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2008 Dodge Caliber
Date Published: 5/03/08

2008 Dodge Caliber
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MSRP:
$14,320 - 22,705

Invoice:
$13,491 - 21,112

Class:
Compact Car
2008 Dodge Caliber
Expert Rating Summary
Category SE, manual Rating (See All
Ratings)
Compact Car Average Rating
Acceleration 3 4.9
Fuel Economy 6 6.4
Ride Quality 4 5.1
Steering/Handling/Braking 5 5.8
Quietness 3 4.4
Controls 6 5.7
Details 2 5.2
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 5 5.6
Room/Comfort (rear) 4 4
Cargo Room 7 5
Value within Class 6 6.1
Total Score: 51 58.2
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2008 Dodge Caliber Review
The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is the biggest news for this brand's small-car lineup. The rest of the Caliber roster shuffles a few features and option packages but is largely unchanged otherwise. SRT4 is a high-performance Caliber that joins SE, SXR, and R/T models. All use a 4-cylinder engine and come with front-wheel drive. R/T is available with all-wheel drive. SE and SXT have a 148-hp 1.8-liter engine when equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. These models get a 158-hp 2.0 when equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All R/Ts have a 172-hp 2.4-liter. The SRT4 gets a turbocharged 285-hp 2.4 and a mandatory 6-speed manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Previously optional features that have now become standard on 2008 Calibers include 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SXT and heated front seats on the R/T. Available features include a fold-flat front passenger seat, cooled glovebox, and removable cargo light/flashlight.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.

News
Caliber should see few changes in the next two years. Chrysler Group is eyeing a smaller Caliber-like hatchback, suggested by the recent Hornet concept. This car would be sold mainly overseas to further Chrysler's global expansion, but a U.S. version is possible if minicars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit prove popular. The project is still in the early phases, so little is finalized yet, but front-drive and a smallish 4-cyl engine seem inevitable. Most observers believe the subcompact won't appear until 2009 at the earliest. Chrysler is currently looking for a partner to share development and production costs. A Chinese automaker is said to be among the candidates.
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