2009 Dodge Caliber Review

Overview

The 2009 Dodge Caliber is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in SE, SXT, R/T, and high-performance SRT4 trim levels. For 2009, the Dodge Caliber all-wheel drive R/T model makes an exit. Otherwise, this compact hatchback is largely unchanged for 2009. The spirited Dodge Caliber combines powerful engines and advanced transmissions to deliver a new experience of acceleration and seamless power. Dodge offers a 3-year / 36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty with bumper-to-bumper coverage from the body to the electrical; and a Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty to cover the engine.

Power and performance

All Dodge Caliber trims receive 4-cylinder engines and come with front-wheel drive. The Caliber SE and SXT get the choice of a 148-hp, 1.8-liter, engine teamed to a 5-speed manual and a 158-hp 2.0-liter engine equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Caliber R/T is powered by a 172-hp, 2.4-liter, that comes only with the CVT. The SRT4 gets a turbocharged, 285-hp, 2.4-liter engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. EPA fuel economy rates at 24/30 mpg (city/highway) on the 1.8L engine with the 5-speed manual.

Body and styling

Inside the cabin, the headroom and line of sight is much higher than most other cars. The raked windshield, large roof pillars, and long low windows give the feel of an aircraft cockpit. Standard features include five person seating capacity; bucket front seats; cloth upholstery; bench rear seat; split-folding rear seatback; rear ventilation ducts; power steering tilt-adjustable steering wheel; manual driver and passenger exterior mirrors; front and rear cup holders; front door pockets; 12V front power outlets; front console with storage; retained accessory power; and an AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo and 4 speakers. Available features include a fold-flat front passenger seat; a ventilated glove box; and removable cargo light. Newly available for 2009 is Chrysler's UConnect multimedia suite, which provides a wireless cell phone link; a 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing pictures and digital music files; and a navigation system with real-time traffic information.

Safety Features

Safety features include standard advanced multistage airbags for the driver and front passenger; a knee blocker airbag; and supplemental side-curtain airbags; side-seat airbags are available as options. In addition to airbags, the Caliber features strengthened materials and engineered crush zones designed to minimize the impact during a crash.