2008 Dodge Caliber: Tester's Comments
2008 Dodge Caliber ▼
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- MSRP: $14,320 - $22,705
- Invoice: $13,491 - $21,112
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Dodge Caliber. See if the 2008 Dodge Caliber is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Dodge Caliber |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SRT4 |
| Arrival Date: | 10/25/2007 |
| Engine: | Turbocharged dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 22,435 |
| Price as Tested: | 24,510 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 4021 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 4585 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 564 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 25.68 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 21.96 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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From the Back Seat
Chuck Giametta
Its chunky form enhanced by aggressive cladding, in-your-face scoops, and look-at-me wheels, the SRT4 reminds me of a junior high school bully. Sure enough, challenge the SRT4 to accelerate and shift in a civil manner, or to exhibit a level of control commiserate with the speed it's capable of generating, and the car shrinks away and cries for mommy. Loudly. You feel a little embarrassed for it, really.
Damon Bell
I'm a sucker for revved-up "pocket rockets" like the SRT-4, but this hot-rod wagon inherits most of the mainstream Caliber's faults, including a tinny-feeling body structure, clunky ride, and low-rent interior appointments. There's plenty of zip, but also plenty of torque steer. The Caliber SRT-4 is not without its charms, but a Mazdaspeed 3 is a better all-around choice.
Ed Piotrowski
Spending time in the SRT4 hasn't really changed my opinion of the Caliber lineup. These are sharp-looking cars that are reasonably practical and affordable. At about $23,500, the SRT4 isn't crazy expensive like a VW GTI can be. Unfortunately for Dodge, the MazdaSpeed 3 isn't expensive either, is just as practical, feels faster, and is far more refined. And that doesn't take into consideration the Subaru WRX factor, as those cars were redesigned for 2008 and offer all-wheel drive.
Rick Cotta
While 285 horsepower and a 6-speed manual should combine for a wildly entertaining compact, somehow this wasn't. Yet at $23,435, the SRT4 is priced on par with the MazdaSpeed 3 (with but 263 horses) and the upcoming Subaru Impreza WRX (a comparative weakling at just 224 ponies), which certainly gives it bragging rights. But both those contenders are far more refined, and the WRX throws all-wheel drive into the bargain. Dodge handily wins the horsepower battle, but not the pocket-rocket war.
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