The New Dodge Caliber!

[Sweendog13]

I was skeptical about Dodge making a hatchback since Chrysler already had the PT Cruiser (another reason that I feel the PT's are done), but today they released from the corporate office some of the options for equipment on the Calibers and they sound pretty nice.

Some options are:
- Standard side curtain airbags
- Available Boston Acoustics speakers with rear hatch articulating speakers
- Dual purpose rechargable cargo lamp
- Chill Zone cooled beverage storage bin
- Floor console sliding armrest with cellphone/MP3 holder
- 115-Volt power outlet
- Fold flat front passenger seat

I think most of those are pretty slick![?]

[MDCruiser]

When I saw the Caliber I thought it would be the perfect 'replacement' for the PT. Now that I've been inside one at the Detroit auto show, not so.

It's a 8/10 scale of the PT inside. I am 6'3 and I felt extremely cramped in the driver's seat, my knees were almost touching the dashboard. Not so in the PT, and I've driven up to 5hrs. without stopping in the PT as well.

Everything else looks neat about the Caliber (and there are also some cheap plastic parts inside), but the interior room is a good bit less IMO. [xx(]

[bigslim]

Yeh, but the 300hp Caliber SRT-4 will sweet. [8)]

[Black_GT]

It's ugly. Sorry to be so blunt. Sure the 300hp SRT4 version is nice in theory, but you're still driving a Vibe/Matrix wannabe.....

[Wicked_PT]

quote:Originally posted by Black_GT

It's ugly. Sorry to be so blunt. Sure the 300hp SRT4 version is nice in theory, but you're still driving a Vibe/Matrix wannabe.....

What he said. That's what it looks like a Matrix/Vibe rip-off.

[fritz_t_coyote]

Ok, so Dodge has a replacement for the giant-killing Neon SRT.
Now, will the Chrysler dealers insist on a Caliber-based version of the PT? (they seem comfortable selling 300s that are just plush versions of the 'Charger')
This is what 'brand engineering' is all about, Dodge can sell the 'edgy' Caliber, Chrysler selling the 'smoother' PT.

And me waiting for the Caliber-based SRT-PT.

(I can dream, can't I?)

[Wicked_PT]

quote:Originally posted by fritz_t_coyote

Ok, so Dodge has a replacement for the giant-killing Neon SRT.
Now, will the Chrysler dealers insist on a Caliber-based version of the PT? (they seem comfortable selling 300s that are just plush versions of the 'Charger')
This is what 'brand engineering' is all about, Dodge can sell the 'edgy' Caliber, Chrysler selling the 'smoother' PT.

And me waiting for the Caliber-based SRT-PT.

(I can dream, can't I?)

Yep. But it's more like a "Platform Frame/Chasis" then a "brand engineering". [?]

[bobs turbo pt]

i like the look of it, but i like the sig pic in wickeds post better!! [?]

[rszappa1]

[8)]I saw a new caliber tonight at the dealer. It was silver and fully loaded for about 19 thou. I must say it is a nice looking car. It was not locked so i was able to sit in it. I have a 2004 PT. The interior reminds me of the 2006 PT Interior with a modern body skin on it. My wife very much likes the car and said to trade in the PT for it...In about a year or so I might seriosly look into it once the bugs get worked out of the new model. The mielage rating was 26/30. It had 17inch wheels on it and wide looking tires. i think that it should do well for dodge. I will have to go back during the week and take a test ride.....

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by Black_GT

It's ugly. Sorry to be so blunt. Sure the 300hp SRT4 version is nice in theory, but you're still driving a Vibe/Matrix wannabe.....

The front looks okay, side is a little peculiar, but rear is awful - butt too high...[:0]