Look all around. People are buying them up, they are getting great reveiews and people are happy with their test drives. This things is 10 times a better car than the Neon was... Just cause you don't like it, doesn't mean everyone else feels the same. Look around at the obvious.

 

I proud you guys like maybe in a couple years dodge will discontinue it also...... Is it me or does it look like a Vibe. Must say the sexist thing about it would be the all wheel drive. I'm form the northest snow is a problem sometimes

 

I highly doubt they'll even think about it. I wouldn't be surprised if this 2x more successful than the Neon ever was. You can call it what you want, compare it to what you want. The bottom line, is that the Neon is dead, and is being replaced by a better car for a cheaper price. If you don't like it, then don't buy it. Chrysler can't satisfy everyone.

 

That's kinda odd. Just wonder why the R/T has the AWD OR FWD and the SRT is only gonna be FWD? Is this correct?

 

The official specs of the Caliber SRT-4 aren't even released yet. All Chrysler did, was announce there would be a 300 HP Caliber SRT-4. Beyond that, the specs are pretty much unknown until later this year. As posted in the other thread, there may be a problem with putting the same AWD system on the SRT-4 as what is in the R/T model as it may not be able to handle 300 HP/270 torque, and/or the AWD system on the Magnum/Charger may not fit on the Caliber. Nothing as far as specs are set in stone as of yet, so anything is possible.

 

Thank you 04StratusR/T ... you couldn't be more right [sm=exactly.gif]

Just an FYI for those who may not know, there is a press release on the Dodge Caliber SRT4 on www.dodge.com.
Click on the 2006 Chicago Auto Show link, then read "Caliber SRT4 News".
Share your thoughts!

Kelly S

 

I used to feel the same way as grantourismo when I first heard and saw pics of the Caliber. Well, it's 180 out now. I like them. I'm no longer sure why people still call them SUV like...what item(s) makes a vehicle an SUV or MiniVan or Hatchback anyway? The hatch, the height, 5 doors? I've never mistakened them, an SUV looks like an SUV...big or small.
If you don't like them, don't look or read about them...pretty simple folks.
This reminds me of the Charger...sheesh.

 

Actually, this: https://dodgeforum.com/m_390455/tm.htm is an official specification sheet, straight from DaimlerChrysler Media. It was a PDF copied to actually writing, so it could be posted.

There is no official word on whether it's FWD or AWD yet...

 

I cannot believe the negative talk about the Caliber. Like Granturnismo, what is the big deal?

The Caliber is better than the Neon in every respect, at the base it is cheaper, gets better gas mileage, can hold more, and looks A LOT better. I honestly have never, ever, seen a neon and looked twice at it. It has about the same wow factor as a Ford Contour.

The R/T has AWD, a good engine, great gas mileage, great sound options, and more. Not one person has said anything about the Caliber on the negative, outside of its appearance to them. It is heavier, granted, but that does not make it a bad vehicle. It even sits lower than the Neon from what I have read (but that may have been that the SRT-4 Caliber sits lower than the SRT-4 Neon, I dont remember).

So unless you actually have something that is an actual fact that makes the Caliber worse than what it is replacing, just leave it alone.

 

I can understand how you'r enjoy your new Caliber. However, don't compre it to the Neon... they are 2 different autos, completely. (Much like comparing it to other products.)

It's not better than the Neon in every respect. It's not cheaper. In fact, it's 50% more expensive than the $9,999 that the Neon was offered at this year. It also it reported as getting 50% *WORSE* gas mileage. My 2005 Neon gets 30MPG (on winter fuel... probably 10-15% better with summer fuel) as opposed to the 21MPG w/ similar driving of this car.

As for looks... that's taste. Those who buy the Caliber have *none* so far as I can tell. Eugly is the word that comes to mind... but that's taste. Not a bad looking car in person... but not the same style. For the cost of a Caliber, kick in a few bucks more and go for a real SUV, such as a Ford Excuse. You get better performance, similar MPG, and 4WD... in a much bigger/prettier package.

The engine is reported as rattly, compared to other cars. It's one of the non-selling points of the car. You have a Korean engine... face it.

Gas mileage... what a joke. Performance is another joke. Even with the 2.4L, my standard Neon walks away from them... and sounds better doing so. Basically, this car is like when Suzuki traded in their Sidekick and went for their Viagra model... same performance at 30% less fuel economy. Drop me in the SRT-4 version... and it's good bye all around. (The car I drove couldn't compete well with the standard... and the SRT4 is *way* beyond compare, at about the same price point.)

For the cost, I went with the 2005 Neon SXT. I added a towing package, dog carrying (removed the back seat), put in decent front seat covers (Dodge interiors always need help) and a sound system... and still will have it paid off $3K sooner. Oh... and I got the life time oil change and maintenance package.

If you like the Caliber, great. Personally, I'd as soon drive one of the new Caravans. All around... a better car for a similar price (discounts allowed).