|
Overall: The Caliber has its strong points, but falls
short of some very similar competitors.
Overall Rating: 5/10
Recommended: No
The Caliber is new for 2007,
replacing the Neon as Dodge's compact car. This hatchback is far better than a
Neon, but competitors have higher standards. A base-model Caliber is
relatively inexpensive, gets decent gas mileage, and is roomy inside. But it's
not the only small car that is. And competitors handle better, ride more
comfortably and quietly, and are quicker, sometimes without tradeoffs.
As this car replaced the Neon sedan, Dodge may
expect it to be cross-shopped with competing small sedans as much as or more
than it is within the smaller hatchback/wagon market. With bold styling, a
roomier and more practical interior than a Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cobalt, or
Toyota Corolla, and pricing comparable to many sedan models, it stacks up well
against such cars. But most other small hatchbacks and wagons offer the same
benefits without some of the Caliber's flaws (flaws that are clearly not
inherent in such a body style, as those who cross-shop only sedans might not
notice) or with greater strengths, sometimes even for less money.
Compared to the Neon, the Caliber is a
breakthrough. It is thoroughly modern, abandoning its predecessor's cute
appearance in favor of SUV-themed styling inside and out, using a continuously
variable transmission instead of a conventional automatic, and offering
all-wheel-drive. But it is rough around the edges compared to current
competitors. Its ride is not well-controlled or especially absorbent. Its two
base engines are weak and noisy, and its largest mainstream engine is not much
better and returns poor fuel economy for a small car (and is currently
available only in top-of-the-line, CVT-equipped AWD models). The interior,
shared with two upcoming Jeep models and another Dodge, is assembled using too
many flimsy plastics.
On the plus side, the Caliber's front and rear
seats are roomy and reasonably comfortable, though the rear is flat and spongy
and visibility is inhibited by the styling. There is plenty of cargo space,
even compared to other hatchbacks and wagons, and the interior is versatile.
And, as noted, the Caliber is less-expensive even than some small sedans that
could be considered competitors.
The Caliber is currently popular for its
combination of a lower price and better fuel economy than an SUV, with more
practicality than a small sedan. Such a combination sounds appealing until you
consider that other small hatchbacks and wagons offer the same, and many do a
better job. Unless its styling is mandatory, there are better choices in this
class.
See Vehicle Overview
See All Reviews
Other Recent Reviews:
Mercedes-Benz S550
Chevrolet Tahoe
|
