but a bit taller.....they aren't SUVs.... The HHR is a tall wagon.

[regfootball]

Whatever... the Caliber and Vibe are close to traditional 5dr hatchbacks but a bit taller.....they aren't SUVs....   The HHR is a tall wagon.

the vibe is as tall as the HHR and i know that because i have driven both the caliber is as high as the hhr is also

Edited March 27, 2006 by regfootball

[NeonLX]

Yeah, I am not a fan of the high beltline school of design that plagues the 300, Magnum, Charger and now the Caliber--though the Caliber is arguably the least offensive in my book. Keep in mind I'm a Chrysler fan from way back but I've really been underwhelmed by their most recent efforts from a styling standpoint.

For the most part, I like the Caliber but I don't like that high beltline. The good thing about the Caliber is that it weighs several hundred pounds less than the PT so the fuel economy is correspondingly better (kudos to the new powertrains here too). A naturally-aspirated PT with an auto tranny sucks fuel at about the same rate as my larger, heavier Caravan with a V6 engine.

Edited March 27, 2006 by NeonLX

[Intrepidation]

Yeah, I am not a fan of the high beltline school of design that plagues the 300, Magnum, Charger and now the Caliber--though the Caliber is arguably the least offensive in my book.  Keep in mind I'm a Chrysler fan from way back but I've really been underwhelmed by their most recent efforts from a styling standpoint.

For the most part, I like the Caliber but I don't like that high beltline.  The good thing about the Caliber is that it weighs several hundred pounds less than the PT so the fuel economy is correspondingly better (kudos to the new powertrains here too).  A naturally-aspirated PT with an auto tranny sucks fuel at about the same rate as my larger, heavier Caravan with a V6 engine.

I think the newer designs are great, they're a lot more distinctive than what most other companies are putting out. I suppose the Spirit was a fine example of design? I think not. But then to each his own.

[NeonLX]

I think the newer designs are great, they're a lot more distinctive than what most other companies are putting out. I suppose the Spirit was a fine example of design? I think not. But then to each his own.

I think the LH cars (Intrepid, Concord, LHS, etc.) were great designs...stylish, pleasing to the eye and also amazingly roomy inside. For whatever reason, the LX cars look too stubby to me--especially the 300. However, the LX interiors are still roomy and one thing I especially like is the way you "sit up" inside of them. But I think the LH interiors were classier-looking overall.

Spirits/Acclaims may not have been the epitome of styling but they were great cars--roomy, durable and inexpensive. Like the current 300, they were "boxy" but the proportions were right, at least for my old guy sensibilities. The 300 just never manages to look quite right to me. And I still kick myself for selling my old '94 Spirit.

Like you say, to each his own...

[BrewSwillis]

I think the newer designs are great, they're a lot more distinctive than what most other companies are putting out. I suppose the Spirit was a fine example of design? I think not. But then to each his own.

You call yourself a Dodge fan....and you didn't like the Spirit?? The Spirit was one of the most handsome cars out at the time. The R/T was boxy and kinda mean lookin....plus had 224 hp and did 0-60 in 6.5 sec. I always tried to get my Dad to buy a Spirit R/T.....but he ended up with a Dynasty. He did love his Dynasty though.

Edited March 27, 2006 by BrewSwillis