Hey all. I'm new to the Caliber but I have some questions. My mom is thinking of trading her 01 Durango for an 07 Caliber. Any major problems with these cars? I know they haven't been out that long so long term efects have yet to be seen. Do they get decent gas mileage? My mom likes the power of the 4.7L in her Durango but she is tired of 15mpg on the highway. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

I have had my Caliber SXT since August 06
and it has only been back to the dealer for oil changes,
an update to programming engine/cvt and a slight brake squeak.
I consistently exceed EPA mpg estimates both city/hiway and enjoy driving
the car.
Like all 1st year cars it's had growing pains depending on which
motor/trans/drive systems you have and no doubt there are some
unhappy owners but I see on the forums there are many more satisfied
ones.
One thing is that it's anything but cute.

 

HAHA!! I like that. "Anything but cute". Thanks for the info. One more question I have..can you get one with a regular 4spd auto or something besides the CVT?? Personally, I'm not a big fan of the CVT myself. I like to be able to drop a vehicle into low gear when creeping down a snow and ice covered hill.

 

Well you can get the following combos 1.8L/5spd/fwd-2.0L/CVT/fwd-2.4L/CVTautostk/awd-
2.4L/5spd/fwd and finally 2.4Lturbo/6spd Getrag/fwd.
You pays your money and takes your choice!
The CVT is the only AUTO trans but as you can see it comes in 2 flavors-
2.0L/CVT withlow and drive and the 2.4L/CVT autostick in the RT AWD.
I have 2.0L/CVT and I can guarantee when you put it Low going down
a grade you know it,you have to drive one to try it,I really like the tranny
and I live in relatively hilly area of Ontario.

 

Nice. Sounds good. The one my mom is looking at is AWD. Does that mean its the R/T?

 

Unless Chrylser has changed it's marketing stratergy yes
AWD can only be had in the RT configuration.

 

Good Deal. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. I think my mom is going to get one.