The Dodge Caliber was rolled out as a replacement to the Neon. But really, the two vehicles do not have that much in common. The 2007 Dodge Caliber combines the best elements, from hatchback, wagon and minivan designs, to create a unique vehicle that does not exactly fit in a particular segment, but instead offering a combination of vehicle types all in one package. The Caliber offers front or all wheel drive, making it a versatile choice. The standard engine is a 1.8-liter rated at 148 horsepower and the other engine options include a 158-hp 2.0-liter, and a 165-hp 2.4-liter. The first two are available with a five-speed manual or an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission. The 2007 Dodge Caliber is at the same time innovative and retro, a hatchback that's more like a station wagon but with hints of the utility of a minivan. As far as trims go, the SE offers good, basic transportation, the SXT is more fun to drive, and the R/T delivers affordable advanced technology with the assurance of all-wheel drive.
There are no drivers seat height adjustment on the SE trim level, so if you are concerned about visibility and overall fit, it would be best to go with the SXT trim level or higher. However, overall visibility is good. The disc/drum brakes standard on the SE and in the SXT are competent. The R/T gets the best package, with discs at all four corners and ABS. All three engines delivered their power smoothly, with no disruptive surges or flat spots. Of the three trim packages and powertrains, the SXT with the 2.0-liter engine and five-speed manual delivers the best all around performance.
The engines used in the Caliber are built in Dundee, Mich. The EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy for each is 28/32 mpg, 26/30 mpg and 23/26 mpg, respectively. Currently the SE and SXT trim levels come with the 1.8-liter and five-speed-manual transmission. The 2.0-liter and continuously variable automatic transmission are optional. Front-wheel drive is the only choice at these levels.
The Caliber is clearly a Dodge, thanks to the crosshair grille. The roofline arcs cleanly from its junction with the hood just aft of the front wheel well over the side door windows to pinch off at the tail end of the rear quarter glass. Higher Caliber trim levels have very large wheels for a car of this size and class: Fifteen-inch steel wheels with wheel covers are standard on the SE, but the SXT jumps to 17-inch aluminum wheels, and the R/T's are 18 inches. The trademark crosshair grille dominates the front end. Full-round door handles, either chrome-trimmed or body color, bridge scooped-out grip spaces. The side view of the Dodge Caliber shows strongly blistered fenders front and rear beneath a wedge-shaped beltline.
The SE and SXT have basic cloth upholstery. The Caliber's interior is comfortable and workable. The front passenger seat folds forward in all but the SE trim level. The rear seat is a bench and legroom is somewhat cramped, trailing all four competitors. As the Caliber is relatively tall, standing more than four inches above the Neon, the seats are closer to chairs than cushions bolted to the floor. This eases climbing in and out. The Caliber's cargo area and towing capacity are on par with its competitors Nifty features include illuminated cupholder rings and the MP3-player/cell phone holster in the armrest. The feature is shared with the Jeep Compass. The instrument cluster and center stack are the picture of efficiency. Gauges are large, round and gleefully legible. The Caliber has room for five passengers. The front seats in the 2007 Dodge Caliber are comfortable, with decently bolstered back cushions. Front-seat headroom is impressive. The cargo floor is plastic and easy to clean.
The SE comes with the 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission. The 2.0-liter engine is optional, and both engines are available with the CVT automatic. The SE comes with cloth seats; tilt steering column; an AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers and an auxiliary input jack; a cell phone/MP3 player holder built into the front center sliding armrest; 60/40-split, folding rear seat; removable and washable vinyl cargo mat; and all-season, P205/70R15 tires on hubcapped, steel wheels. The SE comes with manual roll-up windows and manual outside mirrors.
The SXT also comes standard with the 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual, with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT optional, but the list of standard features expands dramatically. SXT options include the Leather Interior Group, which gets leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and a manual lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat. Seat heaters can be ordered for the cloth seats.
The R/T comes standard with the 2.4-liter engine, the CVT, and all-wheel drive. Standard features include the SXT features, the Sport Appearance Interior Group, cruise control, leather-clad steering wheel with audio controls, cargo cover, a sport suspension with performance steering and P215/55R18 all-season performance tires on aluminum wheels.
Safety features that come standard include multi-stage front airbags, inflatable driver knee blocker, and full-coverage side curtain airbags. The 2007 Dodge Caliber is great for an everyday driver or a family vehicle. It is easy to operate and maneuver and has the room of a wagon, with the versatility of a minivan. Overall, the Caliber is an excellent value. Read a Dodge Caliber review by myride.com for more research.