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Dodge Caliber MPG-Real World Numbers

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

You are in the Dodge Caliber Forum.

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

Messages Page 20 of 23

#188 of 227 New EPA milage formula website by bigtsr

Jul 11, 2007 (10:56 am)

Here is the link to EPA website
using the new mpg formulas.
I think some Caliber owners will be suprised!!!!
 
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm

#189 of 227 Re: Numbers to consider for MPG... [aaron_t] by airnos

Jul 22, 2007 (9:00 am)

Replying to: aaron_t (Apr 26, 2006 5:43 am)
I'm not sure why you keep throwing the Corolla into the mix. Yes, it is a compact, but does not have the utility of a hatchback/5-dr nor the look/image. People are not cross shopping the appliance Corolla with hatchbacks.
 
Agreed. I just traded a Corolla in good condition and making good mileage, for a Caliber. My express reason was the cargo capacity. The SE w/options that I got was STILL cheaper than a local Matrix, and I was thrilled to only have to give up a few mpg in order to get the cargo capacity I wanted.
 
I'm only half done with the first tank of gas and in mixed driving in Atlanta am already getting 22.22 mpg. Could be better, but I'm assuming the dealer put gas in right before I bought the car (he knew I was coming, but that's still an assumption) and I don't expect the best mileage until about the third tank. Plus, Atlanta requires A/C use and a certain amount of stop-and-go.
 
Best mileage ever on my Corolla (which I bought used) was 41 mpg on a highway trip in the winter. But in practical application, lately I'd been getting 28-30. So if I can beat 25 in the Caliber, I'll be satisfied. Because I'm still coming out ahead with respect to cargo capacity and safety features.
 
I once bought straight on mileage and chose a 1996 Nissan 200SX w/AT (bad back -- I can operate a stick but not if I want to drive more than an hour or so at a time). Using octane booster, at 10K on the Nissan I got 52 mpg on a highway trip. That car was great, but it also had low power and lousy cargo capacity. Times and needs change...

#190 of 227 Real world MPG..getting better by gman55

Jul 29, 2007 (8:52 am)

I never had a CVT or AWD before. Bought mine in Feb 07. Started out with 25.6 mpg ( 90% of my drive is hwy). During the spring I got used to the CVT and started paying attention to the mpg's. As of today I'm getting 28.9 mpgs. Seems that the longer I drive it the better the mpgs become.
 
BTW I bought my RT/AWD with 2400K on it...it was a buy-back from Dodge (lemon-law). The disclosure indicated that the "check engine" light came on 3 times and couldn't be fixed...After the buy-back Dodge techs found that the "codes" were wrong and corrected that problem...haven't had a problem since I bought it...13.5K on it now.
 
How would I know if the latest TSB#18-031-07 was applied? Would I have to take it in to dealer for that or is there another way to find out?

#191 of 227 Re: Real world MPG..getting better [gman55] by bigtsr

Jul 30, 2007 (5:31 am)

Replying to: gman55 (Jul 29, 2007 8:52 am)
I would recommend you check with the dealer where
you purchased the car they should have the service
records on file providing it was originally from
their stock.
Check under the hood for a label or sticker that
by DCX procedures should afixed when the car undergoes
a software revision.
It would seem to me that with that mpg on the RT/AWD
it probably has been done, look for other criteria
such as deiseling sound and sluggish acceleration
from starts as outlined in the TSB.

#192 of 227 Re: Real world MPG..getting better [gman55] by habalanche

Jul 30, 2007 (5:52 pm)

Replying to: gman55 (Jul 29, 2007 8:52 am)
I've had my RT/AWD for a year now.Very low mileage 4500 miles.I had the flash done on mine about three months ago and noticed a big difference on the HWY.around 27mpg.Most of my driving is 5 miles to and from work.Car was advertised to get 23-26mpg so I am happy now when I can drive 70-75 mph and get 27mpg.I am hoping for a nice long road tip in the fall to see what it will get over 1500 mile trip

#193 of 227 Re: Real world MPG..getting better [habalanche] by jaxs1

Jul 30, 2007 (6:31 pm)

Replying to: habalanche (Jul 30, 2007 5:52 pm)
It probably will get good mileage on a 1500 highway trip, as will many cars --even some larger cars with bigger engines.
 
However, what really matters is what mileage it will get on your typical day to day driving.

#194 of 227 more numbers by airnos

Aug 03, 2007 (6:22 pm)

I'm back...
 
Took my new Caliber on a road trip last week and had 28, 30, 31, 25 for the mileage. The last tank was mixed and also involved me hauling some things around for a friend.
 
Typical driving for me is about 60/40 highway vs. town. Latest number was 26.16. For mixed driving as applied to Atlanta (i.e., it's rarely possible to drive for the mpg) I think that's pretty decent.

#195 of 227 Re: more numbers [airnos] by airnos

Oct 01, 2007 (9:33 pm)

Replying to: airnos (Aug 03, 2007 6:22 pm)
Back again. I'm now just under 5000 miles and I'm solidly averaging 27 in Atlanta traffic, about 60/40 highway/street since I live in midtown. I'm a bit of a featherfoot and love coasted stops, but there is a limit to how much of that can be done in Atlanta.
 
On road trips I routinely run 30-31. Again, I'm a bit of a featherfoot but only a bit -- yes, I do run 70-75 mph on the Interstate.
 
These numbers have been remarkably consistent since 1700 miles or so.

#196 of 227 Why such low mileage for a small car? by gordonwd

Oct 03, 2007 (11:09 am)

We're getting interested in the Caliber as a car for my wife. Mileage is not a huge issue with us, but I was sort of wondering why this car doesn't do a whole lot better. My BMW 325i gets 24 around town and 30 on the highway. In fact, the big Olds Intrigue that we will be getting rid of doesn't do much less that what is being reported here for the Caliber! On the other hand, the Caliber seems quite heavy for its physical size, so that might be a big reason.

#197 of 227 Re: Why such low mileage for a small car? [gordonwd] by jmech

Oct 03, 2007 (11:39 am)

Replying to: gordonwd (Oct 03, 2007 11:09 am)
Weight(3000 lbs) is one reason. The car is stronger for safety and gets great front and side impact ratings as a result. The other is increased EPA standards required for 2007.
You are correct about the MPG. I get up to 24 city and up to 34 highway. I average about 25 mpg for mixed driving.
Many of my previous cars used to get better mpg, but then the EPA was not as strict as it is now.
You should see good traction in snow as I have. The extra ground clearance helps too.
You will like the Caliber as I have. Its been reliable so far(19,000 miles)with no issues.

Messages Page 20 of 23

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