Dodge Caliber
Overview
ManufacturerDodge[lower-alpha 1]
ProductionMarch 2006 – November 2011
Model years2007–2012
Assembly
DesignerMike Nicholas (2005)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
PlatformChrysler PM/MK platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase103.7 in (2,635 mm)
Length173.8 in (4,415 mm)
Width68.8 in (1,748 mm)
Height
  • 60.4 in (1,534 mm)
  • SRT-4: 59.7 in (1,516 mm)
Curb weight3,052 lb (1,384 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor
SuccessorDodge Dart (PF)

The Dodge Caliber is a compact hatchback[2] manufactured and marketed by Chrysler's Dodge division from model years 2007 to 2012, replacing the Dodge Neon and Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Following the Caliber concept which debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show,[3] the pre-production version debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, with market launch in March 2006.

The Caliber was manufactured at the Belvidere Assembly (Illinois) plant, and across its six-year model run, just over 400,000 were produced.

Marketing

The Caliber was one of Dodge's first modern offerings in Europe and in Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, as it established new distribution channels there. It was also introduced in China in 2008 as Dodge's second modern vehicle offering in that market. Dodge vehicles were previously officially sold in China during the World War II era. The introduction of the Caliber marked the return of the Dodge brand to Australia since the early 1970s.[4]

The Caliber in Japan joined the Chrysler PT Cruiser in 2007, as the PT Cruiser was offered since 2000, but as with previous Chrysler products sold in Japan, the width dimension exceeded the Japanese Government dimension regulations, and Japanese consumers were liable for annual taxes for driving a larger car which affected sales. As Chrysler products were considered large to the Japanese market, Chrysler offered products that offered spacious interiors with four doors and one-piece liftgates to broaden their appeal to the Japanese as a compromise for paying the annual tax for large vehicles.

The marketing plan for the first year of Caliber's production included 20% of the budget for online marketing, print ads, and TV commercials.[5]

Features

The Dodge Caliber offered a continuously variable transmission (called CVT2 by Dodge) sourced from Jatco (a Nissan subsidiary), the second DaimlerChrysler model to employ this technology after the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It uses a four-cylinder 1.8-2.4 L World gasoline engine, designed jointly by Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai.

The car features an optional electronically controlled all-wheel drive system with variable torque at speeds of 25 to 65 mph (40 to 105 km/h) for optimal handling.

The Caliber uses a heavily modified GS platform, co-designed with Mitsubishi Motors. The modified GS platform is now called the JS platform by Chrysler for mid-size cars and PM/MK for compact cars. It shares a portion of the platform with the Mitsubishi Lancer, but is most similar to the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. The Caliber wheels have a 5-hole pattern with a 114.3 mm bolt circle.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Caliber an overall Good score in frontal crash testing. The Dodge Caliber was standard with side curtain airbags, but torso side airbags were optional. The IIHS had scored the Caliber Marginal overall in their side impact test. However, that Caliber was not equipped with the optional torso-side airbag.[6]

IIHS:[7]
Moderate overlap front Good
Side Marginal
Roof strength Acceptable
Head restraints & seats Good
NHTSA 2011 Dodge Caliber :[8]
Overall:
Frontal Driver Side:
Frontal Passenger Side:
Front Seat:
Rear Seat:
Driver:
Rear Passenger:
Rollover Star Rating: / 15.50%

Models

Three models were available at the Caliber's launch, with a fourth available in mid-2006.

The base SE model features front-wheel drive and a 1.8 L 148 hp (110 kW) World I4 attached to a Magna Drivetrain T355 5-speed manual transmission. A 2.0 L 158 hp (118 kW) version of the engine paired with the CVT2 transmission was available as an option.

The standard configuration for the SE lacks air conditioning, power windows, door locks, or mirrors. The grille surround is body-colored, while that of all other models is chromed. Canadian SXT and R/T models feature body-color grilles instead of chrome grilles. The Caliber SE doesn't have a tachometer or assist handles, 15 in (38 cm) steel wheels with wheel covers are standard. Some options were not available on the SE.

For 2011, this model was named Express, reverting to SE for 2012. For 2012, the CVT transmission option was dropped only for the SE, leaving the five-speed manual transmission as the only available transmission option for the SE. The CVT continued to be offered in the SXT and SXT Plus models for 2012.

The SXT has the same engine choices as the SE but many more features are available as standard. Air conditioning is standard equipment at this level, including the Chill Zone beverage cooler inside the front lower glove compartment. The gauge cluster gains a tachometer and an (optional) trip computer. The driver's seat adds height adjustment, the passenger seat folds flat for load-carrying, and the rear seats recline. Power windows, locks, mirrors, and remote keyless entry are included. The grille is chromed and 17 in (43 cm) steel wheels are standard, with 17 in (43 cm) aluminum wheels as an option. The cargo area light includes a removable and rechargeable flashlight while the front dome light incorporates two reading lamps. In Europe, this version was also commercialized and equipped with a VW-built 2.0 L turbodiesel engine.

A picture of the VW-built TDI Pumpe-Düse (pump-nozzle) diesel engine which powered the Dodge Caliber diesel variant sold in Europe (MY2007)
Dodge Caliber

Some Dodge publications mention a SXT Sport Wagon model, while others (e.g. the Dodge website) list an SXT "E" package with identical features. This consists of 17 in (43 cm) aluminum wheels, color-keyed cloth seat inserts, color-matched instrument panel trim, along with fog lamps.

The UK SXT Sport model has 18 in (46 cm) alloy wheels, color-keyed cloth seats and instrument panel, and a 9-speaker audio system as standard; early UK models did not have the chrome grille. The UK SXT Sport was available with a Volkswagen 2.0 L diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

For 2011, the Heat, Uptown, and Mainstreet were three available trim levels of the Caliber, reverting to SXT and SXT Plus in 2012.

The R/T model has a 2.4 L 172 hp (128 kW) version of the World engine, equipped with the CVT2 transmission, and programmed with an 'AutoStick' feature giving six simulated fixed ratios in a clutchless manual mode in addition to the standard CVT 'Drive' mode. All-wheel-drive was an option on the R/T model until 2009, but with automatic transmission only. Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels were standard, while chromed versions were optional. At launch, the CVT2 with all-wheel drive was the only powertrain combination available for the R/T. A front-wheel-drive variant with the T355 5-speed manual transmission commenced production in late summer 2006. ABS was standard, and the suspension and steering systems were tuned for performance.

Externally, the R/T is distinguishable by body-color/chrome door handles (replacing black on other models), a chrome side molding, chromed exhaust tip, and front fog lights as standard, as well as R/T badging.

Internally, the car came standard with color-keyed fabric seat inserts, while leather seats were an option as on the SXT. Color-keyed instrument panel trim was also standard, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and speed control, and a cargo area cover (all options on the SXT).

The R/T model was discontinued in 2010.

Dodge Caliber SRT4

The SRT4 model that was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006, was a replacement for the original Neon-based SRT-4 produced by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology group.

The SRT4 hatchback competed with the Volkswagen GTI and the Mazdaspeed3. It featured a 2.4 L DOHC 16V turbocharged I4 with dual variable valve timing (DVVT). The engine produces 285 hp (213 kW) at 6,400 rpm, and 265 lb⋅ft (359 N⋅m) of torque at 5,600 rpm using the TD04HL4S-20 turbo. Edmunds.com tested a Caliber SRT4 on a chassis dynamometer and obtained 281 hp (210 kW) and 261 lb⋅ft (354 N⋅m) of torque at the wheels. Edmunds called the manufacturer's rating conservative; putting more power on the road than cars costing twice as much. This engine is mated to a Getrag six-speed manual transmission and uses a front-wheel drive drivetrain. The Caliber SRT4 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multilink rear suspension. The SRT4 came with large 13.4 in (34 cm) vented front disc brakes (from the Dodge Charger Police Pack version) with dual-piston calipers and 11.9 in (30 cm) rear single-piston disc brakes. It also featured four-wheel ABS, with electronic assistance. The wheels are 19 in (48 cm), five-spoke, SRT-stamped, painted aluminum, and equipped with Goodyear RSA 225/45R19 tires. Package options included polished aluminum wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, SIRIUS satellite radio with Kicker SRT livin' loud audio, EVIC with performance pages, security alarm, and optional paint colors.

The SRT4 model of the Caliber was available through 2009.

Engines

Turbocharged 2.4 L I4 World Engine (285 hp) Dodge Caliber SRT-4
ModelYearEngine typePowerTorqueNotes
SE, SXT2007–20091.8 L World I4148 bhp (110 kW)125 lb⋅ft (169 N⋅m)5-Speed Manual, FWD
2007–20112.0L World I4158 bhp (118 kW)141 lb⋅ft (191 N⋅m)CVT2 (2007–present), 5-Speed Manual (2010–2012), FWD
Diesel2006–20072.0 L I4 turbo (from Volkswagen 140hp TDI BKD)138 bhp (103 kW)229 lb⋅ft (310 N⋅m)Europe & Australia only, FWD (without DPF)
Diesel2008–20112.0 L I4 turbo (from Volkswagen 170hp TDI BMR)168 bhp (125 kW)229 lb⋅ft (310 N⋅m)Europe & Australia only, FWD (with DPF)
R/T2007–20112.4 L World I4172 bhp (128 kW)165 lb⋅ft (224 N⋅m)AWD: CVT2 (2007–2008), FWD: CVT2/5-Speed manual (2007–2011)
SRT-42008–20092.4 L World I4 turbo ("Warhawk")285 bhp (213 kW)265 lb⋅ft (359 N⋅m)6-Speed Getrag Manual, FWD

Updates

2009

For the 2009 model, the Caliber underwent a minor revamp. The plain plastic black-colored door handles available on base models were replaced by painted car-colored handles previously available only on R/T. In addition, the trunk lid was reduced in weight and simplified in its opening. In the interior, all panels were made black instead of grey. The "DODGE" badge that was on top of the Ram logo in the middle was shifted to the left, while the "CALIBER" badge was moved to the right from the left, both equal in font size. The car model title, previously indicated on the right, was moved to the bottom right corner of the gate lid.

2010

The 2010 model year was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring a refreshed interior design composed of metallic outlines and parts of glass to suppress the abundance of plastic materials on previous models, as well as the addition of an 8-way power driver's seat, heated mirrors, and an automatic climate control system previously available only on R/T. The dashboard also features the relocation of the glove box due to many customer complaints, which now occupies the spot over the radio panel and comprises a "push-open" lock instead of the previous "squeeze-and-lift" opening mechanism.

The 1.8 L engine was dropped from the SE and SXT models, and the SRT-4 model is discontinued. European market models receive a new 2.2 L diesel engine with 163 hp (122 kW) and 236-pound-force-foot (320 N⋅m) of torque that provides a combined city and highway fuel efficiency of 40.6 miles per US gallon (5.79 L/100 km; 48.8 mpg‑imp).[9]

For the United States market, the models were promptly renamed and rebranded, with SE becoming "Main Street", SXT — "Heat" and R/T — "Rush". Two more models were launched in 2010: a luxury all-included variant "Uptown" and a base variant "Express" in which the black plastic handles returned. "Express" was the only model not to feature automatic climate control as an option, the "Main Street" featured speed control, an anti-lock brake system, and electronic stability control, which were previously unavailable as options for SE. All models except "Express" featured 17-inch wheels.

2011

The 2011 model brought six new paint schemes, standard stability control except on Express models, Sirius traffic when equipped with a navigation system, 18-inch chrome-clad wheels available on Uptown models (17" painted are standard), updated steering except on Express models, and new shocks and a thicker rear anti-roll bar on Rush and Heat models.[10] The Caliber and the Nitro were the only two cars in the Dodge vehicle lineup to still feature the Ram logo on both fascia, rear, and the steering wheel. The Dodge Nitro also featured driver and passenger floor mats. The logo was removed from the mats in Calibers with the 2009 model.

2012

For the 2012 model year, the models were renamed back to SE, SXT, and SXT Plus. The Plus version includes all the SXT items and 18-inch aluminum wheels with performance tires, as well as a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat.[11] The SXT Plus was not sold in Canada.

Discontinuation

The 2010 Caliber was the last model sold in Europe. The 2011 model ended production on 23 November 2011, in United States,[12] with the remainder being sold as the 2012 model year Caliber in both U.S. and Canada.[13] A successor called the Dart,[14] based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta's platform, went on sale in June 2012 for the 2013 model-year as the compact vehicle in Dodge's lineup.[15]

Sales

Calendar yearU.S.[16]Canada[16]Europe[17]AustraliaTotal
2006 92,22419,52410,657122,405
2007 101,079[18]18,553[19]16,956136,588
2008 84,158[18]19,54411,056114,758
2009 36,098[20]9,8026,05551,955
2010 45,082[21]7,2753,44455,801
2011 35,049[22]4,9198351,257[23]42,060
2012 10,176[24]2822441010,892
2013 457153
2014 11
Total 403,91179,90649,0291,667534,513

Notes

  1. ↑

References

  1. ↑ "Chrysler factories, offices, and testing grounds, 1925-2017". allpar.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2017.
  2. ↑ Consumer Reports (2006). Buying Guide 2007. Consumer Reports Books. p. 172. ISBN 9781933524016. Retrieved 13 July 2017. The Caliber four-door hatchback replaced the Dodge Neon sedan, and has a raised seating position similar to a small SUV.
  3. ↑ "Dodge Caliber Photo Gallery - 2005 Geneva Motor Show". Motor Trend. February 2005. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  4. ↑ Sinclair, Mike (10 February 2006). "Dodge aims to grab Australia by the horns". motoring.com.au. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  5. ↑ Wert, Jay (25 March 2006). "It's An Exclusive Marketing Blitz! Advance Copies Of Four Commercials For The Dodge Caliber!". jalopnik. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  6. ↑ "IIHS-HLDI: Dodge Caliber". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  7. ↑ "Vehicle details". Iihs.org. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  8. ↑ "2013 Dodge Caliber". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  9. ↑ Abuelsamid, Sam (1 September 2009). "2010 Dodge Caliber gets new interior, Europe gets new diesel". autoblog. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  10. ↑ Holmes, Jake (September 2010). "2011 Dodge Caliber Gets Revised Suspension, Equipment Shuffled". Car and Driver. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  11. ↑ "What's Included". dodge.com. Archived from the original on 25 May 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
  12. ↑ Ganz, Andrew (24 August 2011). "Dodge Caliber production to cease in November". Leftlanenews.com. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  13. ↑ "2012 Dodge Caliber" (PDF). Chrysler Group. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  14. ↑ "Dodge Dart is de Amerikaanse Alfa Giulietta". Autoblog.nl (in Dutch). 6 December 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  15. ↑ Hirsch, Jerry (6 December 2012). "Chrysler revives Dodge Dart in bid for youth market". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  16. 1 2 "Dodge Caliber Sales Figures". goodcarbadcar.com. 1 January 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  17. ↑ "Dodge Caliber European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 10 February 2014. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  18. 1 2 "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  19. ↑ Good Car Bad Car (Dodge Avenger Sales Figures)
  20. ↑ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 5 January 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  21. ↑ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2010 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  22. ↑ Zatz, David (4 January 2012). "Chrysler sales shoot up 37% (26% for 2011)". allpar.com. Archived from the original on 10 January 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  23. ↑ "Fiat Crysler Car Sales Statistics". carsitaly.net. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  24. ↑ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 10 Percent". Chrysler Group (Press release). 3 January 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
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