Dec. 22, 2006
ON THE ROAD: Dodge Caliber Not a Typical Small Car
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
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| The 2007 Dodge Caliber. (SHNS photo courtesy Dodge) Click to Enlarge |
* The economy didn't seem to know if it was coming or going.
* Fuel prices were rising and the only question was: How high?
* America's previously insatiable appetite for sport utility vehicles and full-size pickups was finally beginning to wane.
* Consumers were again shopping for fuel efficiency. But they still liked the looks of the SUV.
Of all the efforts to hit the bulls-eye in this mercurial market, none showed more creativity and precision than the 2007 Dodge Caliber and its Jeep Compass platform mate.
Through November, DaimlerChrysler sold more than 82,000 Calibers and might have marketed more but for production constraints at the Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant.
With its combination of frugality, innovative styling, ingenious accessories and surprising roominess, the Caliber earns top ranking among my cars of the year.
Runner-up status goes to the Nissan Versa, another tall, small car that provides more for $15,000 than many consumers might expect.
Like the Monroni label on the Versa, the entry price on the Caliber seemed to produce a case of reverse sticker shock.
For a base price of $13,985, the Caliber did a lot more than replace the aging Neon platform. It created a whole new category.
Featuring the bold Ram-like grille, the Caliber looked much bigger than its actual measurements because of brawny shoulders with chamfered edges and a reduced ratio of glass to sheet metal.
The Compass cousin retained the relentlessly adorable features of the Jeep fleet while matching the Caliber's fuel efficiency and flexibility.
Although there are many reasons to like both models, two memorable features are typical of Chrysler's inspirational gifts: the ChillZone beverage cooling container below the glove compartment and the optional lift gate-mounted, fold-out stereo speakers. I cannot imagine younger buyers, tailgate partiers or campers not finding these features irresistible. Park the Caliber or Compass on the beach, open the lift gate, turn on the stereo, flip down the speakers and you have an excellent outdoor sound system.
Other thoughtful touches include a rechargeable flashlight within easy reach in the rear cargo compartment and a center console that operates as an armrest capable of sliding 3 inches forward or back for drivers of varied proportions.
Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer a range of so-called "World Engines" and a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2).
In foreign markets, Dodge offers a 2-liter turbo diesel engine that one suspects will make its way to North America in the next couple of years. The 1.8-liter, 2-liter and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines rate 148, 158 and 172-horsepower respectively.
Caliber also is Chrysler Group's first compact car to offer all-wheel drive and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.
Chrysler also made side-curtain air bags standard on the Caliber and Compass along with front air bags.
Caliber also earned National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) top ratings for side- and frontal-impact crash protection.
"Dodge Caliber is not your typical small car," said George Murphy, senior vice president for global marketing. "Caliber redefines the compact car by combining crossover styling with space-efficient packaging, interior flexibility, innovative features and affordable performance"
Richard Williamson writes about motor vehicles for Scripps Howard News Service.
