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The
Caliber is new for the 2007 model year, a hatchback-only replacement for the
Dodge Neon sedan. Considering that it is the first all-new Chrysler small car
in seven years, and that it was designed as a hatchback instead of simply
having some extra practicality tacked on, one would have expected something
that would be a better car than the competitors that have been around for
years. It didn’t happen. Visibility and cargo space have been sacrificed for
styling, power, agility, and fuel economy have fallen victim to excessive
weight, and the car is neither especially smooth-riding nor quiet. And while
it hasn’t placed where it was because of a bloated price tag as many all-new
designs might (which would have been more justifiable and easier to amend),
it’s not especially inexpensive either. Maybe for the 2014 model year Chrysler
will put a bit more effort into giving a new small car as much substance as
style.
The Caliber, like the Suzuki Reno, rides
comfortably enough on smooth pavement, but ride comfort and control diminish
on less-ideal surfaces. It does generally absorb small bumps well, but pounds
over larger ones. It doesn’t handle well either, probably a victim of its
excessive mass. Body roll is excessive, and the steering is neither responsive
nor communicative; the Caliber generally feels like a larger vehicle in
cornering. The 2.0-liter I4’s 158 horsepower looks good on paper, but makes
the Caliber neither quick nor quiet. Wind and road noise are also excessive.
Fuel economy at least is decent by this group’s standards.
Inside, the Caliber features plenty of
passenger space, though the front and rear seats could be better-shaped and
better-padded. The rear seatbacks can recline a few degrees on all but the
base version, but the standard setting is the most comfortable anyway. The
interior is constructed primarily of flimsy plastic trim
pieces that don’t always fit together well. The gauges are clear enough, but
some instruments are too small, too low, and complicated to use. Drivers sit
comfortably, but a high beltline and thick roof pillars obstruct forward and
rearward visibility. There isn’t as much cargo space in most of the others in
this group, and more of the available space is in height rather than floor
space. The cargo area is coated in hard plastic for easy washing, but unlike
in the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe and Chevrolet HHR, the rear seatbacks are
not of the same material.
The Caliber earned five stars for both the
driver and for the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, but has
yet to be subjected to any other crash tests.
The Caliber reviewed here came in
well-equipped at $16,788, a reasonable price by this group’s standards.
Torso-protecting side airbags are not offered, but it does include a
driver-side knee-protecting airbag, a fold-flat front passenger’s seat, and an
air-conditioned glovebox.
Overall,
like the Suzuki Reno, the Caliber can make a good first impression for its
reasonable price and interior space. But compared to the competition, it comes
up short in terms of cargo volume, seat shape, ride comfort, handling,
refinement, and acceleration. It’s not so inexpensive that those flaws can be
excused, and others here have the same strengths. When the appeal of the new
styling wears off, Chrysler will have to weather seven years with a mediocre
small car or try again.
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