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Dodge Caliber
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There are flights, and there are flight "simulators".
Which would you rather take to your vacation?
Mazda3 and VibeGT proudly offer MT, and are THE main competition.
DrFill
According to Allpar, production starts in a month. Should be at the auto shows this winter, then.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Perhaps they need to show a fleshed-out SRT version post-haste! You know, something to get the blood pumping...
The AWD Automatics are only 4 speeds also, no CVT possible.
I'll take another:
1. All Wheel Drive!
2. TDI (Please don't tease the US Dodge!)
3. Manual 5 Speed!
1) CVT in both cars.
2) 1.8 engine.
I made them both. In both cases, I stuck with the manual six speed and cloth seats.
The Versa with the sport package, abs, air curtain, sunroof and audio came in just over 18k.
The Caliber R/T, with the 2.4 litre, sport package, upgrade stereo, moonroof, and a few other baubles (I forgot which) came in just under 18.5k.
So for a couple hundred dollars you get a better looking vehicle with a larger engine.
Unless the Caliber really misses with ride and handling, seems to me its Caliber all the way.
With some of the pricing estimates I've seen on the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and others, I don't see how they're going to sell against their larger, more powerful, more luxurious siblings. Nissan's next Sentra will have to fit in between the Versa and Altima somehow. The Honda Civic LX sells for under $17k, so the Fit will have to squeak in well under that.
At least the Caliber is a sort of crossover that should appeal both to subcompact sedan buyers and small SUV buyers. In my opinion, the most similar car to the Caliber in terms of utility/size is the Mazda5.
I wonder if Dodge will build a smaller sedan at any point in the near to mid-term future? They really have room for a subcompact, compact and/or smaller mid-size since the Magnum/Charger are such large cars.
Too bad they've severed ties with Mitsubishi (did I just say that?). I've read that with the influx of subcompacts, Mitsu is considering importing their Colt, which is a good vehicle. It sells fairly well in Europe and looks as good (or better) as the Fit/Versa/Yaris. Dodge could just slap a few new badges on it and have a subcompact.
Most every other vehicle in this segment automatically comes with fold-down rear seats, regardless of trim. I hope Dodge tweaks its options packaging a bit more before releasing the vehicle.
I don't think there is a hatchback or SUV on the U.S. market that doesn't have fold down rear seats. It's a no brainer. Details and standard features are still sketchy at this point, but I think it will have basic features this type of vehicle should have.
I like it, plus the price is very afforable. I think this will be a hit.
I really like this car. The styling is clean yet bold. The cargo capacity seems to be big.
Still, it's a great deal even in SXT or R/T trim. A car like this, loaded for under $19k it'll be a winner.
Too bad the interior looks cheap as in most other Dodge products. I suppose at this price it will be more acceptable than in a $30k Magnum or Charger. It seems they spend the majority of the $$$ on developing the exterior and driving dynamics which is where their cars seem to excel.
They'll sell every one they can build. Good job!
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/AutoshowArticles/articleId=108867#1
And no one will prefer this piece of crap to a Magnum or Charger or even a Neon.
I predict the Caliber will never meet any sales goals. :lemon:
-c
http://www.dodge.com/caliber
-c
Shame on you DCX, I had this car in my sites until I just found that out. Back to Honda and Scion/Toyota for me.......a little car like that with an auto just ain't right.
What a shame.......seems like a nice little car.
Anyone know if the SRT will come with a manual tranny?
Yes the kind with the third pedal
Jeff
I'm still sad......wanted the 2.4 with the manual
Hmmmff!
The 1.8 with manual gets 28 city/34 hwy which is pretty nice. The big question is how much this puppy weighs. I haven't seen the full specs for it yet.
Anyway, I got this on weight from the Allpar web site;
Curb Weight, lb. (kg)
SE, 2966 (1345); SXT, 3039 (1378);
R/T FWD 3156 (1432); R/T AWD 3308 (1501)
The new Civic is in the 2700 lb range
The awd Matrix is about 3000 lb and the base is about 2700
So I would say that the Caliber is going to be a little heavy for the 1.8l engine....should be pretty quick with the 2.4l although the mileage should be much better with the 1.8.
Hoping for a manual with the 2.4..................
It doesn't say the optional stereos have the AUX input also.
Does the car lose the AUX input if you get an optional upgraded stereo system?
.
I am not saying that german autos don't have a certain appeal, however, the pricing, particularily of AWD models, makes these an option only for a few.
So when you get right down to it, even though there are a million SUV varients, there are only a handful of affordable AWD wagons.
First, there is the Vibe/Matrix. Advantages: command seating, huge cargo area, plastic bedliner, economy. Disadvantages: underpowered, noisy ride, expensive when you add options.
Next, there is Subaru Outback Sport. Advantages: solid built, peppy. Disadvanges: driver sits low to ground, less cargo space, no sunroof option.
And, that's it. So, obviously there is room in this category for a newcomer. The Dodge Caliber R/T will hopefully offer the advantages of the Vibe/Matrix and Outback Sport at a reasonable price.
Those who are worried about where the components are made, need to realize that car companies are all international now. If you are worried that some of the plastics are made in China, then don't go to a toy store, you may have a nervous breakdown.
Those of you who don't appreciate AWD must live in the deep South. My front-wheel drive Matrix is horrible in the snow and I would like to get rid of it as soon as I can find a suitable replacement -- I am hoping that the R/T will be exactly that vehicle.