All seats are comfy, except in the middle of the rear bench, because the cupholders take up some legroom. The cargo area is relatively spacious, but the hatch doesn't open very wide; blame the huge taillights. Visibility is good all around, although the A-pillars are a little wide.
Competition
The Caliber SXT Sport Play Edition costs $19,290 and includes one year of SIRIUS, the MusicGate speakers, the UConnect system, cruise control and the Driver Convenience Group.
If we exclude the inevitable Civic and Corolla sedans and concentrate only on compact wagons and 5-door hatchbacks, here's what we got:
Satellite radio is only available in the HHR, Vibe, SX4 and Rabbit. The Focus wagon will soon be axed, and a redesigned Impreza will hit showrooms soon.
Conclusion
The Caliber may lack refinement or thrust compared to certain rivals, but it compensates with style and an attractive price. Step out of a Civic and step in a Caliber, and you'll notice the fit and finish difference. Chrysler could improve certain details in order to give the car a better impression of quality.
But if you like the macho looks of the Caliber, avoid the automatic transmission and higher-end models; you probably won't be disappointed with the Play Edition.
Exterior styling
Attractive price
Good fuel economy with the 5-speed
Average interior fit and finish
Road noise at highway speeds
Satellite radio doesn't display artist name and song title
photo:Michel Deslauriers
 |
| The Caliber is one original ride. |
Competition
The Caliber SXT Sport Play Edition costs $19,290 and includes one year of SIRIUS, the MusicGate speakers, the UConnect system, cruise control and the Driver Convenience Group.
If we exclude the inevitable Civic and Corolla sedans and concentrate only on compact wagons and 5-door hatchbacks, here's what we got:
- Chevrolet HHR LS with options, $20,230
- Chevrolet Optra LT Wagon with RS package, $19,360
- Ford Focus ZXW SES, $19,699
- Kia Spectra5 LX Convenience, $18,695
- Mazda3 Sport GS with A/C, $22,200
- Pontiac Vibe with options, $22,715
- Subaru Impreza 2.5i, $23,495
- Suzuki SX4 JX, $18,594
- Toyota Matrix with B package, $19,905
- Volkswagen City Golf with options, $16,990
- Volkswagen Rabbit 2.5 5-door, $22,610
Satellite radio is only available in the HHR, Vibe, SX4 and Rabbit. The Focus wagon will soon be axed, and a redesigned Impreza will hit showrooms soon.
Conclusion
The Caliber may lack refinement or thrust compared to certain rivals, but it compensates with style and an attractive price. Step out of a Civic and step in a Caliber, and you'll notice the fit and finish difference. Chrysler could improve certain details in order to give the car a better impression of quality.
But if you like the macho looks of the Caliber, avoid the automatic transmission and higher-end models; you probably won't be disappointed with the Play Edition.
 |
Attractive price
Good fuel economy with the 5-speed
 |
Average interior fit and finish
Road noise at highway speeds
 |
Satellite radio doesn't display artist name and song title
photo:Michel Deslauriers
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