Review: Dodge Caliber R/T – Road & Track or Just “?”

Sandi Pedersen, www.car-data.com

At first glance the Sunburst Orange Pearl colored Dodge Caliber R/T looked out of place. Seemsthe world is full of silver or white four-door hatchbacks that can be seen everywhere these days.But the exterior looks of the Caliber R/T blended very nicely with the dark gray interior trim andgray seats not to mention tying it all together with orange colored seat inserts. It actually madea fashion statement, and I liked that.

The interior was simple and contained clean lines. A center armrest with a hidden cell phone orMP3 player holder, which worked very well for both, was a really convenient feature. Theilluminated entry lights and cup holders offered great accessibility at night but the chill zone’storage bin was the ‘coolest’ feature. For someone who lives in a hot, humid southern climate, thisaddition is a lifesaver and in my opinion a deal maker. Cool beverages at the ready at all times.Aaahhh!

With it being the smallest car in the Dodge line up the Caliber has an overall length of 173.8inches. It is the longest hatchback in its class and being equipped with the 18′ rims and tires Isuspect it has the tallest ride height as well. My test 2009 Caliber R/T came equipped with a 2.4liter DOHC 16-valve VVT engine that produces 172hp and a Continuously Variable Transaxle whichprovided very smooth power and acceleration. If you are looking for a more exciting drivingexperience I would probably opt for the standard 5 speed manual.

The Caliber also has excellent safety features. These include standard front driver andpassenger airbags, standard side curtain and driver’s knee airbag. Add to this available tractioncontrol, electronic stability control, antilock brakes and supplemental seat mounted side impactairbags. One can see why the 2009 Caliber is rated one of the safest cars in its class.

Whether in the city or on the highway the Caliber rode and drove great. The interior controlswere well marked and easy to adjust. With a 12 volt auxiliary outlet and a fold flat passenger seat, it makes a great mobile office if needed. I do think that the fuel economy numbers were a littlelow with only 21 city and 25 highway miles per gallon, but that is not enough to deter me from allthe pluses the Caliber has to offer.

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediatelylook at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker who is seldomwithout a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a veryimportant aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10

Cup holders ‘ 9.5

Illuminated cup holders are great.