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2008 Dodge Caliber - enlargeComplete 2008 Dodge Caliber New Car Reviews listed below
The 2008 Dodge Caliber midsize hatchback (MSRP: $14,900 - $23,285, Invoice price: $14,071 - $21,702) is available in Base SE, SXT, R/T, and SRT-4 trim levels. This model competes with the Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Flex, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Mitsubishi Outlander, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix. Buyers can choose from a 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter I4 engine and a 173-horsepower, a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter, I4 engine, a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter I4 engine, and a 285-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged I4 engine. Buyers can choose between five-speed or six-speed manual transmissions (mated with a front-wheel drive system) or a continuously variable transmission mated with an all-wheel drive system.
The Dodge Caliber midsize hatchback is currently in its first generation (introduced in Spring 2006 as a 2007 model) and is assembled in Belvedere, Illinois. The Caliber rides on a heavily modified GS platform, co-designed with Mitsubishi Motors.1 Its exterior is styled such that it "makes a statement, without saying a word. One look is all it takes to be drawn in by its powerful lines, bold wheel flares, and versatile five-door design."2
The 2008 Dodge Caliber midsize hatchback has a four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a multi-link rear suspension.
Exterior features on this midsize hatchback include 15 x 6.0 inch steel wheels, all season tires, a temporary spare tire, and a steel spare wheel. It has full wheel covers, an inside-mounted spare tire, variable-intermittent wipers, a rear defogger, a rear window wiper, and a rear spoiler. Basic instrumentation for this model includes a clock, an external temperature display, and low fuel level warning.
Inside, the Caliber midsize hatchback has a five-person total seating capacity, bucket front seats, and cloth upholstery. It is equipped with a bench rear seat, a split-folding rear seatback, and rear ventilation ducts.
Convenience features for this midsize hatchback include power-dependent steering, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, manual driver and passenger exterior mirrors, and front and rear cupholders. It also has front door pockets, a 12V front power outlet, a front console with storage, and retained accessory power. Basic comfort features are dual vanity mirrors and a cargo area light.
Entertainment features for the Dodge Caliber midsize hatchback include an AM/FM in-dash single CD player stereo, 66 watts of stereo output, and four total speakers. It is equipped with a mast antenna and an auxiliary MP3 audio input.
The 2008 Dodge Caliber midsize hatchback has the following safety and security features: ventilated front disc/rear drum brakes, front and rear head airbags, and passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation. This model comes equipped with rear door child safety locks, child seat anchors, a rear center 3-point belt, and integrated and height-adjustable headrests (two front and two rear). Other basic safety features are an engine immobilizer and tire pressure monitoring.
More features on the Dodge Caliber SXT include keyless entry, cruise control, a tachometer, 17-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth upholstery, and a fold flat passenger seat. It has reclining rear seats, remote power door locks, power windows, 1 one-touch power window, power mirrors, a 115V front power outlet, a cooled storage compartment, and air conditioning. It also comes equipped with an interior active charcoal air filter, front reading lights, front and rear floor mats, and a Sirius satellite radio
The 2008 Dodge Caliber R/T has the following additional features: 18-inch alloy wheels, a 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), front fog/driving lights, electronic brake-force distribution, leather upholstery, heated driver and passenger seats, and audio controls on steering wheel. It also comes equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a Boston Acoustics premium brand stereo system with nine speakers, one subwoofer, and 458 watts of stereo output.
The Dodge Caliber SRT-4, meanwhile, features 19-inch painted alloy wheels, an emergency braking assist, traction control, stability control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and sport seating. It has leather trim on the shift knob, alloy trim on dash, a special hood with an air scoop, and a lowered suspension.
A safety report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the 2008 Dodge Caliber midsize hatchback received five stars out of five in frontal side crash tests, five stars out of five (front seat) and four stars out of five (rear seat) in side crash tests, and four stars out of five in rollover tests (2-wheel and 4-wheel drive).
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Dodge's curvy five-door crossover SUV fits in the compact class and rides on a car's chassis with front-wheel-drive (FWD) or optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction plus fun-to-drive ride and handling characteristics.
•2007 Dodge Caliber R/T Compact Wagon
Like the love child of a Durango and a hatchback, the 2007 Dodge Caliber is surprisingly stylish, roomy and innovative for its price. It combines the practicality of a minivan with the efficiency of an economy car. The coolest feature -- literally -- in the 2007 Dodge Caliber is the Chill Zone, a little compartment by the glove box that keeps bottled drinks cold. Other neat features include a fold-out stereo for tailgate parties, a 110-volt AC outlet and a holder for your iPod built into the armrest.
