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Dodge Caliber

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#10 of 1634 by wale_bate1 Feb 20, 2005 (10:10 am)
Well, the Razor concept as originally presented was a market no-brainer: close two-seater with all the concentration on handling, driving dynamics and power to weight ratio; utterly devoid of weight-adding options other than decent seats and a stereo, and everything else optional. In short, a sportscar enthusiast's dream a la the first Miata, only updated. The target of $15K meant you'd get sort of the Elise experience at an everyman's price.   Problem is that at $18K+, it's into competition, and the market for a stripper at $18K is certainly smaller than at $15K.   Great idea, but apparently the parts bin is either smaller or more expensive than they thought!   Re Neon: no, I guess it's not a replacement, but rather a version along the same lines as PT.   I hope the next Neon platform is half as good as the current. I'm still amazed at what they've been able to accomplish with it. But for the early head-gasket debacle and some interior materials penny-pinching, the car was world-class in its class (IMO). Pity. The PT thing was (and remains) genius through and through I think. The legs are gettin' thin and it's time to move on, but man oh man, what a run for the money!
#11 of 1634 dodge caliber by dyuen Feb 23, 2005 (7:32 am)
I have to agree that the Dodge Caliber is a direct 'copy' from the successful twins Vibe/Matrix. But they should not throw away the Neon because it is a great affordable car with lots of power, styling and features. Even though the hatchback seems to be the latest trend, but there are still people that perfer a sedan. Replies to this message: greg23 (Feb 26, 2005 8:12 am) dyuen (Mar 16, 2005 5:50 am)
#12 of 1634 Re: dodge caliber [dyuen] by greg23 Feb 26, 2005 (8:12 am)
Replying to: dyuen (Feb 23, 2005 7:32 am) I agree the Caliber looks similar to the Matrix and Vibe but my first thought after looking at it was that it is a mini Magnum. Now that I've compared how all 4 look I believe I'm correct, it looks like all Dodge did was shrink the magnum. This doesn't surprise me because they did the same thing with the Dakota, but come on, Chrysler has better designers than this, they're known for having the most outrages and different concept cars, why couldn't they come up with something new and original. And why couldn't they just take the neon and make it a hatchback, I dont see the purpose of creating "a whole new car."I am happy to see that Dodge has finally got a compact wagon, thats one thing thats been missing from the line up, but c'mon, you can do better than this. Replies to this message: dyuen (Mar 16, 2005 5:50 am)
#13 of 1634 by dudleyr Feb 26, 2005 (8:44 pm)
It is nice to have another competitor for the Matrix/Vibe, and I think the Dodge even looks better. Gotta lose the grill though - pushing that in your face thing a little to far. Not every vehicle has to look like an SUV. Replies to this message: f111d (Apr 30, 2005 1:06 pm)
#14 of 1634 looks great by smalltown Feb 28, 2005 (8:08 am)
About time! When it was time to replace my Plymouth Sundance hatchback, I was looking for another small hatchback or wagon. But I had no choice except by going to another brand.
#15 of 1634 Looks twice as tall as a Magnum by callmedrfill Mar 03, 2005 (8:34 am)
The Durango front clip doesn't work.      Probably have more torque than the Matrix.       Won't sell 100k like the Neon.      The only thing I don't like about the Matrix is the steering wheen is MAYBE 3 inches from the guages!      The Matrix and PT are the best of this class until further notice.      DrFill
#16 of 1634 Steering wheel too far away by orangelebaron Mar 03, 2005 (3:41 pm)
The main reason I didn't buy a Mtrix/Vibe (other than the weak engine) was the steering wheel too far away.   So what do I do? I buy an 05 Outback and the steering wheel is too far away!!! It wasn't as obvious at first as the Vibe is.   The Caliber should be a great replacement for the Neon... I love hatchbacks! What's the point having a small car that you can't even put anything in because you just have a little trunk... when you can buy a verstile hatch for the same price... Replies to this message: sp00ge (Mar 07, 2005 5:51 pm) biggus3 (Apr 03, 2005 10:12 am) tarquini (Apr 03, 2005 11:28 pm) dino001 (Apr 06, 2005 2:11 pm)
#17 of 1634 Re: Steering wheel too far away [orangelebaron] by sp00ge Mar 07, 2005 (5:51 pm)
Replying to: orangelebaron (Mar 03, 2005 3:41 pm) Matrix? Weak engine? Maybe the base/XR, but definitely not the XrS. 180hp VVT-i engine paired with a 6speed manual (all taken from the celica GT-S). I test drove one a year or so ago and was amazed by it's performance. The only reason we didn't buy it was due to numbers not working out. (Wife got way upside down on her car loan before we were married)   Now with a kid on the way, we're looking again, and may hold out for the Caliber. But if it gets butchered, much like GM did to the Aztek, the Matrix is still a possibility. Replies to this message: biggus3 (Apr 03, 2005 10:12 am) tarquini (Apr 03, 2005 11:28 pm) dino001 (Apr 06, 2005 2:11 pm)
#18 of 1634 Little Late for Hatchback ? by dyuen Mar 16, 2005 (5:50 am)
Replying to: greg23 (Feb 26, 2005 8:12 am) The Caliber is indeed another 'cross-over' hatchback, in a booming segment of the market. I think Dodge can meet the best of both worlds by offering this new vehicle as sedan, wagon, or a hatch ... just look at how great Ford is doing is with the focus, I actually purchased the 2004 Focus ZX5 over the Matrix. Well, that's another story.
#19 of 1634 Late to the Party by lexusrocks Mar 29, 2005 (2:56 pm)
Finally Dodge is offering a hatchback. Ford has had the Focus for 3 years, Pontiac/Toyota had the Vibe and Matrix, Mazda had the Protege5, now the 3. Dodge meanwhile had nothing. In fact Dodge's car lineup has been largely neglected for a long time. The Stratus isn't even a competitor anymore, the base Neon is unrefined, noisy and feels cheap. The Neon SRT-4 is undeniably a fast car, yet it's design is very tired. After the Caliber is brought to the market, will Dodge discontinue the Neon or will they make a Caliber sedan? Either way the Caliber is a very attractive car.

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