Dodge Caliber!!

Pyro-Andrew · Post by **Pyro-Andrew** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 9:04 am

has anyone else seen this car??? if not, check out....http://www.dodge.com/en/caliber/index.htmli might be trading (or selling, if the right offer comes my way....) my Vibe for one........

damronjr · Post by **damronjr** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 9:13 am

All I can say is wait for the SRT.

Pyro-Andrew · Post by **Pyro-Andrew** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 9:16 am

i want the SRT4 its awesome loooking and powerfull!!i just gotta learn to drive a stick:) haha buit its worth it

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 9:47 am

all i hear is that its underpowered , but i would wait until the srt4 came out and see how fast that is. the new motor trend rates it lower than a vibe, hhr and a mazda3!

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:26 pm

Wait for the R/T FWD or, if you can afford it, the SRT-4. They'll come out late this year.I test drove an SXT; not very impressed.

remusrm · Post by **remusrm** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 10:33 am

this car is dog slow even with the 2.0 engine... my buddy and i drove it seince he needed another car. his chrysler sebring had over 110k miles and was about to crap out. the car has a weird tranny. shift at 20mph at around 3k rpm. then has no power, really really slow... i bet the 1.8 is even worst, maybe the 2.xx is better, since they got a hight engine even then the 2.0...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 10:45 am

Is it really that slow when compared to a base/automatic Vibe? Personally, I don't see the Vibe in that configuration being anything to brag about in terms of performance either... I certainly haven't won any races with mine, although I don't race it because it's pointless because, uhh, the car is fricken slow and I know I'd lose anyway.

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:33 pm

I dont feel the vibe base to be that slow. once the engine is warmed up its pretty peppy to me, and all i had previously was v6's.

denvette78 · Post by **denvette78** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 11:50 am

The caliber is good looking but the inside seems cheap all hard plastic.And for the power of a base vibe i feel that my vibe is more powerful that my mazda 626.If i really want power i just dont take those cars. I always had low powered economic car for my daily driver so i appraciate more the power of my vette.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:06 pm

Quote, originally posted by denvette78 Â»The caliber is good looking but the inside seems cheap all hard plastic.That's certainly a pet peeve of mine, I was wondering how much of that hard plastic it has on the inside. I suspected it probably would have plenty of that stuff, although I've never sat down in one. I don't particularly care for the amount of hard plastic we have in the Vibe either, at least a soft center armrest would have been a nice touch for starters. I got to check out a used HHR the other day, first time I really got a chance to sit down in one. Hard plastic isn't in short supply there either, that stuff was everywhere. And it all has a very pronounced grain to it, quite a rough texture. The way it felt just weirded me out... Par for the course it seems - one apparently must shy away from the "utilitarian" or "economy" sort of vehicle to avoid this.

orbix · Post by **orbix** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:48 pm

Yeah, I'll second that... I've just not been happy with my base Vibe (wanted more power, better handling, etc.), so I checked out the Caliber on a whim. Man, they suck. Who is Dodge kidding? The interior looks about as bad as the old Neons (surprise), but they want to compete against the Vibe?

NUBlackshirts · Post by **NUBlackshirts** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 11:17 pm

Saw one in person the other day. First impressions? Looks more like an SUV than a car. Seems larger than the Vibe. Didn't care for the styling at all. Oh yeah, and it's a Dodge. Won't EVER buy another "Mopar" product again.

Vibe_dude · Post by **Vibe_dude** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 12:38 am

Car and Driver really did not like this car at all.....and the SRT 4 weighs so much.......it has to have 300hp to get the thing to move...dont think and Colbalt SS/SC owners are to worried.lol

Post by **NSimkins** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 9:41 am

I think I've seen 6 of these just in the past 3 days. By seeing one in person, I'm not a fan. Something about the design seems disproportionate. Maybe they will grow on me... but I would like to see the R/T and SRT when they come out.

pianomansam · Post by **pianomansam** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:12 am

I drive by a Chrysler dealership everyday that has one of these. Each day I take a good loook at it. Not interested in it by any means. I guess Chrysler had to pay GM back for copying the PT Cruiser in the HHR. Btw, the Caliber looks like a chopped off Magnum. Yuck! And the pics of the SRT4 aren't much more impressive either. Looks like an overgrown Neon SRT.

Katscan · Post by **Katscan** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 12:40 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»I got to check out a used HHR the other day, first time I really got a chance to sit down in one. Hard plastic isn't in short supply there either, that stuff was everywhere. And it all has a very pronounced grain to it, quite a rough texture. The way it felt just weirded me out... I test drove the HHR when I was shopping for a new car. Yes, I was slightly curious so I took a look at it before I went to the Pontiac Dealership. I felt so cramped in the HHR and yes....it has a very plasticy feel to it and I hate....I hate that dash they designed. Did I mention I hate the dash in the HHR? So I test drove their high end HHR with the 172HP motor....yea talk about crappy acceleration. I had to humor the salseman when he asked me if I could "feel the power" when I hit the gas and told him yes I could feel it. Though I was honestly waiting for the "power" to kick in as we were on the onramp.

mcgusto82 · Post by **mcgusto82** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:03 pm

i finally got to see a caliber at the ny auto show. the car is defenately a better fit and finish than the vibe. you can even see it from standing outside. the car is just like the vibe on interior ergonomics. i like it. even though of the stupid positioning of the seat reclining levers. it's like you have to scratch to (removed), and then you're nearby.but i won't be rushing to go buy one.

mspalmer · Post by **mspalmer** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:54 pm

I've only had my Vibe for a year and I do love it, but I am curious about the Caliber. I would only consider the AWD version with the CVT. I have no intention of gettin rid of the Vibe because we are buying it instead of leasing it and I like to keep a paid off car for a couple years. I havent' had any problems with my Vibe yet and hopefully it will stay that way.Mike

Mrizzle05 · Post by **Mrizzle05** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:11 am

I saw about two on my way to san diego this weekend... DEFINATELY not a fan of them. some of the pics on here were cool. but in person they are not a nice looking car. it looks like a malibu maxx in the back and a baby dodge dakota in the front!!! not liking it at all!Just my $0.02

Pyro-Andrew · Post by **Pyro-Andrew** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:22 am

welll......looks like im getting an RT fully loaded.....i havent ordered it yet, waiting for a month or so to get money stocked up:) so ill tell ya what i think:)

JoeKat · Post by **JoeKat** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:29 am

I stopped by a dealer and looked at the Caliber and was not impressed at all. I don't think the interior looks good. Again, what's wrong with your Vibe? Did it lose that new car smell?Can you send it out for a detail and try to stay together?

Pyro-Andrew · Post by **Pyro-Andrew** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:27 pm

lol.....just neeed somehting alil bigger.....a lil different thats all.....

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:52 pm

Quote, originally posted by Pyro-Andrew Â»welll......looks like im getting an RT fully loaded.....i havent ordered it yet, waiting for a month or so to get money stocked up:) so ill tell ya what i think:)So, you gonna get the R/T AWD or wait until the FWD comes out?

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 1:23 am

1 BIG strike against it: It doesn't have a lift glass!!! Seriously, that's a big Vibe perk for me

mspalmer · Post by **mspalmer** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 2:37 am

The Detroit News had a fairly good review of the car.http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.d...56389

tangerine · Post by **tangerine** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:50 am

^$23,000 for thr R/T is very pricey.Thats no worse than the Vibe GT's being #27,000 on lots now, which is why I started looking for a different car after my accidnet.The none SRT models are ugly as sin. The SRT model is nice but it will not be out till late 07, every dealer i went to told me the same thing. It will def. eat up some competition, and whoever said cobalt owners won't be worried? That thing will eat a cobalt for lunch. I was told to look into a Cobalt SS and after i test drove it all i could do was laugh, for a car that has a lot of hype it wasn't that great.

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:06 am

I don't know where you're seeing $27K+ GTs...I priced one out online and a nearly loaded GT (skipping some interior accessories) was only $25K. The wierd part was that only seven GTs showed up when I did an inventory search..and they included dealerships from Houston and Dallas!The highest priced GT was $25,085.

Mrizzle05 · Post by **Mrizzle05** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:10 am

To me thats a lot of money for a GT! especially when they take out like what 30-ish HP from the 03's.Id rather get and SRT-4 or a integra rsx-s for that price.

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:21 am

I haven't yet seen any good estimates for MSRP on the SRT-4. If the R/T AWD has a base price of $19,995, I'll wager that the base price of the SRT-4 is gonna be around $29,900.

Mrizzle05 · Post by **Mrizzle05** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:25 am

sorry should have put neon srt-4... i know they dont make them anymore. or have any left... but id rather put my money on better performance and a car that has more accessories

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:39 am

My cousin almost purchased one but I convinced him and his wife to buy the Vibe instead

NUBlackshirts · Post by **NUBlackshirts** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 5:04 am

After spending the past week in Detroit and seeing several Calibers on the road, I can honestly say that they are UGLY. And if the pics I have seen of the ST4 are any indication, it won't be that much better. Spoilers on a Caliber = perfume on a pig.

Pyro-Andrew · Post by **Pyro-Andrew** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:45 am

what do you guys suggest i buy?? i want something about the size of the caliber.......so....what do you guys suggest?

JoeKat · Post by **JoeKat** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:46 am

First of all do whatever you want.Second I hate to sound like "dad" but isn't the Caliber about the same size as a Vibe? Scion TC? it's cool just doesn't have the space. It has a good price & quality.Mazda 3 or 6 wagon is another suggestion. Honda Fit. Used Acura TSX.Pontiac Solstice-no room but looks good!!!

Pyro-Andrew · Post by **Pyro-Andrew** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:57 am

ooh i know man! just wanted to see what others thought......the caliber is alil bigger ........ ill get a Sky before a Solistice. im reall thinking about the new Mazda CX-7http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWe...ngCX7

mcgusto82 · Post by **mcgusto82** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:33 am

check out the new hundyie santa fe. the 2007 model. i saw it at the autop shoiw... it's extra nice.

tangerine · Post by **tangerine** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:34 pm

Quote, originally posted by ZubenElGenubi Â»I don't know where you're seeing $27K+ GTs...I priced one out online and a nearly loaded GT (skipping some interior accessories) was only $25K. The wierd part was that only seven GTs showed up when I did an inventory search..and they included dealerships from Houston and Dallas!The highest priced GT was $25,085.All of the Pontiac dealers in my area wanted $27k for a GT and there was one black GT with the body kit that was almost $30k and its an 05 still priced that high... GM is pricing themselves out of business fast. I still haven't decided what car I'm going to get and I'm running out of choices.

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:36 am

The CX-7 is all sizzle and no steak. I absolutely love the bodyline, but it's priced to compete against the BMW X3 and VW Toulreg. Way too expensive for power and cargo space offered.

NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:54 am

that CX-7 looks alot like a RX-8 had some fun with the Infinity FX SUV i think.

NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:57 am

and that

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 7:21 am

I have to say, if I was even considering an SUV, it would be the Acura RDX. Should be available late in 2006.Look familiar?

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NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 7:25 am

i was about to say that it looked like the RDX but then i forgot that they redesigned ot.

Atomic · Post by **Atomic** » Mon May 01, 2006 6:29 am

I kind of like the Caliber.I saw a great TV ad for it the other day, the owner is driving along and all these other cars have little lap dogs in the back seat, sticking their head out the window, then it pans to the Caliber, and there's this big Rottweiler-like dog mooning all the other dogs.Frikkin' funny!

Atomic · Post by **Atomic** » Mon May 01, 2006 6:37 am

Here's the link. The commercial is called Moon Dog/Sick Puppy.http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/a...2.php

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon May 01, 2006 7:12 am

I saw a blue one yesterday on a lot here in town... That's a real pretty blue, not a real light blue but not Neptune either... Loved it! Saw a white one on the way home today, looked good in that color too but not as good as it does in that blue...I still like these things too despite all of the shortcomings everyone says they have but I haven't determined yet whether those shortcomings apply to my observations of said vehicle since I have yet to check one out. I won't be able to put one on my list though, I'd like to but it is too much car, too much money than I can afford right now.

pianomansam · Post by **pianomansam** » Fri May 05, 2006 1:27 am

Quote, originally posted by ZubenElGenubi Â»I have to say, if I was even considering an SUV, it would be the Acura RDX. Should be available late in 2006.Look familiar?I'm liking this! Heck of a lot better than some Caliber

george · Post by **george** » Sat May 06, 2006 1:28 am

Wow i guess i'm alot like everybody else love new cool body styles BUT this caliber is a horrible car in every since and mind you hats off to Dodge for continuing to push the envolope in the styling department , but they will realize after awhile that you cant get by are curvy bodys only the car is a peice of crap quality wise and not to mention is slowwwwwww sure an srt would be nice i talked to a few buddies who have an srt and they say there ins payment is almost waht there car payment is just not for me although i still have my Vibe GT bought the wife a new Mazda 5 one everyone may consider after test driving the Fit the other day if i get out of my vibe just may have to by a Mazada 5 for myself plenty of room 3 row seating cool style great mazda 3 motor in it 4 wheel dics indepent suspension 6 disc 17" toyo's ground effects spoiler etc plus has an auto stick in it for $19,000 just may be for the size quality and money the best ride out there

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ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon May 08, 2006 9:11 am

I just noticed the Caliber is in Edmunds' top 10 list of cheapest vehicles to insure.

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Wed May 10, 2006 6:22 am

The Dodge Caliber must be selling well.May 10, 2006 (Reuters) - Chrysler Group, a unit of German-U.S. automaker DaimlerChrysler AG, on Wednesday said it will add a third shift at its Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant next month, adding about 1,000 jobs to the 2,650-employee facility.Chrysler, with offices in Auburn Hills, Michigan, said it expects to fill a majority of the jobs with new hires, and fill the others with Chrysler employees who work at other plants. The Belvidere plant builds the 2007 Dodge Caliber, and expects to begin production of the Jeep Compass this month and the Jeep Patriot this year. Belvidere added a second shift in March. It used to produce the Dodge Neon.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed May 10, 2006 7:17 am

I don't have numbers of how well they're actually selling but from seeing them on the road around here, they aren't doing too bad... Shame on the Vibe, I'm personally seeing more Calibers in my travels now, and the Vibe had a 4.something year head start! Then again, nobody here really ever gave a crap about "them thar sissy lil' Vibes" anyway, they need their macho chock-full-o'-testosterone sort of vehicles. So it is no surpirse to see the Caliber taking off here, being that it has that macho thing going on.