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2007 Dodge Caliber SXT (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
As for braking, it's the SXT Sport that won the prize. All CVT-equipped Calibers include anti-lock brakes, and their brakes were all linear and reassuring. The manual SE didn't have ABS, but was just as reassuring, and the pedal was easy to dose. Even braking with the foot to the floor and the front wheels locked up, the car stopped in a straight line.
We were impressed by the Calibers' handling. On an extremely twisty 15-kilometer stretch of road, we were able to put their road manners to the test, and they performed very well. The SE models were the most amusing, were predictable and understeered lightly. We appreciate that even the base models have good rubber. The SXT models were a little firmer with their 17-inch alloys and low-profile tires, but the difference isn't enormous.
The R/T also handled decently, distancing the other automatic Calibers on that portion of road, thanks especially to its AutoStick transmission in manual mode. However, the additional weight of the all-wheel drive hardware makes the R/T clumsy compared to the others, and body roll was a little more pronounced than in the SE and SXT models.
On the highway, the Caliber SE versions seemed to be the most comfortable. The SXTs suspension travel was a little stiffer, and even more for the R/T. If you don't like getting your organs shaken, the SE will provide you with the best compromise.
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2007 Dodge Caliber SE (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Caliber SE: equipped with the manual transmission and no options, this model is very interesting because of its low price. There are few competitors that offer a wagon for so little to needy families on a tight budget. The SE may be stripped down, but it still offers security, power, plenty of space and a CD player. It doesn't have much to be jealous about compared with the better-equipped Calibers, since it's the most comfortable on the road. The Caliber SE will have to watch out for the Chevrolet Optra Wagon, the Toyota Matrix and the Suzuki Aerio SE, as well as a bunch of little 5-door models that are more-equipped but that are less spacious and less powerful.
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2007 Dodge Caliber SE (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Caliber SE with CVT: By adding the CVT, which includes ABS brakes and the 2.0L engine, you also get a very good deal. However, while the fuel consumption is low, the performance of this automatic left us confused. If you're not in a hurry, the CVT will do the job nicely.
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2007 Dodge Caliber SXT (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Caliber SXT: This model seems to be the best value. The ride of the SXT is a little firmer than the SE, and offers slightly better handling. With air conditioning, a power group and 17-inch wheels, the SXT deserves to be checked out. However, if the invoice exceeds $20,000 with options, fierce competition such as the Mazda3 Sport, the Chevrolet HHR, the Pontiac Vibe and the Ford Focus ZXW is waiting for the Caliber.