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What we drove
Dodge Caliber – 2007 Review: Foresight may be one of the most valuable qualities to have in any business, but especially the automotive business. While some companies were working feverishly on large SUVs and trucks, others were focused on small and efficient cars, or a blend of both. Among the latter was Dodge, ready to strike back against gas price hikes with its Neon replacement, the five-door 2007 Caliber, available with front- or all-wheel drive, between 148 and 172 horses, and a price ranging from $13,985 (SE) to $19,985 (R/T AWD), including a $560 destination charge.
Why We Drove It
Spurred primarily if not completely by rising gas prices, the small and midsize car markets are once again booming as buyers reevaluate their needs and budgets. Hence, we’ve seen increased interest in family sedans, crossovers, and relatively diminutive rides like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa. The 2007 Dodge Caliber also exists in that bunch, adding its own bold style, relatively powerful engines, and available all-wheel drive, all for a competitive base sticker price. We wanted to see if the Caliber was up to snuff, and found that execution fell short of expectations.
Performance
This is a prime example of horsepower ratings not meaning squat. The Caliber R/T’s 172 ponies may look respectable on paper, but they fail to translate to any thrill behind the throttle. Maybe it’s curb weight, maybe it’s a lack of power, or maybe it’s a combination of those plus a miserable CVT transmission that robs the Caliber or any real spirit. Off-the-line response is lacking, and even highway passes require some forethought. The CVT can be manipulated manually to extract just a hint of liveliness from the powertrain, but it can only do so much. Best to wait for the boosted SRT version.
Handling
There’s one point that drivers of the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T will recognize quickly – the car is heavy, and feels it. As a result, like the powertrain, the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T’s handling characteristics offer little to write home about. Steering is too vague with little concern for road feel, and there’s notable, if not terribly excessive, body roll, while the Firestone Firehawk GTA 215/55R18 tires do their best to maintain grip. When pushed along twisty back roads this little Dodge actually feels fairly well buttoned down, aided no doubt by the all-wheel-drive system. But the car’s weight, disconnected steering feel, and lackluster powertrain seriously limit the fun factor.
Visibility
On the plus side, 2007 Dodge Caliber provides ample side mirrors for a decent rearward view, and the side glass, while limited in height by the high beltline, affords plenty of side viewing area forward of the cargo area. However, there are limitations, such as rear three-quarter visibility hampered by a sloping roof line and wide pillar (small rear side windows serve to offset this a bit); a small rear window that takes a hit from large outboard headrests that don’t retract; and thick B-pillars which limit over-the-shoulder views when merging.
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