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2009 Dodge Caliber Hatchback

4dr HB SE

Starting at $9,500 | Starting at 24 MPG City - 30 MPG Highway

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$9,500 average Retail
$16,460 original MSRP

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Overview
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Safety
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Printable Version

2009 Dodge Caliber Hatchback

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

The 2009 Dodge Caliber is a 4-door, 5-passenger hatchback with lots of options, plenty of fun and excellent gas mileage. For 2009 there are expanded color options, additional engine compartment and interior insulation for a quieter ride and optional Uconnect tunes and GPS. The SXT now has ABS standard and the SXT Sport gets the MusicGate Power sound group standard. The SRT4 gains standard satellite radio, Uconnect tunes, a vehicle information center and an optional leather-trimmed seat package. The base model Dodge Avenger receives the 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. This combination helps the 2009 Dodge Avenger to 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Front and side airbags are standard on all trims. The real gem in the lineup is the SRT4 trim, which has a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission. This combination produces 285 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This is impressive, but even more impressive is the 27 mpg on the highway this achieves.

Benefits of Driving a 2009 Dodge Caliber Hatchback

The Caliber is Dodge's small-car line and is offered only in one body style, as a tall five-door hatchback. Caliber SE models with the five-speed manual transmission are estimated to achieve 30 mpg on the highway. The Caliber is offered at a very competitive price and stands out for its versatile interior and for the wide range of innovative features that are offered, such as the MusicGate tailgate speaker system, Chill Zone beverage storage and rechargeable flashlight. And for those who require more performance, the SRT4 has the hard-edged driving experience of a tuner car.

What's new for 2009?

The Dodge Caliber lineup is mostly carried over from 2008, although standard equipment has been increased, option packages have been revised and there have been a few minor appearance changes. The MusicGate Power Sound package is now standard on the SXT Sport, and anti-lock brakes are now standard on the SXT. Floor mats have been made standard on the SXT and R/T, while Sirius Satellite Radio and a reconfigurable trip computer are newly standard on the SRT4.

Model Strengths

Comfortable interior
smooth ride
innovative, unrivaled features
R/T model's sporty, well balanced feel

Model Review

The Caliber remains offered only as a five-door hatchback but comes with four different trim levels and four different corresponding engines. The base SE and SXT come with a 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine but can be ordered with a 158-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The sportier R/T gets a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. All Calibers are front-wheel-drive. All three are paired with a five-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The R/T model and the SXT model with the Sport Package include an AutoStick feature for the available CVT automatic, which simulates six gears for more enthusiastic driving.

Printable Version

2009 Dodge Caliber Hatchback

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2009 Dodge Caliber

Source: The Car Connection

Editors at TheCarConnection.com have driven the 2009 Dodge Caliber and offer their expert opinions on how the Caliber compares to other vehicles. TheCarConnection.com has also researched the latest reviews on the Caliber in order to bring you this conclusive report.

The Dodge Caliber debuted in 2007 as Dodge's replacement for the Neon small sedan. The Dodge Caliber is available exclusively as a rather sleek five-door hatchback, though it comes in three different models, each featuring a different engine; 1.8-, 2.0-, and 2.4-liter four-cylinders are available on the 2009 Dodge Caliber lineup. While the Dodge Caliber previously offered an especially fuel-sucking all-wheel-drive R/T trim, that option has been discontinued for 2009. The top-end Dodge Caliber SRT4 packs a 285-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine under the hood and includes a bevy of high-performance equipment and styling changes.

Most shoppers will have a positive initial impression of the Dodge Caliber, which is understandable considering it is packed with clever features, such as a beverage cooler, an easy-clean cargo floor, and a setup that includes rear-facing speakers for tailgating. The cabin is also comfortable, featuring supportive seats and a surprisingly large interior that affords plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. Unfortunately, a closer inspection reveals questionable interior materials, including rough plastics and poor finish throughout the interior.

Despite its aggressive appearance, the Dodge Caliber is decidedly docile on the road. An available continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 2.0- and 2.4-liter engines is underpowered and noisy with either engine, while overall handling performance is disappointing. The SRT-4 isn't as comfortable or as fun to drive as its 285 hp might suggest, due to a hard, unforgiving suspension that's out of place on rough roads. Fuel economy isn't what you might hope for a small car, with the SRT4 getting as little as 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. TheCarConnection.com has seen figures in the low 20s in SXT and R/T models.

The Dodge Caliber certainly isn't atop the heap when it comes to safety either, as it fails to offer all of the standard features that some competitors do. For example, while anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags are standard, side impact airbags will cost you extra. NHTSA does rate the Caliber a perfect five stars for both front and side-impact protection, but the IIHS gives the Caliber a second-worst rating of "marginal" in side impact tests.

The Bottom Line:

The Caliber has a very practical layout and truly innovative features to get excited about, but it's lacking in driving enjoyment or refinement--even compared to its low-priced competition.

Printable Version

2009 Dodge Caliber Hatchback

Safety Ratings What do the Safety Ratings mean? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests: Driver Crash Grade: Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury. Passenger Crash Grade: Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger. Rollover Resistance: Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover. Side Impact Crash Test - Front: Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury. Side Impact Crash Test - Rear: Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.
Driver Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Passenger Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Rollover Resistance	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Front	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear	No consumer rating Rate & Review

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction
4-Wheel ABS	Opt
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Std

Passenger Restraint
Driver Air Bag	Std
Passenger Air Bag	Std
Side Air Bag	Opt
Side Head Air Bag	Std
Rear Head side Air Bag	Std
Child Safety Locks	Std

Road Visibility
Intermittent Wipers	Std
Variable Inter. Wipers	Std

Security
Anti-theft System	Std

Printable Version

2009 Dodge Caliber Hatchback

Original Warranty Original Warranty An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment. The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including: Basic Warranty: Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters. Drivetrain Warranty: This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be. Roadside Assistance: The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car. Corrosion Warranty: This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal. Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.	Miles	Months
Basic	36,000	36
Drivetrain	0	0
Corrosion	100,000	60
Roadside Assistance	36,000	36

Dodge Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Certified Pre-Owned Warranty To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points. Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer. Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include: Age/Mileage Eligibility To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers. Lease Term Certified Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less. Point Inspection These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details. Return/Exchange Program Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car. Roadside Assistance Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty. Special Financing Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers. Transferable Warranty When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect. Warranty Deductible This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.
7-Years/100,000-Miles (whichever comes first) for 2010 model year and newer vehicles; 6-Years/80,000-Miles for 2009 model year and earlier vehicles. Powertrain Limited Warranty runs from the date vehicle was sold as new. A deductible may apply. See dealer for details. 3-Months/3,000-Miles (whichever comes first). Maximum Care Limited Warranty runs from the date of sale of the vehicle or at the expiration of the 3/36 Basic Limited Warranty. For more details and a copy of the limited warranties, see your dealer or call 1-800-677-5782.
Age/Mileage Eligibility	5 years / 75,000 miles
Lease Term Certified	No
Point Inspection	125
Return/Exchange Program	No
Roadside Assistance	Yes
Special Financing	Yes
Transferrable Warranty	Yes
Warranty Deductible	$150