Ugly as sin. I guess they're trying to get closer to the Dodge truck image, but this just isn't it. The HHR is in the same idea, and I see a lot more of those sitting on dealer lots than I do actually being bought.

I don't know what Dodge is really thinking with this car. As an entry level car, it should be lightweight and get good fuel mileage. It's neither. The Matrix is 300 lbs lighter and gets considerably better mileage. It's also bigger in almost every dimension.

SE/SXT have a standard 1.8L 143hp, 5 spd manual, 28/32 MPG. Optional 2.0L 150hp, CVT, 28/32 MPG. RT has a 2.4L 173 HP, CVT, 23/26 MPG.

Caliber SRT4 will be FWD.

All around, I see this as a flop. The PT was popular because it was unique in styling and offered a lot of space for a low price.

 

Saw it quite a while back at the Detroit NAIAS. In my opinion, it definetly looks different.. in a bad way. I mean, it just looks like a vertially stretched magnum that is shortened in length by 4 feet. My neighbor already has one because he works for Dodge and was on the engineering team for it. The car feels uber-cheap just like the neon and is really nothing to praise. I know as a younger adult, I would personally not want to be seen in one. Its like a smaller version of a soccer mom type vehicle. =/

 

meh

 

Now that I think about it, the thing almost looks like they copied off of the pontiac vibe or toyota matrix.

 

dear dodge,

what where you thinking?

sincerely,
purecoda

 

that looks like a buff hatchback on steroids...


yuck!!!

 

Hmm...wonder if it would be possible to buy the R/T AWD and throw an SRT4 turbo kit on it? Should be the same 2.4l engine....This is popular in the Protege world, just wait from someone with a MazdaSpeed Protege to upgrade his turbo, buy the factory kit and ECU off him, voila. If so, this would be a serious beast...ugly yes, but fast

 

odds are, the internals are going to be different, and wont take the beating that the srt motor will probably take. however, since none of us have any idea whatsoever on the motor, its all a guessing game. the caliber is 100% new, new motor, new tranny, new chassis, new everything...but it does have a beer cooler in teh glovebox, so it cant be that bad

 

Reality check Evo owners. The SRT Caliber will be a fast Pile O' Stuff!. You couldn't pay me to drive one...but 300 Dodge horsepower WILL BE THE REAL DEAL. MOD your Evos and let the FUGLY SOCCER-MOM DRIVING CALIBER SH-T BOX challenge you in the twisties....

 

this car is a serious threat to high performance awd, i cant wait to see a full rally version!

 

The SRT4 version won't be AWD.

 

i will say it again...WHAT THE @#$% WAS/IS DODGE THINKING?!?!?!?!?!? what would posses them to not put the AWD in the performance version? are they trying to loose their share of the market?

again, its only saving grace is the beer cooler...how cool is that

 

Cmon, quality engine with very very good hp, a 6speed and a lsd. Sounds like the motor end of it is pretty well set up. What is it with dodge and coming out with these awful looking cars? Every single one of them is ugly as sin. Chryslers I think look much better than their Dodge counterparts 99% of the time. Sweet god, hire new designers. I would certainly buy a SRT-4 if the evo was out of my price range when I was younger, but there is no way I would have ever bought this thing.

 

think about it... the current srt4 cant get traction in first at all...so add in a shorter gear ratio AND more power...how does that sound like a smart idea? they took all the bad about the srt (ugly looks, FWD, cheap interior) and compounded it.

 

wow. All I can really say is wow. That thing is hideous. i would definately take the old srt4 over this suped up hhr looking thing any day of the week. I think I just vomited.