2008 Dodge Caliber SXT

A roomy interior and small price tag make tall wagon a contender

May 10, 2008

Special to the Star

I've always been surprised that the "tall-wagon" segment never took off. With some exceptions, it seems most buyers prefer bigger hatchbacks that fall under the hazy "crossover" banner, even though they are generally more expensive and thirstier.

Chrysler uses the terms interchangeably, but its Dodge Caliber is more car than crossover, as are its siblings Jeep Compass and Patriot. (The days may be numbered for the company's original tall wagon, the Chrysler PT Cruiser.)

Caliber's starting price of less than $16,000 makes it the least expensive of the Chrysler trio, which should make it popular with those for whom price is most important. Its shortcomings are easier to accept if you keep its price in mind, and weigh it against a relatively roomy interior and plenty of cargo space.

Caliber comes with a choice of four engines, all four-cylinders, in 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 L sizes, as well as the turbocharged 2.4 L in the SRT4.

My SXT tester used the 2.0 L with continuously variable transmission (CVT), a $1,300 option up from the base five-speed manual gearbox – the CVT "package" also adds anti-lock brakes. All wheel drive is only on the 2.4 L R/T model.

Overall, the combination of 2.0 and CVT is fine for everyday driving, once you get used to it: put your foot on the throttle, watch the tachometer soar, and then wait for the car to catch up to it.

My test car's transmission included "manual" mode, which allows for up- or downshifting through pre-set ratio points, but the shifts are harsh and sluggish. If you're comfortable with a stick shift, I find it's the better overall choice.

A conventional automatic is not available, as the company says the CVT was chosen for its fuel economy.

Although the Caliber, Compass and Patriot share engines and rate the same in mileage, the pricier Jeeps are rated as SUVs by Transport Canada. That means you'll get a $1,000 ecoAUTO fuel efficiency rebate on them that you don't get on Caliber, which is rated as a car and must meet stricter standards.

The base SE starts at $15,995, but I'd step up to the SXT, which feels better equipped for the price at $17,995. It adds such features as a/c, power windows and mirrors, power locks with keyless entry, 115-volt accessory outlet, reclining rear seat, bigger wheels and stain-resistant fabric.

My tester also had a $995 Sport Appearance package, which includes cruise control, but also adds over-the-top seat inserts – gaudy red panels on mine – and an awful matching centre stack cover that looks like I bought it at a flea market and stuck it on.

Controls are simple and generally easy to use, except for the a/c and rear defogger switches, which are tiny buttons inside the dials; you simply can't turn on the defogger while wearing gloves. Only the driver's window switch is backlit, and it's the only seat in the house with a power lock button. The dash itself is a swath of hard plastic that could be fitted together much better.

Small-item storage is a toss-up: the door pockets are so small they're useless, but the glovebox is roomy, there are a few open cubbies, and a second upper glovebox contains the Chill Zone, where you can stash four cans or bottles and have the a/c keep them cool in summer. The Zone's can holder is removable, should you want it just for regular storage.

The console-mounted cupholders light up, which is good, because they're so far down they're impossible to see otherwise at night.

The seats are comfortable, and there's good legroom in the rear. The cargo area is 82 cm long with the rear seat up; it folds 60/40, for a flat cargo floor that's 150 cm long.

And if you fold the front passenger seat, it's up to 245 cm, enough for eight-foot lumber.

The ride is comfy, too: firm enough that it doesn't wallow in corners, but supple enough that only the worst road imperfections make themselves known. It's also very smooth on the highway, without the need for constant correction to keep it straight in its lane.

It stacks up reasonably well against the competition: among compact hatchbacks, only the smaller Nissan Versa costs less, and Caliber's comparable engines have more horsepower than its peers.

I'd like to see the Dodge with a better interior, and with more attention paid to panel fit – a car can be inexpensive without looking cheap.

Even so, its relatively small price tag and a roomy interior for its footprint make it a viable contender against tall wagons and crossovers alike.

Toronto Star