Owner's Review: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Dodge Caliber Features Review

July 9, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Available swing-down tailgate speakers
Car and Driver

Newly available for 2009 is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite
ConsumerGuide

An air conditioned compartment in the glove box
MyRide.com

Recently, Dodge made a push to capture the growing market segment that emphasizes in-car features above most other purchasing criteria. To that end, Dodge packed the 2009 Dodge Caliber with an array of exclusive, though not always practical, features.

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com reveal many desirable features on the Dodge Caliber lineup, though the base Dodge Caliber is understandably lighter in this department. All 2009 Dodge Caliber models come equipped with a "tilt steering wheel...AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, outside-temperature indicator" and "rear defogger," according to ConsumerGuide. Cars.com also notes that "standard illuminated cupholder rings" are included on the Dodge Caliber. Moving up the trim levels, Edmunds states that the Dodge Caliber SXT comes with "17-inch wheels, keyless entry, cruise control," and a "115-volt outlet." ConsumerGuide reports that the Dodge Caliber R/T ups the ante with "heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer [and] liftgate speakers," while the SRT4 throws "driver-seat lumbar adjustment" into the mix. Dodge Caliber SXT and higher trims also get a cooled glove box for keeping drinks at the proper temperature, although Car and Driver reviewers say it is "of dubious functionality."

The lengthy options list for the 2009 Dodge Caliber holds some very desirable options, most of which are grouped into packages. For those prone to spilling in their vehicles, MyRide.com says the Dodge Caliber can be equipped with "YES Essentials cloth upholstery that Dodge says is odor, stain and static resistant." ConsumerGuide reports that some of the more noteworthy options packages are the Sun/Sound Group on the SXT, which includes a "Boston Acoustics AM/FM w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, liftgate speakers," and a "power sunroof," while the Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud Audio System package on the SRT4 brings all that and "satellite radio." Chrysler also offers a MyGIG multimedia system, but Car and Driver advises it "probably isn't worth the money, especially if you already have a digital audio player such as an iPod." On the positive side, the Dodge Caliber does have an available power sunroof and DVD entertainment system as stand-alone options.

Conclusion

The 2009 Dodge Caliber is available with a wealth of features, but most of them will cost you quite a bit.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Available swing-down tailgate speakersCar and DriverNewly available for 2009 is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suiteConsumerGuideAn air conditioned compartment in the glove boxMyRide.com Recently, Dodge made a push to capture the growing market segment that emphasizes in-car features above most other purchasing criteria. To that end, Dodge packed the 2009 Dodge Caliber with an array of exclusive, though not always practical, features. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com reveal many desirable features on the Dodge Caliber lineup, though the base Dodge Caliber is understandably lighter in this department. All 2009 Dodge Caliber models come equipped with a "tilt steering wheel...AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, outside-temperature indicator" and "rear defogger," according to ConsumerGuide. Cars.com also notes that "standard illuminated cupholder rings" are included on the Dodge Caliber. Moving up the trim levels, Edmunds states that the Dodge Caliber SXT comes with "17-inch wheels, keyless entry, cruise control," and a "115-volt outlet." ConsumerGuide reports that the Dodge Caliber R/T ups the ante with "heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer [and] liftgate speakers," while the SRT4 throws "driver-seat lumbar adjustment" into the mix. Dodge Caliber SXT and higher trims also get a cooled glove box for keeping drinks at the proper temperature, although Car and Driver reviewers say it is "of dubious functionality." The lengthy options list for the 2009 Dodge Caliber holds some very desirable options, most of which are grouped into packages. For those prone to spilling in their vehicles, MyRide.com says the Dodge Caliber can be equipped with "YES Essentials cloth upholstery that Dodge says is odor, stain and static resistant." ConsumerGuide reports that some of the more noteworthy options packages are the Sun/Sound Group on the SXT, which includes a "Boston Acoustics AM/FM w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, liftgate speakers," and a "power sunroof," while the Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud Audio System package on the SRT4 brings all that and "satellite radio." Chrysler also offers a MyGIG multimedia system, but Car and Driver advises it "probably isn't worth the money, especially if you already have a digital audio player such as an iPod." On the positive side, the Dodge Caliber does have an available power sunroof and DVD entertainment system as stand-alone options. ConclusionThe 2009 Dodge Caliber is available with a wealth of features, but most of them will cost you quite a bit. 2009 DODGE CALIBER STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "Tricks the eye into seeing a lower, sleeker shape" Car and Driver: "Do yourself a favor and spring for the Sport Appearance package" ConsumerGuide: "Large, simple audio and climate controls are within easy reach" The 2009 Dodge ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you're looking for an economical hatchback, the Nissan Versa and Kia Spectra5 should also be on the shopping list. The Versa in particular is very roomy inside, yet costs a bit less—at least in terms of sticker price—than the Caliber. The Spectra5 is more fun to drive than the Caliber, and either of these vehicles is more refined than the Dodge. The Vibe and Matrix are mechanically identical to each other; between the two, we like the styling of the Vibe a bit more. Most of this field fails to achieve top marks in safety across the board, though you might also consider the slightly smaller and more expensive Honda Fit; it's surprisingly roomy inside.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Dodge Caliber from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Dodge Caliber

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Dodge Caliber

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Dodge Caliber near you

See the Dodge Caliber in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (4 total)

  1. By Tom #1, Posted: 7/27/2009

    My wife and I have owned a new 2009 Caliber SXT with the 2.0L engine and CVT for 7 months now, and our experience has been just the opposite of yours. Most of your comments are so false it makes me angry. OUR engine/CVT accelerate so rapidly and quietly that I have to check the speedometer to avoid speeding. The engine is plenty powerful. The steering is quick, the handling precise, and zipping around in heavy traffic or down twisting back roads is a joy. OUR Caliber is a lot of fun to drive. We have consistently been getting over 27 mpg in mostly city driving, and on a recent long trip got 29.6 with the A/C on. "Poor finish"? "Subpar materials"? Not in OUR Caliber! The fit'n'finish in ours is impeccable. Yes, there is plastic (it's not a Rolls Royce), but it's thick, strong, and attractive. The whole car seems solid and well-made. And it sure looks better than those cars to which you compare it!

  2. By Jack #2, Posted: 7/29/2009

    These writers are all full of baloney. I bought a new 09 Claiber SXT and love it to death. The 2.0L and CVT are a pleasure. Power is right there and strong. Handling on windy, twisty roads is pretty good, too.
    It comes with dual anti-sway bars and 17 inch Firestones.
    I own/owned a lot of cars and motorcycles in my day, and this Caliber is one of the most FUN to drive cars I have owned.
    I test drove Kia Spectra, Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt. The Dodge wins hands down for interior space and comfort. The Dodge wins for styling. The dodge wins for safety features. It puts AMERICANS to work vs. Koreans with the Kia.
    It is the only one to offer a lifetime drivetrain warranty.
    I'm a Chevy fan that has been converted to a Dodge Boy now.

  3. By Bob Grimes #3, Posted: 8/6/2009

    We have the 2007 Caliber and it is great! Most reviewers talk about stuff like "fun" to drive that has no real meaning, or "cheap plastic" interiors. The interior is fine, easy to clean and of high quality. Don't read car reviewers, they are used to driving sports/imports. Let the have their "fun" while Caliber owners have great gas mileage(26-33) with a/c and stoutly built bodies and interiors.

  4. By jim #4, Posted: 9/6/2009

    I bought a 2009 caliber sxt 5 months ago ,nothing but trouble the rotors and pads have been replace,there is a rattle in the steering the transmission got it's own mind .i paid 24,995.00 i went to trade it in most dealers offered me 14,000.gm dont want to take her on a trade ,chrysler don't really want to take it as a trade. worst car i have ever owned.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy