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2009 Dodge Caliber Full Review
Date Published: 3/25/08
Also in the 2009 Dodge Caliber Review:
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Dodge Caliber Full Review
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2009 Dodge Caliber
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Dodge Caliber should see no major changes. Caliber should come in SE, SXR, R/T, and high-performance SRT4 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-liter engine 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. Other standard features 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, ventilated glovebox, and removable cargo light/flashlight. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Dodge Caliber.
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2009 Dodge Caliber Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Instruments/controls | Acceleration |
| Passenger and cargo room | Engine noise |
| Available all-wheel drive | Visibility |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Non-SRT4 Calibers are adequate at best. A manual-transmission SE did 9.8 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. It required frequent shifting for best acceleration and had slightly notchy shift action. In CVT-equipped models, throttle response is good around town but lackluster at highway speeds. One test SE suffered from ragged throttle response while the engine was warming up. It went away once it reached normal operating temperature. AWD R/Ts feel particularly sluggish. Dodge says the SRT4 does 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds, but it doesn't feel that fast. The SRT4 needs high rpm for best acceleration, and there is some turbo lag.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 4.9 |
Non-SRT4 Calibers are adequate at best. A manual-transmission SE did 9.8 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. It required frequent shifting for best acceleration and had slightly notchy shift action. In CVT-equipped models, throttle response is good around town but lackluster at highway speeds. One test SE suffered from ragged throttle response while the engine was warming up. It went away once it reached normal operating temperature. AWD R/Ts feel particularly sluggish. Dodge says the SRT4 does 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds, but it doesn't feel that fast. The SRT4 needs high rpm for best acceleration, and there is some turbo lag.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission SE averaged 21.9 mpg in driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Test SXT with CVT averaged 24.8 mpg, and an AWD R/T averaged 23.3. Our extended-use SXT with CVT is averaging 24.9 mpg over its first 9022 miles. An SRT4 averaged 21.0 mpg. Dodge recommends premium gas for the SRT4. All other Calibers use regular.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission SE averaged 21.9 mpg in driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Test SXT with CVT averaged 24.8 mpg, and an AWD R/T averaged 23.3. Our extended-use SXT with CVT is averaging 24.9 mpg over its first 9022 miles. An SRT4 averaged 21.0 mpg. Dodge recommends premium gas for the SRT4. All other Calibers use regular.
Ride Quality
SE is busy with poor bump absorption, resulting in minor vibrations felt through the steering wheel and gas pedal. SXT and R/T are more compliant overall but still a bit jittery over broken pavement. SRT4 is the stiffest of all Calibers, but it's never unyielding.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5.1 |
SE is busy with poor bump absorption, resulting in minor vibrations felt through the steering wheel and gas pedal. SXT and R/T are more compliant overall but still a bit jittery over broken pavement. SRT4 is the stiffest of all Calibers, but it's never unyielding.
Steering/Handling/Braking
SE exhibits moderate body lean while cornering, but its modest-sized tires squeal early in fast turns. SXT's larger tires quell cornering noise and improve traction. Steering is nicely weighted but somewhat dull in road feel. Brakes have good pedal feel. The AWD R/T is better on all counts, with slightly less body lean, sharper steering response, and firmer brake pedal feel. SRT4 is the best handling model despite a lack of AWD. However, traction in fast starts and aggressive cornering are subpar among other sporty compact cars.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
SE exhibits moderate body lean while cornering, but its modest-sized tires squeal early in fast turns. SXT's larger tires quell cornering noise and improve traction. Steering is nicely weighted but somewhat dull in road feel. Brakes have good pedal feel. The AWD R/T is better on all counts, with slightly less body lean, sharper steering response, and firmer brake pedal feel. SRT4 is the best handling model despite a lack of AWD. However, traction in fast starts and aggressive cornering are subpar among other sporty compact cars.
Quietness
Moderate wind rush, but mediocre suppression of road noise. Engines intrude during acceleration, particularly the turbocharged engine in the SRT4. Tire noise is also much higher in that version. The 158-hp version is the quietest overall, but that's not saying much.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.6 |
Moderate wind rush, but mediocre suppression of road noise. Engines intrude during acceleration, particularly the turbocharged engine in the SRT4. Tire noise is also much higher in that version. The 158-hp version is the quietest overall, but that's not saying much.
Controls
Large gauges are easy to read. Most models have a large speedometer in the center of the instrument cluster. SRT4 puts the tachometer there and moves the speedometer to a smaller dial to the right. That makes the speedometer tougher to read at a glance. Large, simple audio and climate controls are within easy reach, though the transmission shifter can partially block access to the climate dials. Caliber's available fold-down speakers in the liftgate are a picnic plus.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.9 |
Large gauges are easy to read. Most models have a large speedometer in the center of the instrument cluster. SRT4 puts the tachometer there and moves the speedometer to a smaller dial to the right. That makes the speedometer tougher to read at a glance. Large, simple audio and climate controls are within easy reach, though the transmission shifter can partially block access to the climate dials. Caliber's available fold-down speakers in the liftgate are a picnic plus.
Details
Low-rent hard plastics cover most parts of Caliber's cabin. Padded surfaces are non-existent. SRT4 models have a slightly dressier cabin with better detail work than other Calibers, though it still significantly trails the MazdaSpeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI. On our extended-use SXT, the colors of the plastic panels aren't uniform, further cheapening the interior appearance.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4.9 |
Low-rent hard plastics cover most parts of Caliber's cabin. Padded surfaces are non-existent. SRT4 models have a slightly dressier cabin with better detail work than other Calibers, though it still significantly trails the MazdaSpeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI. On our extended-use SXT, the colors of the plastic panels aren't uniform, further cheapening the interior appearance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample headroom and legroom. The cloth seats lack a lumbar adjuster, and thus are short on lower-back support. SRT4 versions have leather-trimmed sport bucket seats with prominent side bolsters. While those seats are more supportive, the bolsters can make it harder to shift the transmission. The seats are also thick enough to constrict access to the levers for height and lumbar adjustment. The height-adjustable driver seat aids driver positioning, but it's unavailable on the SE. The center-console armrest slides fore and aft, and the cover flips to reveal a built-in holder for a cell phone or MP3 player. The holder interferes with the manual-transmission shift lever. Outward visibility to all directions is restricted by thick roof pillars, especially to the rear corners. Entry and exit is constricting for six-footers.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Ample headroom and legroom. The cloth seats lack a lumbar adjuster, and thus are short on lower-back support. SRT4 versions have leather-trimmed sport bucket seats with prominent side bolsters. While those seats are more supportive, the bolsters can make it harder to shift the transmission. The seats are also thick enough to constrict access to the levers for height and lumbar adjustment. The height-adjustable driver seat aids driver positioning, but it's unavailable on the SE. The center-console armrest slides fore and aft, and the cover flips to reveal a built-in holder for a cell phone or MP3 player. The holder interferes with the manual-transmission shift lever. Outward visibility to all directions is restricted by thick roof pillars, especially to the rear corners. Entry and exit is constricting for six-footers.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Decent headroom with great foot space. Legroom is okay for those under 6-feet tall, even with the front seats nearly fully aft. The seat is uncomfortably soft and flat. The seatback reclines on the SXT and R/T. Egress is hindered by narrow door openings.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Decent headroom with great foot space. Legroom is okay for those under 6-feet tall, even with the front seats nearly fully aft. The seat is uncomfortably soft and flat. The seatback reclines on the SXT and R/T. Egress is hindered by narrow door openings.
Cargo Room
Caliber's cargo area is larger than that of a typical hatchback, but smaller than some compact wagons. Its removable plastic load floor is easy to clean, but allows objects to slide around. The open liftgate won't clear a six-footer's head. Split rear seatbacks are easy to fold, but don't lay flat if the front seat is all the way back. Small-item storage is decent thanks to a large two-tier glovebox and a moderately sized console, though the door map pockets are too small to be really useful. Note that air-conditioned models include a chilled glovebox compartment.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Caliber's cargo area is larger than that of a typical hatchback, but smaller than some compact wagons. Its removable plastic load floor is easy to clean, but allows objects to slide around. The open liftgate won't clear a six-footer's head. Split rear seatbacks are easy to fold, but don't lay flat if the front seat is all the way back. Small-item storage is decent thanks to a large two-tier glovebox and a moderately sized console, though the door map pockets are too small to be really useful. Note that air-conditioned models include a chilled glovebox compartment.
Value within Class
Like the similar-concept Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, Caliber boasts a sportier look and greater utility than the traditional compact station wagon. Noisy, weak engines on most models are drawbacks, and the budget-grade cabin decor wins no prizes. Against those negatives, count competitive prices, available all-wheel drive, smart packaging, and some clever convenience features. The SRT4 has the most go of any Caliber, and it's priced reasonably. At the same time, it's far less refined than other "hot hatchbacks" such as the MazdaSpeed 3 or Volkswagen GTI.
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Like the similar-concept Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, Caliber boasts a sportier look and greater utility than the traditional compact station wagon. Noisy, weak engines on most models are drawbacks, and the budget-grade cabin decor wins no prizes. Against those negatives, count competitive prices, available all-wheel drive, smart packaging, and some clever convenience features. The SRT4 has the most go of any Caliber, and it's priced reasonably. At the same time, it's far less refined than other "hot hatchbacks" such as the MazdaSpeed 3 or Volkswagen GTI.
Total Score
| SE, manual | SXT, CVT | AWD R/T | SRT4 | Class Average |
| 51 | 55 | 53 | 56 | 58.6 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 51 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2009 Dodge Caliber Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Dodge Caliber Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Dodge Caliber 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 173.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 60.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2966 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 48.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | dohc I4 | Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.8 /110 | 2.0 /122 | 2.4 /144 | 2.4 /144 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 148 @ 6500 | 158 @ 6400 | 172 @ 6000 | 285 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 125 @ 5200 | 141 @ 5000 | 165 @ 4400 | 265 @ 2000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 5-speed manual | 24/29 | --/-- | 23/29 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | --/-- | 21/26 |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | 23/27 | 21/25 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Dodge Caliber 4-door wagon |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
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Also in the 2009 Dodge Caliber Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dodge Caliber Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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