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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 21 of 23

#198 of 227 Re: Why such low mileage for a small car? [gordonwd] by jim314

Oct 03, 2007 (1:32 pm)

Replying to: gordonwd (Oct 03, 2007 11:09 am)
The BMW is an expensively engineered vehicle optimized for a combination of performance and economy on smooth pavement which the European market demands. It costs over twice as much as a Caliber, and every repair will be at least twice as much.
 
BMW achieves good fuel economy by optimizing aerodynamics in part by having minimal ground clearance, and the engine requiring premium unleaded, the sign of a higher compression engine. It probably has very expensive engine controls.
 
I don't mind the fact that my 2.4L 168 hp NA I-5 Volvo V70 (which I got as a hand-me-down) requires premium 91 AKI to achieve EPA 30 mpg highway (I get up to 35 mpg driven carefully on IHs). The compression ratio is over 10:1. But a lot of people in the US begrudge every penny that fuel costs so a requirement for premium fuel in a moderate priced car would be fatal.

#200 of 227 Re: more numbers [airnos] by pmkon7

Nov 16, 2007 (12:54 pm)

Replying to: airnos (Oct 01, 2007 9:33 pm)
I am interested in ordering a caliber
What model, engine, and transmission combination do you have?

#201 of 227 Re: more numbers [pmkon7] by pmkon7

Nov 20, 2007 (6:24 pm)

Replying to: pmkon7 (Nov 16, 2007 12:54 pm)
Me again. I am debating 1.8/manual vs. 2.0/CVT on a new 2008 model.
 
I am a conservative driver and the vast majority of my miles are highway.
 
airnos, gordonwd - I am happy to here you both are getting good MPG, just curious about your model /engine/transmission combinations.
 
Anybody else can jump in too.

#202 of 227 Re: more numbers [pmkon7] by lexan1965

Nov 20, 2007 (9:53 pm)

Replying to: pmkon7 (Nov 20, 2007 6:24 pm)
I'd pay the extra 1000k for the CVT if I were you. It's amazing to drive, very smooth.
I've had my SXT for 1.5 yrs now, have 54K miles on it and just replaced my 17" tires which make the car ride much nicer than 15" tires on other Calibers. I'm consistantly getting 30 mpg on my car with no issues at all. This the best compact car I have ever owned.

#203 of 227 Re: Caliber MPGs are consistent... by daveydodge

Nov 21, 2007 (8:22 am)

Replying to: lexan1965 (Nov 20, 2007 9:53 pm)
I have had my 2.0 CVT for 15 months and 27,000 miles with mostly highway miles and get 29-30 MPG almost always...no problems and use synthetic motor oil..very happy with good looking but cheap transportation...get the 17" Sport Aluminun wheels and chrome door handles and gas cap...very sharp!!!

#204 of 227 Re: more numbers [pmkon7] by airnos

Nov 21, 2007 (7:08 pm)

Replying to: pmkon7 (Nov 20, 2007 6:24 pm)
Hey pmkon7,
 
I have a 2.0L SE with the CVT. I do drive to maximize mileage (lots of coasting stops, gentle acceleration, etc.) except when I have to run with traffic for safety reasons. Now that summer's over I've gone up to an average of 28 mpg, with a range of 26-29. On the highway I usually pop at least 30 mpg and I've had 32-33 a few times.
 
I live in the South so there is really no need for me to have an AWD, and I passed on that option.
 
Just to note, the SE does not have a tachometer or trip computer standard. I'm not able to do the straight-2000-rpm trick although I do try to keep the "tone" of the engine as even as possible. I'm also calculating mileage manually. (I really wish I at least had the tach...anyone know if it can be done aftermarket?)
 
One thing I've noticed is that it's not very forgiving about weight in the back end. The one and only time I went below 30 on the highway involved me taking a bookcase between Atlanta and Raleigh. I ran about 27 the whole way up, but the first tank after the bookcase came out was the highest I've ever gotten - 33.9 mpg.
 
My D.C. (that's her name) is now just under 8K miles. The manufacture date inside the driver's door is June 2007 so I've not asked the dealer for the TSB.

#206 of 227 Re: more numbers [airnos] by pmkon7

Nov 23, 2007 (5:52 pm)

Replying to: airnos (Nov 21, 2007 7:08 pm)
Hello everyone,
 
Thanks everyone for your input. As of today, I have a new 2008 Caliber SXT with 2.0L and CVT on order. I will post updates after the car arrives. Doubtful I will get it before Christmas.

#207 of 227 How to Determine your True Miles Per Gallon by wheelman

Nov 27, 2007 (7:29 am)

The following may upset some of you but the Truth is seldom pleasant.
 
Other than pushing a button on a computer (which could make the car manufacturer look good ) most drivers have no clue on how to derive their true MPG.. Step #1 Go to a gasoline station, park the Caliber on the most level area of the pavement. #2 Turn off engine. (Leaving the engine run while re-fueling can screw up the on-board computers; it is against the Law; and most importantly can cause an explosion which can kill you, your passengers and other re-fuelers.) #3. Fill your gas tank until the nozzle's automatic shutoff stops the flow of fuel. (DO NOT squeeze a few more ounces or even drops into your tank. It's truth time, remember. ) #4. Assuming your Caliber has an accurate trip odometer, reset the trip odometer to 0000 and resume your normal driving routine. Drive the Caliber for several days or until the gas gauge reads half full. #5. If possible, go back to the same gas station and same fuel pump and repeat step #3. When the nozzle's automatic shutoff stops the fuel flow...immediately write down the Gallons Purchased number on a piece of paper. #6 Divide the trip odometer number by Gallons Purchased...that number is your Caliber's true MPG.
 
The WheelMan

Messages Page 21 of 23

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