2007 Dodge Caliber SXT Review

Chrysler Corporation has seldom been noted for small cars. The old Omni/Horizon twins, the Shadow/Sundance duo and the now-defunct Neon did little to set the automotive world ablaze. Now, however, Chrysler - specifically its Dodge unit - has upped the ante with its recently introduced Caliber. In many significant ways it leads the pack ... but in others needs refinement.

Outside the Caliber is either ogre-ugly or doll-cute, your point of view determining if Dodge's stylists either outdid themselves or fell asleep at the switch. Inside it's handsome, with plenty of room on the cloth front buckets (the driver's seat adjusts for height) and the 60/40 folding rear bench. The trunk is spacious and contains two surprise: the first a built-in rechargeable flashlight, the second a set of fold-out speakers for tailgate parties. They're only available, though, if your order the optional for $495 Musicgate Power Sound System. Besides an AM/FM/CD and Boston Acoustics speakers with a giant subwoofer you also receive a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Sound-wise the electronics rate just below excellent but fringe area reception is problematic. Install a quality mast antenna (not a $10 cheapie) and the unit will sound infinitely better.

Turning to the dash of this front-driver, you'll discover two (count 'em) two glove boxes. One will help keep your soda cold as air conditioning (of barely adequate capacity overall) is piped in. Sadly, neither glove box locks. Between the seats you'll find a console ... one that accommodates either an iPod of MP3 player. The car also incorporates many power points which add convenience. The cup holders work well, keyfob entry is standard on this $16,200 base price vehicle and front and rear floor mats are standard.

The Caliber SXT doesn't lack for creature comforts. Power windows/locks/mirrors, an electrically operated tilt/telescope steering column, power rack and pinion steering, a burglar alarm, a rear window defroster and much more will please.

Safety hasn't been neglected either. Dual front airbags along with side curtain units both rear and front are standard. Power front disc/rear drum brakes handle stopping but antilock units are only available if you buy the $1,000 continuously variable automatic transmission. The unit in the test car shifted smoothly.

Lifting the hood reveals a "boomy" 2.0 liter, 148 HP fuel-injected inline "4" with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. This powerplant costs $100 more than the standard, anemic 1.8 liter engine. It pulls this 3,039 pound vehicle from 0-60 in slightly less than 11 seconds, slow but adequate. Fuel efficiency was observed at 20 city and 26 highway (EPA 26/30), utterly dismal. An all-wheel drive version with 170+ horsepower is also available.

Turning to ride, the Caliber will please. The 4-wheel independent suspension delivers quiet, soft travel comfort. Handling, the other side of the equation, was more than satisfactory. The U-turn circle was slightly larger than average for the genre'; the all-season radial tires squealed loudly at the slightest provacation.

Quality control was dismal. Many seams were afflicted with "gapities;" numerous plastic parts seemed unfinished and rough. Be sure to purchase the longest, most comprehensive extended warranty available. Cost: about $1,200.

Though the Caliber has many innovative points quality control, relatively slow acceleration and disappointing fuel economy may give consumers' pause. Think twice before purchasing one!