2008 Dodge Caliber Review (continued)
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Summary

The 2008 Dodge Caliber is at the same time innovative and retro, a hatchback that's more like a station wagon but with hints of the utility of a minivan. The Caliber makes a good case when it comes to packaging, but falls short on materials quality. Though all Calibers show signs of cost-cutting, the SE, SXT and R/T offer good, basic transportation, the R/T has the advantage of optional all-wheel drive, and the SRT4 is a performance bargain.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard reported on the Caliber from Scottsdale, Arizona, with Kirk Bell reporting on the SRT4 from Indianapolis.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Dodge Caliber SE ($13,425); SXT ($15,425); R/T AWD ($19,425); SRT4 ($22,435)
Engines:	2.0-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Transmissions:	CVT automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual front airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, child safety seat anchors (LATCH)
Saftey Equipment (optional):	torso-protecting seat-mounted front side airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, tire pressure monitor, electronic stability program with traction control
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Belvidere, Illinois

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Dodge Caliber SXT ($15,425)
Standard Equipment:	YES Essentials cloth upholstery; tilt steering column; removable and washable vinyl cargo mat; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; floor mats, cargo area tonneau cover; cruise control; air conditioning with the interior air filter and Chill Zone; tachometer; Sirius satellite radio; 115-volt, AC power outlet; rechargeable rear flashlight; height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining 60/40 split folding rear seat; all-season P215/60R17 touring tires on aluminum wheels
Options As Tested (MSRP):	158-hp 2.0-liter engine ($150); CVT ($1000); Premium Sound Group ($495) Boston Acoustics sound system with nine speakers, including two articulating liftgate speakers; AM/FM/MP3 stereo with six-CD in-dash changer with auxiliary input jack ($320); Driver Convenience Group ($760) with Dodge's UConnect hands-free cell phone link, HomeLink universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information center and tire pressure monitor; power sunroof ($795)
Destination Charge:	560
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	18945
Layout:	front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	158 @ 6400
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	141 @ 5000
Transmission:	CVT automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	23/27
Wheelbase:	103.7
Length/width/height:	173.8/68.8/60.4
Track, f/r:	59.8/59.8
Turning circle:	35.5
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	40.0/52.2/41.8
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	38.9/49.6/35.6
Cargo volume:	48.0
Payload:
Towing capacity:	1000
Suspension, f:	independent, MacPherson strut, coil spring-over gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:	independent, multi-link, coil spring. gas-pressurized shocks, link-type stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:	7.0
Curb weight:	3039
Tires:	P215/60R17 all-season touring
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/drum with ABS and Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:	13.6