The Dodge Caliber Should Not Exist
Recently I was asked if I wanted to “upgrade” from the Cobalt to the Dodge Caliber. They were having a deal where it was only an extra $8 a day. I thought “sure what the hell, with a name like Caliber, it’s got to be somewhat cool.”
Prior to driving this vehicle, I had no knowledge of its specifications. I figured a car this size and name would be equipped with at least a V6 in the 3.2 liter 230hp range. I got on the road and stepped on the gas waiting for something to happen. I could immediately tell that this car literally had no power. I later find out that this turd on wheels is powered by a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine making less than 160 horse power. For a car of it’s size/weight this engine is a joke. I bet a 96 Geo Metro could out run this thing. Consider the Subaru WRX wagon with the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine making around 230 horse power. It weighs less. It does circles around this piece of shit and it has just as much room. Not to mention it comes equipped with all wheel drive and handles infinitely better.
After being disappointed by the engine off the get-go, I quickly found a few other things that I did not like. Every time I tried to turn on a right turn signal, the signal lever would slip forward and put the high beams on. So I was driving around flashing people with the high beams whilst trying to put on a right turn signal. It was really annoying. The steering was sluggish. I had recently driven a new Dodge Durango and it felt like I was driving that again.
I started to question why this car exists. It’s not a sedan. It’s not an SUV. It’s some sort of bastard child between the two. A cross between an SUV and a sedan with no power. Who does this car appeal to? I am now beginning to realize why Chrysler is going out of business. It’s because they make cars with no purpose like this one. There are wagons/crossovers (whatever the fuck they’re calling them) that are smaller than this one and have better suspension/performance.
The car is not a total disaster. It has ample room for passengers. The sound system was nice. The MSRP is pretty low (for a good reason). The cup holders light up. These small novelties are not enough to counter the epic failure that is this automobile.
Chrysler, stop making shit like this.