Car Research > Dodge > Caliber > 2008 > Review Summary
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2008 Dodge Caliber 4dr HB SE FWD

2008 Dodge Caliber
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Summary of Auto Reviews for 2008 Dodge Caliber from over 30 Auto sites
Auto Scores - Summary of Auto Reviews for 2008 Dodge Caliber
Handling:4
Exterior Style:8
Interior Style:4
Price:7
Mileage:5
Safety Features:6
Overall:5
2008 Dodge Caliber Details



Base MSRP: $14,965
Fuel: 2.0l/122
MPG (city): 23
MPG (highway): 27
Base Invoice: $14,078
Body style: 4dr car
Destination: $580
Transmission: 5-speed m/t
Engine: Gas i4
Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive


2008 Dodge Caliber Overview The 2008 Dodge Caliber offers a choice of four models, all with four-cylinder engines.  A 148-horsepower 1.8-liter is standard in SE and SXT, a 158-hp 2.0-liter is optional for SXT, a 172-hp 2.4-liter is standard in R/T, and the SRT4 has a 285-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter.  The 1.8 is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 2.0 comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).  The 2.4 is available with the five-speed manual in the front-drive R/T and the CVT in the all-wheel drive R/T.

 
          

2008 Dodge Caliber Review Summary
Introduced in 2007, the Dodge Caliber gets a few changes in 2008 and offers distinctive and rugged exterior looks but questionable acceleration and interior materials detract from this affordable compact wagon thus ranking at the bottom of all affordable compact wagons by Allcarguides.com. The most significant change form prior model is the introduction of the SRT4 trim that has a 285 horsepower turbocharged engine and accelerates from still to 60 in 6.2 seconds. Other changes are minimal and include SXT and R/T models have some additional standard equipment this year, and all Calibers get new chrome accents within their cabins. The Caliber comes in four trims - SE, SXT, R/T and SRT. The base model has a 1.8 liter engine and is described as anemic in power while the R/T has a larger 2.4 liter but it still does not get good reviews and the engine and transmission are described as unrefined and out of touch with one another. Most reviewers were disappointed with quality of interior materials that were often described as hard plastic. Additionally the un-padded door panes can make for uncomfortable long drives. Both comments about interior are true for all trims. Most reviewers were unimpressed with engine performance as all but the SRT are very underpowered. Though the SRT is noted by Detroit News for its sports tuning most reviews were still under whelmed. The Dodge Caliber SRT, when compared to the Mazdspeed3 is not nearly as fun to drive while other cars achieve higher levels of refinement and cargo area when compared to the other trims. Hence the 2008 Dodge Caliber generally received poor reviews from nearly all sources as it is eclipsed in most areas by other vehicles.

2008 Dodge Caliber Review Handling
Though the SRT trim boasts a powerful engine and accelerates from 0 to 60 in just above 6 seconds, it is not described as a good handling car as it has significant turbo torque steer and is fairly heavy.

2008 Dodge Caliber Review Safety
All versions of the Dodge Caliber come standard with head-protecting side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers and knee-blocker airbag for the driver. Depending on the trim, optional equipment includes antilock brakes and stability control. The 2008 Dodge Caliber received high safety marks from both the Government and Insurance industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration scored the dodge Caliber a perfect five stars in both front- and side-impact crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and side-impact tests gave the Dodge Caliber its top rating of "Good."

2008 Dodge Caliber Noteworthy
The 2008 Dodge Caliber is noted for its very distinctive and attractive exterior design. But is remarkable for also receiving a large number of poor reviews forinterior materials, build quality, and severely underpowered engine and a transmission described as “rubbish” and . A few reviewers noted the particularly awkward seating position when one combines the seat position and clutch. The Caliber offers distinctive features such as liftgate speakers that flip down for tailgate party entertainment and a chilled glovebox for beverages.


Car Reviews From The Internet

First Drive: 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4
Great Expectations: Can a Yankee Hot Hatch Run With the Foreign Sport Compacts?
Motor Trend

2008 Dodge Caliber: What’s New
A shinier, happier Caliber emerges for ’08.
The Car Connection

2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Road Test
Brawny and fast, in a not-so-subtle way.
The Car Connection

The 2008 Dodge Caliber is versatile and has some unique features, but a low-quality cabin and underw
Versatile interior, available all-wheel drive, wide range of engine choices.
Edmunds


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