The Big 2.5 have always struggled with vehicles of the four-cylinder persuasion. A series of broken nameplates dating back to Omni, Vega, and Pinto highlights Detroit’s longstanding fear and loathing of Thinking Small. Now the 0.5 is attempting to renew its ardor with the Caliber, branding it a “world car” and exporting it to Europe. Unfortunately, the Caliber shows that bad Detroit habits are hard to break, firing blanks in this latest battle of the econobox wars.
The Caliber goes to enormous lengths to distance itself from the smiley-faced four-door that preceded it. Dodge’s designers replaced the Neon’s batted-eyelash visage with their trademark crosshair grille, giving the youngster a mini-me Durango look. The shared lineage continues with the sedan’s steeply raked windshield and pronounced wheel wells, also strongly derivative of El Durangito.
The Caliber’s tail is angular and stout, in the great Volvo XC90 tradition. The Dodge’s protruding taillights and loading lip are strangely reminiscent of its sibling, the Jeep Compass. The roofline tapers back behind the C-pillar above side-rear windows and a roof spoiler, offering more than a passing nod to the Lexus RX.
All these influences are appealing in theory, laughable in fact. Despite the “anything but cute” advertising spin, the Caliber’s faux-bravado pastiche contradicts its maker’s intentions. The SUV-lite’s oversized bits are akin to puppy paws waiting for the attached dog to grow up. The resulting angry compressed truck exterior seems, well, silly.
The Caliber’s cabin is standard issue Chysler: slightly quirky but mostly dull. Perhaps the $16k market demographic has a high tolerance for cheap plastics and oversized gauges, but how did DCX decide that gray is the new black? Choosing between “slate gray” and “pebble beige” is like deciding whether or not to cut the crusts off a piece of white toast. The Caliber SXT Sport attempts to lighten this fug of mediocrity with a red or blue dash bezel and seat inserts (also available on R/T). It's about as sporty as a baseball cap on a bank clerk.
On the positive side, the Caliber’s seats were plenty comfortable. Four days and several hundred miles behind the wheel required no emergency trips to the chiropractor. The Cailber's audio system offers a wikkid flip-out MP3 holder in the center console. And the ChillZone glove box/cooler is a clever idea that shows just how far our culture has evolved on the drinking and driving front.
Chillzone in Caliber, heated/cooled cup holders in the Sebring, a dining table in the Caravan… what is it with Dodge and Chrysler and eating/drinking in their cars? Instead of building vehicles with a high fun factor, they’d rather sell consumers mobile dinettes. They should borrow a bit of finesse from BMW, with a bit less BMI.
The Caliber serves up three engine choices: a 1.8-liter 148hp base unit, a 2.0-liter 158 hp mill, and an allegedly performance-oriented 2.4 liter 172 hp “powerplant.” (Readers with a European address may partake of a VW-sourced turbodiesel.) Our CVT-equipped 2.0-liter tester sounded chronically unhappy with the business of driving. Even modest bouts of acceleration produced cruel and unusual noises. The brutal din may account for the transmission’s hesitation — perhaps it doesn’t want to offend Caliber drivers’ ears.
The Caliber’s handling matches its discontented drivetrain. Despite an independent rear suspension, the car displays all the grace of a sumo wrestler on figure skates. At the risk of inflicting metaphor overload, the tiller provides less feedback than a bumper car, with precisely none of the fun. And when it’s time for the “fun” to stop, the base model’s rear drums sound the death knell for pre-disc technology; though hopefully not for the car’s occupants.
To be fair, the Caliber’s suspension does a reasonable job maintaining its composure on city streets, back roads and Interstates. The car’s handling at two-tenths is competent enough for the typical commute or mall safari. Nonetheless, the front-wheel drive Caliber exhibits the sort of numbness and ride-handling compromises that the transplants cured more than a decade ago. And the poor outward visibility is disgraceful: an insurance deductible ready to happen.
Taken as a whole (as required), the Caliber does nothing particularly well– unless the ability to schlep chilly drinks takes top priority. If DCX’ ultimate goal was to convince our NATO allies that downsized Yank tanks can be fun and refined, they’ve failed on both fronts.
A top notch refresh of the Caliber’s rental fodder predecessor would have been a better way for the automaker to get back into the small car game. In any case, The Dodge Boys should revisit the Caliber soon, before they lose all credibility in the four-cylinder sweepstakes.
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My impression from having had a Caliber as a loaner a few weeks ago… The first thing I noticed when getting in it was the hard plastic on every surface you usually touch, such as elbow rests.
Visibility was terrible, especially when changing lanes on the highway. The roof comes down low on the windshield, giving a distinct bunker-like feeling at night. Quite simply, this is styling over basic safety – being able to see around the car. And to speak of night driving, the backlit gauges ruined my night vision.
I thought the 2.0 engine and CVT were perfectly adequate, performance-wise, if a bit noisy and unrefined. That was the best part of the car, along with the big trunk.
This car is freaking ugly. Just what where they thinking about. Durango for inspiration? Please thats ugly too. The Durango has the front of a tractor trailer.
This thing reminds of the Pontiac Aztec. Once again they prove that American car companies do not know how to build NICE small cars.
Dodge seems to think that large areas of glass "feminize" a vehicle (perhaps this is DCX's way of fighting the "greenhouse effect").
Although I was intrigued about the vehicle at first, seeing a Caliber in person turned me off, as it seemed to have little more glass area than a '65 VW Beetle. The engine and transmission combos appear to be designed to prevent hoonery (sorry), as each step in engine size must be offset with a required power-sapping drivetrain component (manual tranny with a 2.4 and FWD? No way, Jose!
Anyway, with the sloppy suspension, DCX is thinking slow is a "safety feature"). If it seems like I'm ranting, well, I am. I actually was looking forward to a domestic, gas-saving hatchback, and the pre-release info (hype) on this car was high — but alas, another "swing-and-a-miss" for the domestics.
“This thing reminds of the Pontiac Aztec.”
Ironically, if GM had built a cheap, Caliber-sized Aztec, it might not have been the Edsel-sized failure it became. A cheap, small Aztec (which is essentially what the Caliber is) would have had the kind of outré styling that this end of the market would have bought.
Regardless, the Caliber is a far cry from the original, much better looking, nineties’ Neon.
"the car displays all the grace of a sumo wrestler on figure skates"
I loved it. I guess it must have been engineered by Americans (obviously). I've never been in an American engineered smaller car which was capable in any sense of the word, re: handling.
I'm old enough that I can actually admit having bought a new Ford Pinto (1975) on my 18th birthday, no less. It was such an awful car, that I hardly touched another ford for, oh, nearly 20 years. The handling was abysmal. I bought a 1984 Pontiac 1000 (nee Chevette) new, too. Hey, I was a newlywed and didn't have a lot of money, okay?! T
he handling on that car was actually semi-capable, given it's very evident and prodigious limitations (i.e. wheel and tire size). Guess what? It was an Opel underneath. GM didn't have time to dumb it down before introducing it in 1976. They were in a rush. They did change the aluminum head on the Brazilian designed four bangers over to iron to take into account their ham-fisted Chevrolet mechanics at dealers, presumably.
Now I drive Japanese and South Korean cars, which, while not perfect, are a far cry from Detroit(ish) product. Far better!
This thing reminds of the Pontiac Aztec. Once again they prove that American car companies do not know how to build NICE small cars.
Nothing was as ugly as the Aztec. Not the Pacer, not the Gremlin, nothing. It’s obviously not a pretty car, but lumping it in with the Aztec is hitting below the belt.
It does look way too truckish for my senses, though.
Keep in mind that the Caliber is a really cheap ride. The fact that anyone really takes notice of the styling of an entry level car (weather you think it’s ugly or not) makes it somewhat of a success… at least you noticed… right? There are many other econo box cookie cutters you can choose from so why build another one?
It seems to sell… idunno…
I don’t think the Caliber is ugly. I actually like the looks of the car. My understanding is that they’re selling well, so the public seems to agree. Not my cup of tea, but whatever…
Unfortunately, I sat in one. The interior is among the cheapest I’ve ever seen. A Kia Rio puts it to shame. Where were Chrysler’s German nannies when this was designed?
DCX could have spent another $200 on better interior bits, but they cheaped out. In the end, another piece of junk that will do nothing for DCX.
Have they not even sat in a Civic or Corolla?
Here’s another rental car destined to attract fire-sale shoppers, then be worth nothing in resale value. I predict quality will be all over the place–you roll the dice and hope you get one that doesn’t fall apart.
Just further proof that American makers just don’t give a crap about small cars. But to be fair, there’s a catch-22 vicious cycle with giving the customers what they want, but customers only wanting what they’re given.
Just another example of selling to the price point, not to the whole market. In other words, this will do well with the “Take what I can afford” crowd and octogenarians in the country’s most boring driving state, Florida. I guess it appeals to the small SUV withdrawal crowd, but I just don’t get the styling at all. My complaint list goes on and on: how about why they put 18″+ wheels on an NA 4-cylinder gas car? The thing needs all the help it can get in ride quality and acceleration, and all that unsprung weight and excess rotational inertia isn’t helping. Oh, I guess I’m not being “manly” with comments like that.
Super article. Jeremy Clarkson, take that!
No question, the Caliber is selling well. Current dealer inventory sits at 51 days.
At the risk of becoming the Kirvorkian of Cars, I recommend we wait and see before pronouncing this model a success.
When a new model comes out– especially a stylish one– there SHOULD be a surge of demand. The real test of the car comes later after A) everyone who really, really wants one really, really has one and B) the owners who have one decide whether or not they want another one.
The Ford Mustang is a perfect example. BIG HIT! And now sales are beginning to tank. Why? Because Ford has done nothing to improve the basic machine, to maintain and defend the model’s territory.
Hey, how about the Neon? Good reviews, lots of sales, lots of fans and then… Dodge Caliber!
Mr. Imonti ends his piece by saying, OK, it’s a start. Now fix it.
The critical question for the Caliber’s survival (indeed, Chrysler’s survival) is not whether or not the Caliber’s selling now, or even how it stacks up against the current competition.
It’s simply this: will they fix it?
Detroit’s ADD dooms them to a constant round of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
All the other reviews I read about the Caliber tried too hard to be nice. This review, in contrast, is accurate, funny and to-the-point. Good job!
I liked the concept of the Neon (I know, I am weird), since it was at least originally intended to have a good grin-per-dollar ratio. It was underdeveloped and had poor NVH, but I thought it was promising. What promise does the Caliber have, I wonder?
It is really bizarre that American car companies abandon any model with good reviews and good potential for development, I mean neon, taurus, focus, etc. You’ve got a good thing, it sells, it gets good reviews, and instead of putting effort into making it better like every other car company, you abandon it and push out something like this? It’s almost like they’re running their company like The Producers. Do they have some scam worked out where they will make more money if they go bankrupt? It’s crazy.
Oh yeah… every time I see this car I expect a bunch of clowns to jump out of it.
The exterior styling works for me. But I’ve been a critic of Chrysler’s love for gray for some time, and recently wrote a blog entry about it:
http://www.truedelta.com/blog/?p=21
On the other hand, after a rough start quality seems to be improving. I’m getting good data on this car, as the car has very enthusiastic owners and 60 of them have already joined my panel.
My price comparison, fuel economy, and reliability site’s page for the Caliber:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Caliber.php
the bling boys seem to like it here, i’ve seen it with 22 inch wheels with spinners fer chrissakes – they probably cost more than the entire car –
“the car displays all the grace of a sumo wrestler on figure skates” Indeed.
all bling, so sting. stupid car.
I drove a base model 97 Neon for six years till it died on me with little to no problems until then. And I actually liked driving it. My dad complained once when he drove it about the uncomfortable seats and man where they but I got used to it.
I don’t think it was smart to get rid of the Neon. The last years (05?) styling was very nice and I was considering getting another. And from what I had seen was pretty popular with tuners. There where whole sites dedicated to Neon tuner parts.
Though I have to say I kinda like the way the Caliber looks, I liked the Neon better. A recent article in C&D compared to others in the price class and put it sixth out of seven behind the Accent, Yaris, Rio, Versa and Fit. I would buy a Toyota or Honda over a Dodge for the same price every time.
The Ford Mustang is a perfect example. BIG HIT! And now sales are beginning to tank. Why? Because Ford has done nothing to improve the basic machine, to maintain and defend the model’s territory.
If you ever have driven the model prior it’s a stretch to say it has not improved.
The Mustang does not need to defend anything right now; it’s all locked up on the pony car front. When the Challenger or Camaro roll out the mustang will get an update to GT500 styling and rumored to have chassis upgrades
but you left out the best part – competing with the similar, but more nimble Scion Xb, you get 600 pounds more car with the Dodge! Imagine that – hauling 25% more weight for a 10% gain in cargo capacity. Ya gotta love those Dodge boys…
What about the PT Cruiser? Remember how crazy everyone went for that when it was introduced? It did, and still does have fantastic, American, and original styling. It was a really cool American small car–that Chrysler has let rot on the vine for years now. So they build an awkwardly styled Caliber with an inept powertrain and a 80’s interior, based off of the same basic principles of the PT Cruiser (tall, spacious, 4 cylinder car).
They should have updated the PT to keep it fresh, maybe a little bigger and more spacious, with a better powertrain and better interior materials. Price it a little higher–Chrysler is supposed to be a higher end brand. And then redone the Neon for Dodge. Instead they effectively kill both the Neon and the PT and replace it with this and two Jeeps that defy the brand.
Chrysler and Ford worry me the most…sure, GM has it’s bureaucratic problems, but at least they have some promising product coming (current Tahoe/Suburban, new CTS, Outlook/Enclave, Aura, Malibu, Impala, etc.). Ford has nothing coming that looks to save the company…the Edge isn’t edgy enough to carve out the type of market share the Explorer used to. And Chrysler, once the shining star of American companies, has gone back to building 1980’s American cars–albeit in Mexico and Canada with technology from Mitsubishi and Hyundai.
Well if nothing else Dodge seems to sell a fair amount of them.
Every review I’ve read of the caliber has not been good. You would think Dodge could have done a little better.
From a pure ‘design’ perspective, I would contend that the exterior is actually something of a small miracle. It really does manage to effectively cram the whole Dodge truck design pathos onto a FWD compact car without looking bulbous or otherwise bizarre. However, what kills the concept (for me at least) is the intense mental dissonance when I consider what the exterior of a Dodge truck crammed onto a compact car means. Truly an executive somewhere had the conscious thought of “Screw you foreigners, and your tiny little cars!” and set out to design a car based on that (and only that?) thought.
Chrysler interiors are the pits. The absolute wretched worst. After sitting in something like 20-30 cars at the Philly auto show and making myself deliberately assess and rank what I saw, Chrysler vehicles were startlingly bad.
Has anyone at DCX gone on the record trying to justify the interiors of cars like the Caliber, the Compatriot twins, or even the Charger?
I mean, really, they feel awful…I can get over the color schemes (they’re a little more subjective), but the tactile feedback is really bad.
Way back in the day I used to spec parts for a computer company. I always spent more for the things people touched – and it paid off – the magazines would review the product and talk about “quality”. Never mind the internals, such as video card and motherboard, were as cheap as they came.
But again, I’d like someone to look me in the eye and defend the quality of the interiors…it would take Tony Snow to do that.
ash78:Just further proof that American makers just don’t give a crap about small cars.
The part that scares me that they actually do seem to care, yet this is the result. DCX’s intent is to export this car to almost 100 countries — they intend to expand Dodge sales abroad with this car. Perhaps our European readers who have seen one on the street can comment (in my opinion, it actually photographs better than it looks in the flesh), but I’d say that it must look God-awful when parked next to Fords, Vauxhall-Opels, Peugeots, etc. I can’t see Europeans going for this car at all, but that’s supposedly the goal.
Robert Farago: No question, the Caliber is selling well. Current dealer inventory sits at 51 days.
I’d be interested in your thoughts, but I suspect that this car will suffer the same fate as other cars that have quirky styling, such as the New Beetle and PT Cruiser — they generate decent retail sales at first, but those sales fall off quickly once virtually everyone who wanted one has already bought one. They aren’t exactly scarce in the rental market now (I’ll bet that Budget and Dollar have more than a few of these in their fleets), and I expect that percentage of fleet ownership to increase over time.
I had heard a report that they were selling well in Europe. anyone got access to figures and what the expected sales rate is? And are they coming out of the US plant? I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the most successful American car exported out of the US right now…not counting the Honda’s/Toyotas sent back to Japan
I had the dubious pleasure of renting a Caliber 1.8l CVT for a drive through Alberta, Canada (would that be “Calibre” then).
It had a small and probably good 1.8L if the car had been 500lbs lighter; the same went for gas enconomy, a small engine only gets you good fuel economy if the car it is connected to is small, and this isn’t.
The CVT was humour in a stick where you put your foot down and the car actually went slower for a second (the infamous “rubber band” effect) and then all hell broke loose. While it would never snap your neck, once you’re above 5 grand it pulls almost like an actual engine. Same as before, would be great in a smaller car.
The interior was revolting, but it *IS* a combination that retails for only $12 Grand so I can understand. I still hate it, but I understand. It was clever, though, there were half-a-million cubbyholes and comparments for everything, the shifter on the consolt was not a bad idea and the instrument cluster wasn’t bad at all.
What surprised me, though, was the handling. It actually handled WELL. Understandably it was top-heavy, but the suspension was taut, it had a lot of grip and and it transmitted road feel without bumpiness and road noise. The steeting was a tad numb from what I assume was electrical power steering.
This is a car I want to like, I really do. I think it _looks_ great; it’s a love-it-or-hate-it looking car, but at least it’s like someone bothered to try. With a better engine and a 6M tranny it could be great, but then it would cost $15 and at that price I would have a hard time justifying it over a new VW Rabbit, Civic or Mazda 3.
It’s really sad that this sells. The execs who pushed this out will pat each other on the back and say “good job”.
Nothing was as ugly as the Aztec. Not the Pacer, not the Gremlin, nothing. It’s obviously not a pretty car, but lumping it in with the Aztec is hitting below the belt.
I present for your consideration: Subaru Baja
Anyway, the Caliber is a decent car, but it certainly needs some serious upgrading on the interior.
Concerning the Mustang, just because its in a party of one doesn’t mean Ford should get away with skimping – for another $200-300 the interior parts could have been brought to a whole new level. As well, waiting for the “re-freshing” to do so is ridiculous – do it ASAP….you only get one chance to impress the casual observer.
I present for your consideration: Subaru Baja
Not even that car was as ugly as the Aztec. It was weird for sure, like somebody took a sawzall to a Legacy, but it did evoke memories of the BRAT, which I liked in a funky sort of way.
You won’t convince me that there’s a car out there that can match up to the outright revulsion I had when I first laid eyes on the Aztec.
how did DCX decide that gray is the new black?
It beats the blood red interiors that Ford used to have in their cars back in the 80’s. Besides, it’s not like they’re trying to trick you with faux wood/aluminum trim pieces. That would’ve been an even worse offense.
I had heard a report that they were selling well in Europe. anyone got access to figures and what the expected sales rate is?
The Caliber is Chrysler Group’s best selling model outside of North America. In January they sold 2,566 Calibers out of a total of about 15K sales outside North America.
I still think the $65k Lexus SC430 is uglier than the Aztek. I’d also put the Honda Pilot right up there with it.
I think Chrysler vehicles only sell well in Europe because they have the decent diesel option (tdi or cdi, depending on model) and because they have a certain “Americanness” about them that you don’t find in the home brands–namely the Grand Cherokee, T&C van, 300C, and possibly the Caliber, too. I’m sure Daimler has a strong hand in this, though–everything from market access to currency hedges.
First of all, congrats to Adrian. This is the best review I’ve read in a long time, and provides reassurance that TTAC’s post-Lieberman era will be prosperous.
When I first saw the “2.0″ in the title, I was excited, because I thought this represented a new and improved Caliber. Wow, maybe DCX finally gets it and improved the vehicle. But no, 2.0 refers to engine size. At least Dodge is honest about engine size, unlike BMW who puts a 3.0 in the 328, 335, 525 and 530.
Anyhoo, I completely agree with Adrian and Robert’s assertion that DCX needs to fix this puppy. The platform is fine, as evidenced by the well received Outlander and Lancer, but Dodge’ execution was poor.
It costs a few bucks, but improving the quality of interior parts, adding some insulation, and refining the suspension and transmission calibrations isn’t that hard. The Caliber could be a vehicle far superior to the Cobalt, Focus and Elantra, which would be sufficient to retain sales at current levels for the next 5 years.
The buying public completely disagrees with this review. Otherwise nearly 100,000 wouldn’t have flown out the door in 10 months, the first 2 or 3 of those being limited availability.
It is also Dodge’s biggest hit overseas in forever.
The styling is bold and stands out, love it or hate it. The car has world class standard safety features. The interior is full of clever amenties. The only complaint can be the inexpensive materials used in some of the interior components.
For 13K, it is a great combination of value, styling, and functionality. People on this board may zing it, but the buying public loves it. Proof is in the pudding.
I’ll second SherbornSean’s vote. Terrific review.
>>All these influences are appealing in theory, laughable in fact. Despite the “anything but cute” advertising spin, the Caliber’s faux-bravado pastiche contradicts its maker’s intentions. The SUV-lite’s oversized bits are akin to puppy paws waiting for the attached dog to grow up. The resulting angry compressed truck exterior seems, well, silly.
Very well said.
I hated the Neon, but the Caliber makes me nostalgic for it. The same way Bush makes me nostalgic for Nixon.
I would have a lot less trouble with it visually if the rear end were cleaned up a bit more. It’s like they had previously designed a decent looking car, took a step back and said “Whoops, we just built a scale model of the Lexus RX!”
So welded the back of the Malibu Maxx on there and called it a day.
What no one seems to be mentioning is that the base model is decidedly that; base. The cheapest AWD that I’ve seen available locally is $22k ($800 sunroof included). There are $26k models — now you’re in Patriot territory…
Robert hit it right. 51 days inventory NOW. But wait 6 months.
The car is falvor of the month right now. But when that fades, the actual CAR has to stand on its own. And the Caliber can’t.
Mustang is a perfect example. As Robert said, NOW FIX IT! Ford’s had plenty of time to hear what’s wrong with the car, now they need to be honing it to be a long-term winner.
Honda and Toyota make small incremental changes every year or two to their existing cars to keep them up to date and fresh. The Big 2.5 rarely do. So if you buy from them, you are oftem buying a 5 year old design that hasn’t changed, except for the number of chrome bars on the grille.
Partially why they have a hit:
Hatches are USEFUL. I had my sister get a Fit over a Yaris because it was a 4-door hatch. I have a Mazda6 “5 door” (aka hatchback).
And there is NO domestic competition to speak of.
PT Luzer? Out of date. Mee Too cruiser? Bah. It suffers from actually being regarded as “Thats the new PT cruiser, right?”
The only one of note is the Vibe, but why not save your money and get the less hideous Toyota version?
While I think this car is supremely fugly, I actually think styling it this way was a good idea. As mentioned earlier, why make another vanilla econobox? And as SUV owners start thinking small it makes sense to offer them some familiar cues. If DCX stick with this model and refines it the sales could stay strong. But, we all know that aint gonna happen.
nweaver
I don’t think anyone is disputing the usefulness of hatches, more so questioning “why this one?”
At least it might be a way to get people warmed up to hatches and wagons more, which in the long run is a good thing. If it requires some gratuitous truck/SUV styling to accomplish that along the way, so be it.
the car displays all the grace of a sumo wrestler on figure skates. At the risk of inflicting metaphor overload, the tiller provides less feedback than a bumper car, with precisely none of the fun
If you work on the wheel house of Exoon Valdez you would really appreciate this kind of handling.
Some say an Oil tanker takes 7 miles to turn.
A friend used to run power barge from Seattle to I’ll ask her ( Alaska) says they had 2 radar systems for different scanning, everything you do now will be affected 4 hrs later.
The first Caliber commercials caught my eye, and even now I do a double take when I see one on the street. It looks good to me. cool.
I think a tip of the hat needs to be given to current automotive designers; sub-compact used to be designed for sub-humans. no frills and a pain, literally, to drive if you couldn’t afford the makers premier offerings.
Now you get cool boxes, fold down stereo blaster speakers and any option you want on the mfrs “starter” cars.
Now if I have a choice between which rental I’d rather be seen in, Cobalt or Caliber, gimme the Dodge anytime.
we’ve come a long way baby.
I believe the Neon was originally a quick flash in the pan success in Europe also, until people caught onto it’s build quality and overall cheap nastiness. With the current exchange rate, these things are probably cheaper than Protons or Peroduas. And we still build better cars than the Malaysians!
Frank, thanks for the figures–I find that interesting. I do hope the Caliber proves naysayers wrong and turns out to be reliable–it’s amazing to think that if the overseas sales rates keep up, the Caliber alone could be a 1/2 billion dollar per year export from the US.
Adrian Imonti: The SUV-lite’s oversized bits are akin to puppy paws waiting for the attached dog to grow up.
Well done. :-)
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Michael Karesh: I’m getting good data on this car, as the car has very enthusiastic owners…
Michael,
Interesting. I keep reading how we don’t like hatch backs, though useful, and others here say the thing gets bad reviews. Yet you say owners are “very enthusiastic” about this car that looks like it’s trying to be a truck.
Do you have any feeling as to why there’s so much owner enthusiasim? The bang for the (low-budget) buck, perhaps?
Count me as another Neon fan – I had a 2000 version – quite fun to drive with the 5spd. Interior wasn’t bad at all if you didn’t have the base model. I liked it a lot more than the 1998 Civic I had previously. Shame to see DCX drop it for this wannabe truck thing.
the base model’s rear drums sound the death knell for pre-disc technology;
Ah, there’s something to be said about the “tried and true” (or is it “tired and true”) old technology brake drums. Unfortunately the 21st Century isn’t the time to say it…
This technology should have been RETIRED years ago…