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Wagons Dodge Caliber Dodge Caliber MPG-Real World Numbers
221 messages, Last post on Jun 09, 2009 at 5:10 PM
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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 
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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. |
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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.
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Replying to: habalanche (Jun 25, 2007 9:45 am) 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
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Replying to: farout (Jun 25, 2007 3:46 pm)
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Replying to: habalanche (Jun 26, 2007 12:35 pm) 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. |
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Replying to: bigtsr (Jun 26, 2007 4:21 pm) |
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Replying to: bigtsr (Jun 26, 2007 4:21 pm)
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Replying to: daveydodge (Jun 27, 2007 5:52 am) 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.
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Replying to: bigtsr (Jun 28, 2007 4:12 am) 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. |
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