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2007 Dodge Caliber: Domestic Car, Global Dreams
I jetted out to Arizona not expecting much from the new 2007 Dodge Caliber, which is the compact car replacement to the spunky and resilient Dodge Neon. I left knowing Neon buyers will appreciate the upgrade in looks and appeal and appreciate the aggressive features Caliber delivers to the market. Dodge is actually looking to make a big splash with the Caliber globally and capitalize on the buzz Dodge Magnum and Charger have created worldwide.
There was a time when I would look down on cars like Neon while ignoring the big cash I just laid out to feed the V12 monster I was driving that week. Hey, if I was a little more earthly, a lot shorter, weighed less, and was blind to German and Japanese car designs, I might think of the all-new Caliber as a vehicle to consider. But I am none of those things, so the Caliber was merely adequate for me.
What Dodge is doing a great job of is continuing to cater to the car buyer who needs a break on price, insurance costs, and fuel consumption and wants to balance style and substance. Today, Dodge styling is as aggressive and recognizable as any American automaker has been in a long time. Executives are hesitant to admit past deficiencies, though eager to point out present bold design cues and brand identifiers like the ever-present cross-hair grille which transcends Dodge's entire vehicle line-up. The 2007 Caliber boasts a few quirky innovations that company executives hope will reel in young and hopefully trendy entry-level cars buyers.
Caliber exalts its crossover appeal as it looks like a mini-me SUV and has optional 18” (R/T version) wheels that catch your eye on a compact car. Caliber sports the unmistakable Dodge front end, signature bold side fairings, pumped-out wheel-wells and, a rear profile that gives off different vibes depending on the color of the car (spring a couple extra dollars for the chrome-tipped tailpipe). A sloping rear roofline was designed to give Caliber a coupe-like look, though I did not see the desired result. Overall the Caliber has a cool exterior look, a lot tougher than the Neon ever accomplished.
 As mentioned earlier, Dodge is looking to satisfy global markets with the Caliber and in doing so has to comply with safety, feature and convenience standards worldwide. Caliber has three "World Engine” offerings in the 1.8, 2.0, and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. The differences in driving characteristics are what you come to expect of a car in its segment and the three different 4-cylinder engine options are a bit much and possibly confusing to buyers. Horsepower numbers are very close (148 hp, 158 hp, and 172 hp) for the engines respectively with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine offering available in European markets that produces 134 horsepower.
Caliber comes in three trim levels, SE, SXT, and R/T, all with different and ascending optional packages. Standard SE features include vinyl load floor in the rear, auxiliary input jack on the radio for MP3 use, 12-volt power outlet, lighted cup holders, armrest with flip pocket to house cell phone or MP3, a 60/40 split rear seat, and 15” wheels. Options include a six-disc CD/radio with cassette audio system, "Power Group” package (windows, locks, mirrors, etc), air conditioning, Sirius Satellite Radio, UConnect hands-free communication system and more.
 Standards on Caliber SXT, in addition to those found on the SE, include 60/40 reclining and folding rear seats, rechargeable/removable interior lamp, illuminated and remote keyless entry, 115-volt electrical outlet in center console and 17” wheels. Options include leather steering wheel with radio controls, heated seats, "Driver Convenience Group” (compass, temperature gauge, tire pressure monitoring system, etc), "Leather Interior Group” and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
The best of the bunch is the Caliber R/T which has the strongest engine to go along with anti-lock brakes, AutoStick, sport suspension, performance steering and 18” wheels. Best of all, Caliber R/T is the Chrysler Group's first vehicle to offer an all-wheel drive system or ESP (SXT & R/T) on a compact car. Additional standards include tonneau cover, silver bezels on the instrument panel and chrome accented door handles, chrome grille, chrome exhaust tips, and fog lamps.
 Innovative feature highlights on the Caliber include the "MusicGate Power System,” which is a 9-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system that has two flip down speakers mounted to the rear lift gate that rotate to pump music outwards for tailgating or picnic purposes. The "Chill Zone” feature is also cool and allows for up to four 20oz bottles to cool in a storage bin in the glove box. The removable flashlight is good for passengers trying to read or find something within the car without bothering the driver with bright interior lights. I like any car with a 115-volt electrical outlet (great for laptops!) and lighted cup holders can only be a plus during nighttime driving.
Pricing for the 2007 Caliber starts at $13,985 for the SE version, $15,985 for the SXT and $19,985 for the R/T. All include a destination charge of $560. Overall, the Caliber starts out $410 lower than the last Neons sold and offer more standard options. If the Caliber is able to capture the same sales volumes as the Neon did in the U.S., while capturing global markets, Dodge will be very happy. Look out for the Caliber in Dodge dealerships early 2006.
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