2010 Dodge Caliber

The 2010 Dodge Caliber is a compact hatchback with four doors from automobile giant Chrysler. It has been rehashed from the past model and some options like the all-wheel drive was removed. However, the interior was upgraded to include more comfort and safety features.

The 2010 model is also made more versatile and the manufacturer even included unique features to take this vehicle a notch higher. This model is also offered in five trim levels. However, some say that the performance of the vehicle just keeps pulling it down the list.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Compact Wagon Base Price: $17,380.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.6 gallons (51 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 24 city / 32 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 173.8 in. (441 cm) Width: 68.8 in. (174.7 cm)
Height: 60.4 in. (153 cm) Wheel Base: 103.7 in. (263 cm)
Curb Weight: 2940 lbs (1333 kg) Ground Clearance: 7.7 in. (19.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 18.4 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT DOHC Displacement: 2.0-liter
Horsepower: 158 HP Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Caliber Heat MSRP: $18,585; MPG: 24 city / 32 hwy
Option:Caliber Mainstreet MSRP: $18,620; MPG: 23 city / 27 hwy
Option:Caliber Uptown MSRP: $20,585; MPG: 23 city / 27 hwy

Performance

Under the hood of the Caliber, you will find either an engine with a capacity for 2 liters paired with 141 lb.-feet of torque and 158 horsepower. This engine is actually the standard for all units under this model except for those in the Rush trim level. So for this particular trim, the manufacturer gave an engine capable of 2.4 liters which can give you as much as 172 horsepower as well as 165 lb.-feet of torque.

In terms of transmission, there are two options for the Dodge Caliber. One is the manual transmission with five speeds. And the other is a continuously variable automatic transmission or CVT. But when it comes to handling and breaking, this model gets mixed reviews. There are those who are satisfied; but there are also those who find that the ride seems to be truck-like.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior design and styling, a lot of users, reviewers and experts are pretty much impressed with the aggressive and sporty look of the Caliber. Some reviewers also find the exterior to be chunky and angular. And in terms of functionality, this model really performs very well.

When it comes to the interior design and style, the Caliber also made good impressions with the users, reviewers as well as experts. The front seats are heated and comfortable. More so, they also look sporty because of the leather used coupled with the contrast stitching.

The storage options were also good. This is true for the other interior features as well. The manufacturer even made it a point to include innovative features. One of which is the cooler in the glove box which is a hit among many reviews. The seats and the cargo area are both roomy. So all in all, the interior not only aces style, but functionality as well.

Safety

Safety should also be among your primary concerns when buying cars. The Caliber has received mixed scores. For instance, this model did quite well in the crash tests by the government. However, it disappointed in the side impact tests of the insurance industry.

When it comes to safety features, unlike most cars, the 2010 Caliber does not have anti-lock brakes. And this is actually a big downside when you are talking about safety. However, it has drum brakes for the rear part and disc brakes for the front area.

There are also safety features included in the units for this model. An example will be multi-stage airbags which can be found in all units. Side-curtain airbags can also be found as a supplement in the front and back areas of the vehicle.

Reliability

In terms of reliability, this model did not do very well. It only got a 5 in a total of 10in the Predicted Reliability rating given by the J. D. Power. Warranty information are yet to be released as well.

The Competition

There are a handful of other cars that stack up better against the Caliber, they include the Chevrolet HHR (MSRP $18,720; 22 city / 32 hwy), Honda Civic (MSRP $15,605; 28 city / 36 hwy), and the Mazda3 (MSRP $15,800; 25 city / 33 hwy) to name a few.

All in all, this model has functional and stylish interior. The manufacturers also gave much effort in incorporating innovative and very useful features for this model. However, the reviews for the performance are quite mixed. And in terms of safety, the 2010 Dodge Caliber lacks some vital features which is a big no-no.

Overall Rating
62 out of 100

What others say:

“It’s tall and has plenty of headroom as a result, but the Caliber’s styling is a little too angular and overwrought from many angles.”Car Connection

“Caliber handles more like a midsize SUV than a compact car. The steering is dull, body lean in turns is only moderately controlled, and one test model suffered from grabby brakes. A large turning radius adds further frustration.”Consumer Guide

“Despite having some unique features, the versatile 2011 Dodge Caliber is hamstrung by lethargic performance.”Edmunds

“The 2.0-liter engine is noisy and fit and finish is mediocre.”MSN-ConsumerReports

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