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Acceleration
"Adequate at best, regardless of powertrain. No opportunity to time, but Dodge
quotes 10.8-11.2 sec 0-60 mph for models we tested. Manual transmission clutch
easy to modulate, but shift action notchy. In CVT-equipped models, acceleration
is modest from a stop but grows stronger above 20 mph, and throttle response
is good around town but lackluster at highway speeds. "
Value
"Like the similar-concept Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, Caliber boasts a different
look and greater utility than the traditional compact station wagon. Noisy, underpowered
engines and compromised outward visibility are drawbacks, but are offset by competitive
prices, available all-wheel drive, and some cleaver convenience features."
Ride
"SE fairly compliant over bumps, but bounds over dips and swells. R/T a bit more
jittery over broken pavement but suffers less bounding. No opportunity to test
SXT. "
Economy
No opportunity to measure. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
Noise
"Moderate wind, road, bump noise. Engines loud, coarse in even gentle acceleration,
though 2.0-liter the quietest here. "
Comfort - Front
"Ample leg and head room. Cloth seats lack lumbar adjuster, are short on lower-back
support. Height-adjustable driver seat aids driver positioning, but is unavailable
on SE. Center-console armrest slides fore/aft, cover flips to reveal buit-in
holder for cell phone or MP3 player. Air-conditioned models include chilled glovebox
compartment. Outward visibility to all directions restricted by thick roof pillars,
especially to rear corners. "
Comfort - Rear
"Good head room. Leg room fine, even with front seats nearly fully aft. Good
toe clearance. Cushions soft, flat, but seatback reclines on SXT, R/T. Egress
hindered by narrow door opening."
Controls
"Large gauges easy to read. Large, simple audio and climate controls within easy
reach, though manual-transmission shift lever can block access to climate dials.
Radios have MP3 plug-in, and available fold-down speakers in liftgate are a picnic
plus. Hard plastic panels prevail in cabin, but don't come across as cut-rate."
Cargo Room
"Cargo area larger than that of typical hatchback, but smaller than most compact
SUVs. Removable plastic load floor easy to clean, but allows objects to slide
around. Hatch lid won't clear 6-footers. Split rear seatbacks easy to fold, but
headrests don't remove, so seatbacks won't lay flat if front seat all the way
back. Small-item storage impressive thanks to large double glovebox, decent-sized
console box, bins of various sizes."
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