Intro: The five-door Dodge Caliber hatchback brings a hip and lifestyle oriented personality to the compact game. The Caliber also hints at Dodge's muscular ram truck styling with its large crosshair grille and hefty fender flares, ensuring that the Caliber won't be mistaken for any other compact.
The 2010 Caliber is a carryover from the 2009 model shown here. Trim names have been changed to base Express, Heat, Mainstreet, Uptown, and Rush.
Performance: The base engine for the Caliber is a 158 horsepower 2-liter inline-4, while the range topping Rush is powered by a 172 horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4. Both engines route power to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.
Fuel Economy: Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
Features: The 2010 Caliber boasts a new dash, center console, and instrument panel. One feature we found most useful was the chill zone, a nifty cooled beverage box integrated into the glove box on air-conditioned models that will keep cold drinks cold.
There's also a cell phone attachment on the rear view mirror that many will find handy, plus such extras as an adjustable tilt steering column, Bluetooth connectivity, a Musicgate speaker package and Boston Acoustic premium sound system complete with speakers built into the hatch. A six-disc CD changer and satellite radio are also available.
Safety: Standard safety features include driver and front passenger multistage airbags, supplemental front and rear side curtain airbags, active head restraints, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Pricing/Warranty: The base MSRP of the 2010 Dodge Caliber is $16,880. A Rush model starts at $19,995. The Caliber is backed by a 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Summary: The 2010 Dodge Caliber is carving out its own audience in the entry-level hatchback market with a distinct personality and its funky ready-to-go hatchback styling.