I rolled down the rear window on the drivers side only and the buffeting was almost painful... in reading the owners manual, I came across a passage that addresses this issue.. of course the fix was to roll the window up, open an opposing window some, etc... so they were aware of this issue from the beginning..
justbill- its not really an issue- but a well known principle based on science that as mentioned occurs in most cars. This is from the article/link posted below that explains wind buffetting:
"An unstable shear layer that is established at the forward edge of a window opening causes wind buffeting. These disturbances (swirling wind or currents of different speeds and directions) travel along the side of the vehicle and, when they reach the rear edge of the window opening, generate a pressure wave that propagates both inside and outside the passenger compartment. Outside the vehicle, this wave moves both forward and backward along the side of the car. When the forward-traveling wave reaches the front edge of the opening, it triggers another disturbance that moves back to the rear edge. This process is repeated many times a second and causes the shear layer to develop a characteristic buffeting frequency, which depends on the vehicle speed and the geometry of the opening." link title
As for the CoolZone- I don't know that it was ever meant to be more than a place to keep drinks cold (not cool them down). For what it is, I think it's pretty neat that they thought to put that in there!
Yeah I really don't have a problem with the CoolZone.. just wondered it if the ease of movement was only happening in mine..but in reading this and other forums, that seems to be the norm... if I do use the box for keeping things chilled, I will just wedge in something temporarily...
It just so great to know that you all are enjoying your Calibers, if you read back a little you know what i mean. They still cant figure out the problem with mine, and im stuck paying a Caliber payment but driving a beat up Ford Focus rental car. :mad:
I just love my calibar, I got the SXT model with 2.0 engine, fog lights, and all power inside, the color is sunburst orange pearl. The question is the cool zone though, talked to the dealer and he says that he is going to a meeting and he intends to ask about what to do in order to keep the plastic vent open. I find that if you pull on the thing hard enough it will stay open, but you not need to pull it so hard that you brake it though. It is a poor design the salesman said and I agreed with him on that also. When I find out about the cool zone problem I will post it here for all to see. No problems so far. I just got my calibar on 5-31-06 and they are only 3 sunburst orange pearl calibars here where I'm at, and I'm just loving it.
HI first time posting, but I've been lurking. Just stoped by a dealer and sat in an SXT. It felt comfortable. It's yellow tho. I'm not a big fan of yellow but it didn't look all that bad really. Going back in the am to take it for a ride. Heres the window sticker from their web site.
MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE OF THIS MODEL INCLUDING DEALER PREPARATION
Base Price: $ 15,425
DODGE CALIBER SXT Exterior Color: Solar Yellow Clear Coat Exterior Paint Interior Color: Pastel Slate Gray Interior Colors Interior: Cloth Seats with Color-Keyed Insert Engine: 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine Transmission: Continuously Variable Transaxle II STANDARD EQUIPMENT(UNLESS REPLACED BY OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT) FUNCTIONAL / SAFETY FEATURES Front Advanced Multistage Air Bags** Supplemental Side Curtain Front and Rear Air Bags** Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes Solar-Control Glass Rear Window Defroster Rearview Day/Night Mirror Sentry Key(R) Theft Deterrent System Keyless Entry Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers Sliding Sun Visors with Mirrors Power Accessory Delay Rear Window Wiper/Washer Power Mirrors Speed Sensitive Power Locks Power Windows with Driver's One-Touch-Down Feature Passenger Assist Handles Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Touring Suspension 12-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet Auxiliary 115-Volt Power Outlet Illuminated Entry INTERIOR FEATURES Air Conditioning with Chill Zone(TM) Storage Illuminated Cupholders Tilt Steering Column AM/FM/CD, Chgr Ctrl, Aux Input Jack 4 Speakers Sliding Armrest with Cell Phone/MP3 Holder Flexible Seating Group Driver's Seat with Height Adjuster Rear Fold-Flat-Forward Seat Rear 60/40 Split Recline Seat Fold Flat - Load Floor Interior Removable/Rechargeable Lamp Satin Silver Shifter Bezel Satin Silver Instrument Panel Bezel Front and Rear Floor Mats EXTERIOR FEATURES Liftgate Door with Fixed Glass
PRICE INFORMATION (contd.) Halogen Headlamps 17" x 6.5" Steel Wheels P215/60R17 BSW All Season Touring Tires
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Solar Yellow Clear Coat Exterior Paint $ 150 Solar Yellow Seat Insert Customer Preferred Package 24E $ 645 Sport Appearance Interior Group Color-Keyed Instrument Panel Bezel Cloth Seats with Color-Keyed Insert Color-Keyed Shifter Bezel Fog Lamps 17" x 6.5" Aluminum Wheels MusicGate Power (TM) Sound System $ 495 2 Articulating Liftgate Speakers 6 Boston Acoustics Speakers with Subwoofer Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel Heated Front Seats $ 250 Continuously Variable Transaxle II $ 1,000 Anti-Lock Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine $ 100 Power Sunroof $ 750 Speed Control $ 250 SIRIUS Satellite Digital Radio $ 195 Call SIRIUS to Activate at 888-539-7474 1-Year Service Provided by SIRIUS
The yellow is HOT! Get the shiny chrome wheels instead of the aluminum ones - it will make all the difference. Ours was spec't out just like yours - about the same price too!
You got the R/T version. I agree with the chrome it makes the Yellow tolerable. In a plain SE I would say no to that color though. You need the upgrades for that color IMO.
I've got almost all of my Mopar Parts on my car now. Here are the pictures, there are two pages of pictures. The second page is the stock car pictures.
I currently own a Cruiser and love it (except for the highway road noise)! I was out looking for a New Cruiser and came across the Caliber. So now I have to decide ! ! ! Has anyone driven both and can tell me if the Caliber has the same noise problem? Thanks in advance
I have posted several problems here in the last few weeks so I thought I would update the status. I can see that others may have had the same issues. First I reported a problem with a noisy fuel pump (high pitched ringing sound). The selling dealer would not do anything for me but I took it to another Dodge dealer and they ordered a replacement pump that did not correct the problem. Apparently there is a "harmonics" problem with the Caliber I purchased that causes noises to be amplified through the body of the car. The next problem I reported was the "popping" or "pinging" noise from the exhaust during driving, idling and after stopping. Chrysler told the dealer they were aware of this and were not working on a fix for it but the metal would cure and the noise would get quieter eventually. The third problem I reported was engine "knocking" that Chrysler acknowledged they were working on and eventually would have a program to retard the timing and correct the problem (also reducing the gas mileage). The fourth problem I reported was a rattle underneath the console that appeared to get worse when the wind was stronger. The dealer could not identify the source and I was told I might just have to get used to it. Since I was not willing to accept all these issues on a new car with less than 1000 miles (costing $20K)and I could not get any cooperation from Chrysler I decided to sell the car and buy something dependable to drive. I have owned several Chrysler products but I will not own another one after this one.
I owned a PT Cruiser for 3 years and recently purchsed a Caliber. The Caliber is somewhat quieter on the highway but has many other noise issues that you might not want to deal with in the long run. I would keep driving the Cruiser for a while and wait until next year on the Caliber if I was you. There are still too many issues with this car to buy one now.
Thanks of the info and advice. Sorry to hear that your experience with the Caliber was not a good one. It all comes down to customer service and now a days $20k is nothing to most dealerships.
I would like to purchase a Caliber, but I will wait out all the problems if I do. Right now, today, what is the best ie (most dependable and economical) :sick: car in this class? Vibe, PT Cruiser etc? Thank you.
I think I am one of the few that doesn't have the CVT, we opted for the manual transmission and I don't have ANY noise issues. I wonder if it's all related to the CVT?????
Anyone with a manual transmission having problems with noise?
So far my only complaint is that the car needs to be faster but that is because I traded in a Mustang GT and everything seems slow compared to that.
Oh, and it would be better if the interior was darker, having kids and a light grey intentior can be problematic.
After recently purchasing a Caliber and then selling it three weeks later I would recommend you look at a Honda or Toyota for the best dependability and economy. Vibe is actually a Toyota Matrix in disguise but may actually cost more than the Matrix. Take a look at the Car and Driver and Edmunds reviews on the small wagon / hatchbacks. There's some good information in there.
My SXT CVT has both the spark knock and the exhaust pinging. I would be satisfied if Dodge were to say something like "We know people are having these problems, but we do not have a solution right now - we are working on it." Instead it appears that Dodge is saying "there are no problems with the car" when they know otherwise. We are not making these thing up. I also suspect that changes are being made in the current production cars to solve these noises, but, as owners of early models, we are being ignored because they do not have enough good parts to fix our cars and continue building more cars at the same time. If anyone knows why Dodge is ignoring us, please let me know. I think we all agree that while Dodge has a good acr overall, this is unacceptable and Dodge needs to clean up their act quite a bit.
Does anyone know if there is a way to "mute" the horn when using the remote entry fob to lock the doors? Our Caravan, and other cars we have had, gives a light toot of the horn when you lock the doors, but the Caliber gives you a full blast. This is quite loud if you are near the car and really unnecessary. Thanks!
some surprises: porshe overall #1 in survey, hyundai #3. the rest none too surprising. dodge is way down the list-20th out of 38 nameplates.(see wall street journal, June 8.--sorry i couldnt find a link to the overall chart)) while this is an initial quality survey, i cant help but think if your cars have alot of problems in the beginning, that does not speak well to long term reliability.
:confuse: Caliberchic you may be onto something. My Caliber SXT Sport 5 speed was built about the same time yours was and after about 600 miles I have no engine noise unless I rev it up too much and that's not the car's fault. Maybe the cvt is trying to drop the revs too much combined with too advanced ignition timing. It's only an uneducated guess and I hope those of you with pinging engines can get it sorted out soon.
There is a method to our madness however. We live in an area of good ol' WVa we like to call the "Methuselah Belt". About 75% of the population is >70 and they ALL drive Coupe de Hogs (or Buick boats), with their heads just over the steering wheel! :mad: It's nice to know we're driving a car we think they MIGHT see!
Anyhow, "X" is a real party car! We're still looking for suggestions for tricking her out.
Has anybody attempted to contact Dodge Customer Service at their 800 number? We've tried calling them and wasted about 15 minutes just making selections on their automated menu - and never did talk to a real, live human being! Believe it or not, all we wanted to do is let them know they have our mailing address wrong! :mad: :mad:
Check out my carspace page http://www.carspace.com/caliberchic for some ideas for "tricking" your car out. I have added several mopar parts BUT your R/T already has a hand up on us because you already have the chrome molding, chrome door handles and chrome rims.
What about getting the color matched spoiler? That's next for us. Oh, I think the rain guards look good too. Tint would be good too!
I have about 600 miles on mine too! I have such a LACK of engine noise that I stall the darn thing in first because you can't hear the motor! I learned to drive on a stick and have owned MANY so I know it's not my driving skills. LOL
Does anyone know if the lights can be made to go on aotomatically when either engine is started or sun is dimming, and off when the engine is stopped or sun is bright? :shades: I couldnt find info in the manual about it. or do i have to do it manually all the time. Boy do i sound spoiled..lol :P
Well at 2146 miles and at the dealership for repairs 5 times, Dodge has finally agreed that my Caliber is not good and are going to buy it back from me! Thank God!!! Hope everyone else enjoys there Caliber and doesnt experience the nightmares i went through.
Caliberchic is right again, the quietness of this engine makes you stall it if you don't rev up until you hear it and I am not happy for my clutch. Had my Caliber gassed up and washed for the first time today and after that the engine "malfunction" light came on. The manual says this can be caused by the gas cap but there seems to be no problem there. Now have to make my first visit to the service department. Went to a Mopar show today and a guy took some pics of my car. Gave him 10 bucks to send me copies. Hope he's a straight shooter, seemed to be.
My buddy has the pinging on his , it has a little over 1200 miles on it . We drove down the shore in Jersey . IT was a two and a half hour drive down to alantic city. When we were done with the drive the pinging was gone and hasn't come back yet.
ITs a cool car all things considered . I might pick one up , depending on if your problems get solved
Does anyone know how and or where you can find out what date your car was mfg'ed. I have the SE model, I do have the noise from the exhaust. I haven't heard any knocking in the engine. Does the knocking happen all the time or it is just when you start the car. I know Chrysler is famous for their hydraulic lifters tapping like there is no tomorrow. I checked my vin and that doesn't tell me the date. When I took my bezel off to upgrade radio, it looked like a bunch of stuff had April 06 stickers.
Hey all, new poster here, but I've been reading your comments for a few days now, and I'm looking for some advice.
I'm looking at the Cali, and the Mitsu Lancer, both in the base model. I've driven several Lancers, and I'm off to drive a Cali tomorrow. Any opinions on the two vehicles and how they compare?
Also, my local dealer only has 5spd vehicles in stock, which is ok, but I haven't decided if I want a 5 or a CVT model. How would owners rate the CVT tranny?
Any other factors to consider that I might not be thinking of? I admit, I LOVE the look of the Caliber... I'm leaning that way. Should I just wait and buy an off-demo model in 10 months? I've never purchased brand new before... little help? (sorry for all the questions...)
Hey there, I purchased my caliber on may 12, i love it, but i after a few days, we started hearing a LOUD pinging noise coming from what sounded like the muffler, took it to dealer, could not find anything wrong with it, but the service manager did not like the noise either, so he called chrysler and they said just go ahead and replace entire exhaust system ( muffler, exhaust pipes, and catalytic converter). i have had no problems since then!! it is great on gas, very roomy, sirius radio is a BIG plus!!
It does appear that none of the 5 speeds have the exhaust tick or engine noise. However, this may simply be a function of the build date. All of the the early production (January - April) cars were CVTs since the manual trannys were not available to Dodge early on.
It does appear that Dodge is aware of the exhaust noise and the engine pinging. We will see what they are going to do about it on a large-scale basis. From what I've read with other posts, there was a problem with a joint being too tight on the exhaust causing the excessive cooldown noise. I'm not surprised that the replacing the exhaust solved the problem. All of the current production cars (May or June) should have the "fix" already done at the factory.
As for the engine pinging, mine does ping, but it is not noticeable with the windows rolled up. The 5 speeds all have the 1.8 liter engine and the CVTs all have the 2.0 liter engine. The computer programming for these two ehgines is most likely different, so the pinging is likely due to the programming, not the tranny.
As far as 5 speed versus CVT goes... The CVT is $1100 US more, but it is a nice tranny, the larger engine has dual balance shafts (the smaller engine does not), and ABS is included with the CVT package. A 5 speed with ABS is $700 US cheaper than a CVT with ABS. US MPG is only about 2 mpg higher with the smaller engine and 5 speed, but some folks have been reporting higher than rated MPG with the 5-speed but the CVT appears to be right on the ratings.
I thought the CVT with ABS was worth the extra money, especially considering the typically lower resale of 5 speeds.
As for the SE model, you can't get cruise control on it, so that's what made me buy an SXT model. The reclining rear seats and folding front seat on the SXT are very nice also. I think an SE with A/C and power package is only about $500 cheaper than the SXT, which has these items as standard.
Despite the two noises mentioned before, I'm happy with the car. Hopefully Dodge will spread teh word to dealers abotu how to fix both of these issues.
:shades: I was a first time buyer myself and one of the most exciting things about buying my Caliber was that I was able to have it built just like I wanted it and after you get it you really bond with it and consider it "your" car. When you buy used or even "demo" off the lot, you have to search like crazy to get what you want, and even after that you often have to compromise on something. Custom orders are a long wait but once you get your car it seems to be worth it. I even kept the window sticker for a souvenir. It says "this car was built for" (your name)! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. BTW some may say that the 5 speed has less resale value, when I picked mine up the sales manager told me three other dealers had phoned inquiring whether I was going to take the car ie. they had customers for it. Also, I think it will always be rare, a stick SXT Sport with most of the options. Here in Canada, if you forego the cvt and ABS brakes you save $1200.00, a lot of money that can go into some other goodies.The bottom line is before you lay out your hard earned money, make sure that it is the car you want.
I've posted this Twice Before in this Forum but here it is again...
"All-round, I love this transmission. Its among the best CVTs Ive ever tried. Interestingly, what might be the best CVT Ive driven overall is fitted to Nissans Murano crossover, a transmission that just happens to be made by the same supplier that builds the Calibers CVT, Jatco; a Japanese company thats partially owned by Nissan. The Caliber CVT is a more sophisticated gearbox than that in the Murano, however, being a newer, more updated CVT2 example, and is probably only bested by the Nissan due to the larger vehicles torque-laden V6 engine - kind of an apples to oranges comparison."
I have owned a 1985 Daytona, a 1989 Daytona, a 1993 Dakota, a 1998 Dakota, a 2003 Dakota, and soon a 2007 Caliber. Am I progressing or digressing ?? Spending $350 a month for gas and the house is done...not much need for the truck..the Caliber looks fun and tough plus MPG's is a major draw with ample space. Hope I won't regret this purchase....I am 5 for 5 in my previous vehicle buys....Keep it rolling Dodge !!
I won the Caliber Photo contest and I am getting a free IPod out of it. Now how does the Ipod/MP3 player thing work with the radio? I don't see any kind of jack or outlet for it? I am being dense?
Oh, and the car is averaging 29.5 miles per gallon now that we driven it a bit.
The base radio/cd player has an input on the lower left. After plugging in the mp3 player you press the mode button on the radio so that it shows "AUX" and your ready to go. I did read a post or two a while back that said some of the upgraded in-dash 6-cd changers did not have the aux jack on them... If you don't have it, check with your dealer if you are supposed to ... perhaps the wrong radio was supplied or installed.
BTW, I saw the picture of your Caliber - it was okay, but I could not get a large enough image to see the effects, if any.
Comments
Bill
Inferno Red R/T
"An unstable shear layer that is established at the forward edge of a window opening causes wind buffeting. These disturbances (swirling wind or currents of different speeds and directions) travel along the side of the vehicle and, when they reach the rear edge of the window opening, generate a pressure wave that propagates both inside and outside the passenger compartment. Outside the vehicle, this wave moves both forward and backward along the side of the car. When the forward-traveling wave reaches the front edge of the opening, it triggers another disturbance that moves back to the rear edge. This process is repeated many times a second and causes the shear layer to develop a characteristic buffeting frequency, which depends on the vehicle speed and the geometry of the opening."
link title
As for the CoolZone- I don't know that it was ever meant to be more than a place to keep drinks cold (not cool them down). For what it is, I think it's pretty neat that they thought to put that in there!
MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE OF THIS MODEL INCLUDING DEALER PREPARATION
Base Price: $ 15,425
DODGE CALIBER SXT
Exterior Color: Solar Yellow Clear Coat Exterior Paint
Interior Color: Pastel Slate Gray Interior Colors
Interior: Cloth Seats with Color-Keyed Insert
Engine: 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transaxle II
STANDARD EQUIPMENT(UNLESS REPLACED BY OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT)
FUNCTIONAL / SAFETY FEATURES
Front Advanced Multistage Air Bags**
Supplemental Side Curtain Front and Rear Air Bags**
Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
Solar-Control Glass
Rear Window Defroster
Rearview Day/Night Mirror
Sentry Key(R) Theft Deterrent System
Keyless Entry
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Sliding Sun Visors with Mirrors
Power Accessory Delay
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Power Mirrors
Speed Sensitive Power Locks
Power Windows with Driver's One-Touch-Down Feature
Passenger Assist Handles
Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering
Touring Suspension
12-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet
Auxiliary 115-Volt Power Outlet
Illuminated Entry
INTERIOR FEATURES
Air Conditioning with Chill Zone(TM) Storage
Illuminated Cupholders
Tilt Steering Column
AM/FM/CD, Chgr Ctrl, Aux Input Jack
4 Speakers
Sliding Armrest with Cell Phone/MP3 Holder
Flexible Seating Group
Driver's Seat with Height Adjuster
Rear Fold-Flat-Forward Seat
Rear 60/40 Split Recline Seat
Fold Flat - Load Floor
Interior Removable/Rechargeable Lamp
Satin Silver Shifter Bezel
Satin Silver Instrument Panel Bezel
Front and Rear Floor Mats
EXTERIOR FEATURES
Liftgate Door with Fixed Glass
PRICE INFORMATION (contd.)
Halogen Headlamps
17" x 6.5" Steel Wheels
P215/60R17 BSW All Season Touring Tires
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Solar Yellow Clear Coat Exterior Paint $ 150
Solar Yellow Seat Insert
Customer Preferred Package 24E $ 645
Sport Appearance Interior Group
Color-Keyed Instrument Panel Bezel
Cloth Seats with Color-Keyed Insert
Color-Keyed Shifter Bezel
Fog Lamps
17" x 6.5" Aluminum Wheels
MusicGate Power (TM) Sound System $ 495
2 Articulating Liftgate Speakers
6 Boston Acoustics Speakers with Subwoofer
Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Heated Front Seats $ 250
Continuously Variable Transaxle II $ 1,000
Anti-Lock Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine $ 100
Power Sunroof $ 750
Speed Control $ 250
SIRIUS Satellite Digital Radio $ 195
Call SIRIUS to Activate at 888-539-7474
1-Year Service Provided by SIRIUS
DESTINATION CHARGE $ 560
TOTAL PRICE:* $ 19,820
Check out pics of our neat ride! :shades:
http://www.carspace.com/stevenbarbrn/?50@@.59a51db8
Caliber Pics
The next problem I reported was the "popping" or "pinging" noise from the exhaust during driving, idling and after stopping. Chrysler told the dealer they were aware of this and were not working on a fix for it but the metal would cure and the noise would get quieter eventually.
The third problem I reported was engine "knocking" that Chrysler acknowledged they were working on and eventually would have a program to retard the timing and correct the problem (also reducing the gas mileage). The fourth problem I reported was a rattle underneath the console that appeared to get worse when the wind was stronger. The dealer could not identify the source and I was told I might just have to get used to it.
Since I was not willing to accept all these issues on a new car with less than 1000 miles (costing $20K)and I could not get any cooperation from Chrysler I decided to sell the car and buy something dependable to drive. I have owned several Chrysler products but I will not own another one after this one.
Anyone with a manual transmission having problems with noise?
So far my only complaint is that the car needs to be faster but that is because I traded in a Mustang GT and everything seems slow compared to that.
Oh, and it would be better if the interior was darker, having kids and a light grey intentior can be problematic.
Instead it appears that Dodge is saying "there are no problems with the car" when they know otherwise. We are not making these thing up. I also suspect that changes are being made in the current production cars to solve these noises, but, as owners of early models, we are being ignored because they do not have enough good parts to fix our cars and continue building more cars at the same time.
If anyone knows why Dodge is ignoring us, please let me know. I think we all agree that while Dodge has a good acr overall, this is unacceptable and Dodge needs to clean up their act quite a bit.
http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/07/Autos/jdpower_iqs/
some surprises: porshe overall #1 in survey, hyundai #3. the rest none too surprising. dodge is way down the list-20th out of 38 nameplates.(see wall street journal, June 8.--sorry i couldnt find a link to the overall chart)) while this is an initial quality survey, i cant help but think if your cars have alot of problems in the beginning, that does not speak well to long term reliability.
Tolerable!!?! :P
There is a method to our madness however. We live in an area of good ol' WVa we like to call the "Methuselah Belt". About 75% of the population is >70 and they ALL drive Coupe de Hogs (or Buick boats), with their heads just over the steering wheel! :mad: It's nice to know we're driving a car we think they MIGHT see!
Anyhow, "X" is a real party car! We're still looking for suggestions for tricking her out.
What about getting the color matched spoiler? That's next for us. Oh, I think the rain guards look good too. Tint would be good too!
I'm not sure what the problem is (aside from myself)?
I couldnt find info in the manual about it.
or do i have to do it manually all the time. Boy do i sound spoiled..lol :P
thanks!
ITs a cool car all things considered . I might pick one up , depending on if your problems get solved
I'm looking at the Cali, and the Mitsu Lancer, both in the base model. I've driven several Lancers, and I'm off to drive a Cali tomorrow. Any opinions on the two vehicles and how they compare?
Also, my local dealer only has 5spd vehicles in stock, which is ok, but I haven't decided if I want a 5 or a CVT model. How would owners rate the CVT tranny?
Any other factors to consider that I might not be thinking of? I admit, I LOVE the look of the Caliber... I'm leaning that way. Should I just wait and buy an off-demo model in 10 months? I've never purchased brand new before... little help?
(sorry for all the questions...)
Mine is the Caliber peeing on the tree. And if you vote for any one else shame on you! j/k!
It does appear that Dodge is aware of the exhaust noise and the engine pinging. We will see what they are going to do about it on a large-scale basis. From what I've read with other posts, there was a problem with a joint being too tight on the exhaust causing the excessive cooldown noise. I'm not surprised that the replacing the exhaust solved the problem. All of the current production cars (May or June) should have the "fix" already done at the factory.
As for the engine pinging, mine does ping, but it is not noticeable with the windows rolled up. The 5 speeds all have the 1.8 liter engine and the CVTs all have the 2.0 liter engine. The computer programming for these two ehgines is most likely different, so the pinging is likely due to the programming, not the tranny.
As far as 5 speed versus CVT goes... The CVT is $1100 US more, but it is a nice tranny, the larger engine has dual balance shafts (the smaller engine does not), and ABS is included with the CVT package. A 5 speed with ABS is $700 US cheaper than a CVT with ABS. US MPG is only about 2 mpg higher with the smaller engine and 5 speed, but some folks have been reporting higher than rated MPG with the 5-speed but the CVT appears to be right on the ratings.
I thought the CVT with ABS was worth the extra money, especially considering the typically lower resale of 5 speeds.
As for the SE model, you can't get cruise control on it, so that's what made me buy an SXT model. The reclining rear seats and folding front seat on the SXT are very nice also. I think an SE with A/C and power package is only about $500 cheaper than the SXT, which has these items as standard.
Despite the two noises mentioned before, I'm happy with the car. Hopefully Dodge will spread teh word to dealers abotu how to fix both of these issues.
"All-round, I love this transmission. Its among the best CVTs Ive ever tried. Interestingly, what might be the best CVT Ive driven overall is fitted to Nissans Murano crossover, a transmission that just happens to be made by the same supplier that builds the Calibers CVT, Jatco; a Japanese company thats partially owned by Nissan. The Caliber CVT is a more sophisticated gearbox than that in the Murano, however, being a newer, more updated CVT2 example, and is probably only bested by the Nissan due to the larger vehicles torque-laden V6 engine - kind of an apples to oranges comparison."
http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Dodge/review/2007-dodge-caliber-road-test/1680- /2
It's difficult to see out the rear windows sometimes, but the again my other car has an entire glass hatch.
Oh, and the car is averaging 29.5 miles per gallon now that we driven it a bit.
BTW, I saw the picture of your Caliber - it was okay, but I could not get a large enough image to see the effects, if any.