2008 Dodge Caliber

The new SRT-4 comes in at a reasonable $22,995 with a few available options, like sunroof, 13-speaker, 322-watt "Kicker" sound system, and "Reconfigurable Display," which shows the driver 0-to-60 time, eighth- and quarter-mile acceleration, and speed, braking distance, and g-forces. Like the Mazdaspeed3 and the base WRX, the Caliber SRT-4 is another bang-for-buck bargain. What's a little (or a lot of) torque steer? Street and Racing Technology's claimed 0-to-60-mph time of six seconds flat probably is conservative, although that torque-management in the first two gears prevents any neck snapping. As in a WRX, accelerating out of a second-gear turn requires waiting for the boost to build. SRT's six-second estimate matches our recorded time for the Mazdaspeed3, and it's 0.4 second slower than the old and the new WRX.

The SRT-4 also tops the lighter, less-powerful 2008 WRX's EPA fuel mileage, 21/26 mpg versus 19/24 mpg. That's the great thing about this segment; you can be smug about fuel economy and emissions while having fun.

Horsepower compensates for a lot of sins, however, so SRT gave the Caliber the best power rating in the category and installed the beefy front brake calipers from the 4100-pound Dodge Charger R/T. An aggressive body kit is nicely matched to five-spoke, nineteen-inch wheels. At $22,995, the price is right, too. High horsepower is nice and all - the 285-hp Caliber SRT4 is very fast, and Dodge says it will top out at 155 mph and hit 60 mph in about six seconds - but sending all those horses through the front wheels results in frustrating torque steer, even at high speeds. Moreover, the steering itself is numb. Since there is no limited-slip differential, the ABS works the big calipers overtime to help juggle the torque between the front wheels. The Caliber has a surprisingly decent ride, but there's only so much the dampers can do for body and wheel control when the gigantic wheel/tire combination at each corner weighs more than fifty pounds.

The hot hatch features a turbocharged version of Chrysler's new 2.4-liter DOHC four. The engine makes 300 hp (at 6000 rpm) and 260 lb-ft of torque (from 2000 to 6000 rpm), which it sends through a six-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. The standard Caliber's optional all-wheel drive won't be offered on the SRT4, but the SRT4 does have a limited slip differential and equal-length half shafts. Chrysler claims the 3189-lb SRT4 can blast from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds. The suspension is a half-inch lower and also firmer than a standard Caliber's, and the brakes have been upgraded as well. Dodge goes for the tuner car look here with plenty of scoops and spoilers and standard 19-inch wheels. The style carries over to the interior with aggressively bolstered seats with suede inserts, a separate boost gauge, and a leather and faux carbon fiber steering wheel.

Dodge Caliber redefines the entry-level vehicle by combining high value with bold styling, five-star safety ratings and many clever interior innovations. Dodge Caliber appeals to up-and-coming buyers around the world who want a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. Caliber gives them Dodge attitude packaged with capability that comes with available all-wheel drive, the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the affordability and fuel-efficiency of a compact car. Three World Engine offerings (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter) provide class-leading horsepower (148 hp, 158 hp and 172 hp, respectively), as well as excellent fuel efficiency. For 2008, Dodge Caliber is available in a front-wheel-drive configuration on the SE, SXT and R/T models. All-wheel-drive capability also is available on the R/T model. The 2008 Dodge Caliber earned the U.S. government's highest five-star frontal crash test rating for both the driver and front passenger, thanks to the vehicle's solid, high-strength steel structure and more than 25 advanced safety and security features, including standard advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, standard side-curtain air bags and a standard driver's side inflatable knee blocker.

Every SRT vehicle showcases five key aspects: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 unquestionably delivers in all five areas.

Inside, the all-new Caliber SRT4 boasts sport seating with deep, performance bolsters, an SRT race-inspired instrument design, and an optional Reconfigurable Display (RCD), with exclusive "performance pages" that provide lateral and longitudinal G-force, 1/8-mile and 1/4-mile acceleration time and speed, 0-60 mph time and braking distance.

The 2008 Dodge Caliber is at the same time innovative and retro, a hatchback that's more like a station wagon but with hints of the utility of a minivan. The Caliber makes a good case when it comes to packaging, but falls short on materials quality. Though all Calibers show signs of cost-cutting, the SE, SXT and R/T offer good, basic transportation, the R/T has the advantage of optional all-wheel drive, and the SRT4 is a performance bargain.