The 2007 Dodge Caliber got lots of press attention when it was introduced. This attention wasn't for its cool styling, low price or because it's targeted towards the youth market - the type of vehicle that observers expect will help save the domestic auto industry. No, what caused all of the clamor over the Dodge Caliber was the car's cool gadgets: a beverage cooler in the glove box (which is basically a sectioned-off area that the AC blows into); illuminated cup holders in the center console; and a hatch dome light that pops out to become a flashlight.
The Caliber also has a few musical tricks, one of which is a cool iPod holder that swings forward out of the top of the center console. While it perfectly positions your iPod and keeps it snug, the version of the Caliber I evaluated - an R/T AWD model priced at $21,300 with an upgraded stereo featuring an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (a $320 option) and a Sirius Satellite Radio with a 1-year sub (another $195) - didn't have an aux-in jack for the iPod. Only the standard AM/FM single-CD stereo system has one.
The R/T AWD also featured the MusicGate Power Sound System (another $400 option) that includes a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics system with an 8" dual-voice-coil subwoofer and incorporates another of the Caliber's novel twists: a pair of 3 1/2" fullrange speakers in a boom-box-shaped enclosure at the bottom inside edge of the hatch lid. In the closed position, the speakers face the front on the vehicle and provide rear fill. But when the hatch is opened, the enclosure can be unsnapped so that it swings down and the speakers face outward to provide music for tailgating and such. While it's a great concept, I didn't notice a huge difference in sound when standing about 10 yards behind the vehicle with the MusicGate in the open position. Sure, there was an appreciable increase in volume with the MusicGate open, but it wasn't very significant; and I noticed a bigger difference when the Caliber's four doors were open, allowing each of their 6" x 9" speakers to add to the party. Plus, the output of the 8" sub could barely be heard outside the car.
Inside was another matter, though. Listening to the track "Faded" from Ben Harper's CD The Will to Live, the sub did a good job of filling in the lows, while the 6 x 9s in the doors excelled at recreating the tune's tight midbass punch. But I also detected an annoying resonance coming from the driver's side doors while listening to this track. The same good low end and midbass, as well as the door rattling, were also noticeable on the bass-heavy "World Looking In" from Morcheeba's Fragments of Freedom CD and while listening to Obie Trice's "Snitch" on the Sirius Satellite Radio's Shade 45. In all instances, regardless of source, the bass was impressive for just a single 8" sub. But while the system held its own on the low end, it didn't have the tonal clarity and dynamics of a decent aftermarket system. The highs were either too bright or muted. The soundstage was fairly deep and wide thanks to the 2 1/2" speakers mounted at each end of the dash near the windshield, but it wasn't high enough and imaging was usually skewed to either side of the car.
It was also easy to operate. The controls are logically laid out and intuitive to use. A pair of rocker-style switches on the back of the steering wheel - for volume on one side and one for track or tuning on the other - were convenient. The display was bright and easy to read, and I like that the audio-system info - the CD and track numbers, for example - is displayed in the instrument cluster. But I didn't like that when listening to Sirius you have to press an INFO button to get artist and song-title information (instead of the default channel title and number display).
The Caliber R/T AWD was also fun to drive. The 2.4-liter DOHC 4-banger had good pep and the sport suspension gave the car a tight ride. With its Inferno Red paint, 18" five-spoke aluminum wheels and chrome-accented exhaust tip and door handles, the Caliber got plenty of looks and comments. And while the optional system isn't the most impressive when judged by aftermarket standards, at $720 (not including Sirius) it's a good value. In fact, the news the press should have focused on at launch is that it's hard to find a car that's this sporty, practical and loaded with cool gadgets at this price - and of this caliber.