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Dodge Caliber MPG-Real World Numbers

227 messages,  Last post on Oct 14, 2012 at 7:42 PM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Caliber, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Wagon

Messages Page 19 of 23

#178 of 227 2.0 CVT HWY MPG UPDATE by nonnemacher

Jun 12, 2007 (7:09 pm)

In my previous post, I was really only 1/4 the way through the trip. I was half-way to my destination, now I am at the same point on the way back. In the last two days, I drove from St. Louis to Oklahoma City and back. This has reduced my overall MPG since my speeds have increased and the terrain is largely that of the Ozark region. Overall, I have averaged 29.6 mpg to this point (1529 miles on 52 gal) and I expect that to increase back above 30 mpg as I drive through the much flatter regions of central Ill, Ind, and Ohio on my way home tomorrow.
 
Overall the car is comfortable and keeps the road out well at higher speeds. The only oddity I noticed was that CVT and cruise seem to team up and act as an "engine brake" when descending fairly steep inclines.
 
As with any car, someone should invent some sort of "smart cruise control" that will maintain MPH, but only up to a user-specified RPM. I could have achieved better MPG in the mountains, if I slowed down to keep the rpm under 3,000 during climbs. With the cruise set at 74-75 MPH, the RPM ran as high as 3800 during steady climbs. I'm sure this was the optimum gear ratio given the specified speed and the grade of the road, but it would have not bothered me if the car's speed dropped a bit to save fuel

#179 of 227 SXT 2.0 mpg by bbbri

Jun 23, 2007 (8:02 pm)

Averaged 24-25 mpg on recent long highway trip with a rented Caliber 2.0 SXT automatic. Average speed was 75 mph. Fuel economy is not this car's strong point.
 
For comparison, other cars that i have rented ranged from 29.4 mpg hiway for a V6 Saturn Aura, to 32-33 mpg for 4 cyl. Pontiac G6 & Chevy Malibu.

#180 of 227 My MPG by habalanche

Jun 25, 2007 (10:45 am)

Just completed my first 4hr mostly HWY trip with my R/T AWD and averaged 26 mpg. Mostly travelling between 70 & 75 mph.
Not bad since in previus posts around town I was getting about 18.5 mpg.

#181 of 227 Re: My MPG [habalanche] by farout

Jun 25, 2007 (4:46 pm)

Replying to: habalanche (Jun 25, 2007 10:45 am)
habalanche: The RT AWD fas a 2.4 engine as well, plus it's weight is about 3,350 lbs. The old 1996 Neon we have is less than 2,600 lbs but gets 28mpg with a 194,000 miles. Our 2007 Jeep Compass gets 23 to 25mpg depending on a lot of things, like temp., wind direction, if the gas is 10% eth. and so forth. Considering this Caliver, and the Compass have side air curtians, ESP, and anti lock brakes and a better saftey rating 26 mpg is ok. Consider the Chevy Aveo, it gets 25 mpg tops!
   My only issue is the 2.4 just lacks quick get up and go. At passing speeds it moves very well, but not from a dead start. These 2.4 world engines need some refinement on a quicker start. Other than that we find it has lots of room and is pretty smooth.
 
farout

#182 of 227 Re: My MPG [farout] by habalanche

Jun 26, 2007 (1:35 pm)

Replying to: farout (Jun 25, 2007 4:46 pm)
Hey Farout.I agree with everything you said I like the Caliber,and as for getting 26mpg Hwy I was pleasantly surprised.Like you said good on the HWY but 0-20 does suck.

#183 of 227 Re: My MPG [habalanche] by bigtsr

Jun 26, 2007 (5:21 pm)

Replying to: habalanche (Jun 26, 2007 1:35 pm)
Have you bothered to have the latest TSB#18-031-07
done on your Calibers yet?
It applies to any Caliber with a build date before
April 28,2007 and it resolves your complaint regarding
acceleration plus quiets engine with improved mpg.

#184 of 227 Re: My MPG [bigtsr] by habalanche

Jun 26, 2007 (7:09 pm)

Replying to: bigtsr (Jun 26, 2007 5:21 pm)
I had mine in two weeks ago for the lack of pwr at 0-20 and they did reflash the computer but I'm not sure of the #.All I know is that it running alot better since then.And I no longer want to get rid of a car that I really like except,for it's poor mileage and lack of pwr.If the mpg stays above 20 I'll be happy.I cannot live without AWD and I'll gladly trade mpg for driveability in snow.

#185 of 227 Re: My MPG [bigtsr] by daveydodge

Jun 27, 2007 (6:52 am)

Replying to: bigtsr (Jun 26, 2007 5:21 pm)
So, if I am getting 27 mpg on my 2.0L CVT Caliber SXT that I ordered from the factory and received last August of 2006, I should still get my computer reflashed even if things are running fine?? Just asking...I now have 17,800 miles and have had no problems running on Mobile 1 Synthetic and would buy another one at this point and recommend them to friends and family. Dollar for dollar...I find it unrealistic to bash the Caliber and be disappointed in it's looks, drive and performance!!

#186 of 227 Re: My MPG [daveydodge] by bigtsr

Jun 28, 2007 (5:12 am)

Replying to: daveydodge (Jun 27, 2007 6:52 am)
The latest flash is to resolve sluggish acceleration
0-30 mph and resolve the sometime noisey diesel like
sound emanating from the engine at idle or low rpm
acceleration.
A byproduct of the flash is increased mpg as has
been posted on several forums by those having had it
done to their Calibers,my mpg increased by 4mpg
in city driving and 1-2 on hiway and 0-30
acceleration is totally different.
So if you have these traits or concerns it's
up to you to decide how to proceed.
By the way my Caliber SXT 2.0L/CVT was a June 06 build.

#187 of 227 41 tanks, average 30.8 MPG by litesong1

Jul 04, 2007 (4:22 pm)

Replying to: bigtsr (Jun 28, 2007 5:12 am)
Haven't posted since 5-4-07. With the continueing warmer weather, summer mix gas, & longer trips, my MPG continues to rise. Also I found that my odometer was incorrect, -2%, so all my previous MPG reports were 2% too low.
 
With my SE Caliber 2 liter w/CVT, my highway high is 35.6MPG, trips over 4000 foot mountain passes from sea level average 32.8MPG, & my overall average including a miserable winter w/41 tanks of gas is 30.8 MPG. The overall average will continue to rise to 31+ MPG till my first year of ownership, & then colder weather & winter mix gas will lower MPG again like last year. The CVT responds well on steep mountain grades as long as you don't rush thru them. Work to maintain speed thru corners & not have to accelerate hard up slope. Drop your speed. Enjoy the mountains. You will also enjoy your mountain MPG.

Messages Page 19 of 23

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