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2007 Dodge Caliber R/T Compact Wagon

New Car Review of the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T Compact Wagon

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Base MSRP Range: $13,425 - $19,425

Base Invoice Range: $12,627 - $18,087

MSRP As Tested: $20,425

Versions: SE, SXT, R/T

Vehicle Category: Compact Wagon

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive.

Standard Engine: 1.8-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4,148 – horsepower at 6500 rpm and 125 lb-ft torque at 5200 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 28/32.

Optional Engine: 2.0-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4, 158 – horsepower at 6400 rpm and 141 lb-ft torque at 5000 rpm.

Transmission: CVT automatic.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 26/30.

Optional Engine as Tested: 2.4-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4, 172 – horsepower at 6000 rpm and 165 lb-ft torque at 4400 rpm.

Transmission: CVT automatic.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 26/30.

Standard Safety Features: Dual front airbags, Curtain side airbags, Driver knee airbag, "> Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes.

Competition: Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Pontiac Vibe, .

When you think of an innovative car, you probably imagine something expensive. Innovation and price usually go hand in hand because the more you pay for a car, the more cool gadgets you expect it to have.

Seems logical, right?

Well, Dodge turned logic on its head when it created the 2007 Caliber. It's an extremely affordable car, with a base price slightly less than $13,500, but it's also one of the most innovative vehicles I've driven in a long time. It's a fantastic replacement for Dodge's ho-hum economy car, the Neon, which will no longer be sold after 2006.

For starters, the Caliber has a style and body layout like no other car on the road, resulting in an eye-catching look and more usable space than other cars in this ultra-cheap class.

From the outside, it looks like the Caliber is divided in half at the windshield. Everything in front of the windshield is styled like an SUV, and everything behind it looks like a European sports hatchback, resulting in a car that doesn't seem as dorky as most hatchbacks nor as portly as most SUVs.

It also results in a surprisingly roomy interior. The front seats are perfectly comfortable, and the back seats leave a little more leg room and a lot more headroom than you'd expect to find in a sub-compact car. Everything is laid out efficiently with lots of nooks and crannies for storing things.

You'll find some cool innovations inside, too.

One is a small compartment that keeps drinks cold while you drive. It's not a real refrigerator like you'd find on a hyper-expensive luxury car, but it will keep four 20-ounce bottles nice and chilly on a road trip. Best of all, it's not an expensive optional feature that you won't be able to afford. It comes at no charge on every Caliber that has air conditioning.

Some other unusual features are related to the sound system. It comes with an iPod holder that flips out of the armrest, perfect for holding your MP3 player or cell phone for easy access. And if you opt for an upgraded stereo, it comes with fold-out speakers designed for tailgating or having an impromptu party behind your car. There's even a 110-volt AC power outlet included. Pretty cool stuff.

When it comes to driving, the Caliber really isn't anything special. It drives like an economy car, with OK acceleration, a relatively harsh ride and a mildly noisy cabin. It feels competent, but not much more.

The $13,455 basic SE model comes with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a $1,000 option, and it lacks air conditioning, power windows and power mirrors. If you want all those, it will cost more than $1,500 more.

If you want even more standard features, opt for the SXT model ($15,425). For better performance and more luxury, you can pick the R/T ($19,425), which has a 2.4-liter engine, the CVT and a long, long list of standard equipment.

Overall, it's hard to argue with the Caliber's combination of style, practicality, innovation and affordability. It's the kind of car I think we'll see packing America's highways in a couple of years.

Pros: It offers real innovation and a unique style rarely found in cars this cheap. It combines the best features of a minivan and economy car into one stylish, efficient, family-friendly vehicle.

Cons: It has the same boring, unrefined driving feel as the car it replaces, the Neon. The cabin can get noisy, the ride is fairly harsh and performance is only adequate.


Ratings (1-10)

  • Style: 9
  • Performance: 3
  • Price: 10
  • Handling: 4
  • Ride: 6
  • Comfort: 7
  • Quality: 7
  • Overall: 8

More Data

Where Built: USA

Major Options: Power Equipment Group, 23/24E Quick Order Package, Leather Interior Group, Driver's Convenience Group, Security Group, Trailer Group, Smoker's Group. Front side airbags, Antilock brakes, Antiskid system, Daytime running lights, Air conditioning, Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, Boston Acoustics sound system, Leather Interior, Satellite radio, UConnect, Heated front seats, Premium cloth upholstery, Cruise control, Cargo cover, Fog lights, Engine-block heater, Alloy wheels, Chrome alloy wheels.

Seating: 5

Number of Rows: 2

Length in Inches: 173.8

Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles Bumper to Bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles Free Roadside Assistance.

Weight in Pounds: 2966 lbs.

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not available.

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not Available.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 13.6

Destination Charge: $560