2008 Dodge Caliber - Road Test Specs

2008 Dodge Caliber Wagon

(2.4L 4-cyl. Turbo 6-speed Manual)
Vehicle
Model year2008
MakeDodge
ModelCaliber
StyleSRT-4
Base MSRP$22,995
As-tested MSRP$26,490
Drivetrain
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Engine typeInline four-cylinder
Displacement (cc/cu-in)2400 (146)
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)285 @ 5,700
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)265 @ 2,000
Transmission typeSix-speed manual
Chassis
Suspension, frontMacPherson struts with stabilizer bar
Suspension, rearMultilink with stabilizer bar
Steering typeHydraulically assisted rack and pinion
Tire brandGoodyear
Tire modelF1 Supercar
Tire size, front225/45R19
Tire size, rear225/45R19
Brakes, frontDisc
Track Test Results
0-45 mph (sec.)4.4
0-60 mph (sec.)6.2
0-75 mph (sec.)8.9
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph)14.6 @ 100.0
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.)32
60-0 mph (ft.)124
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)64.1
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g).81
Sound level @ idle (dB)52.2
@ Full throttle (dB)79.2
@ 70 mph cruise (dB)67.5
Test Driver Ratings & Comments
Acceleration commentsThe Caliber's combo of boost and peaky tire grip means launching it effectively is a bog-or-boil affair. Even identical-rpm launches could produce either result depending on how quickly wide-open throttle is used. Also, the 2-3 shift was sometimes difficult. Front tires nibble like a hedgehog and the whole car zigzags down the strip. The Neon-based SRT-4 was better. Also, pedaling: It didn't work while the tires were spinning -- probably thanks to slow throttle reponse and heavy wheel-tire combo.
Braking ratingGood
Braking commentsThe SRT-4's pedal softens somewhat during hard driving, but doesn't ever fade dangerously. Braking distances were relatively consistent over four stops from 60 mph.
Handling ratingAverage
Handling commentsConstant meddling from non-defeat ESP produces highly repeatable but lackluster results on the skid pad. Just as the car begins to do all the right things in the slalom, the ESP begins grabbing brakes. Quick transitions and good rotation are not allowed. Steering is rather good, communicative and light. You've got to run it against the ESP to get a quick run -- "less is more" approach doesn't work here.
Testing Conditions
Elevation (ft.)421
Temperature (°F)79
Wind (mph, direction)1.2 NW
Fuel Consumption
EPA fuel economy (mpg)21 City 26 Highway
Edmunds observed (mpg)19.2
Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.)13.6
Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)3248
Length (in.)173.8
Width (in.)68.8
Height (in.)59.7
Wheelbase (in.)103.7
Legroom, front (in.)41.8
Legroom, rear (in.)35.6
Headroom, front (in.)40.0 (w/ sunroof)
Headroom, rear (in.)38.9
Seating capacity5
Cargo volume (cu-ft)18.5
Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft)48.0
Warranty
Bumper-to-bumper3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain3 years/36,000 miles
Corrosion5 years/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance3 years/36,000 miles
Free scheduled maintenanceNot available
Safety
Front airbagsStandard
Side airbagsStandard
Head airbagsStandard
Antilock brakesStandard
Electronic brake enhancementsElectronic brakeforce distribution
Traction controlStandard
Stability controlStandard
Rollover protectionNot available
Emergency assistance systemNot available
NHTSA crash test, driver5 stars
NHTSA crash test, passenger5 stars
NHTSA crash test, side front5 stars
NHTSA crash test, side rear5 stars
NHTSA rollover resistance4 stars
View Edmunds Road Test

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