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Dodge Caliber MPG-Real World Numbers

221 messages,  Last post on Jun 09, 2009 at 5:10 PM

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

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#202 of 221 Re: more numbers [pmkon7] by lexan1965 Nov 20, 2007 (8:53 pm)
Replying to: pmkon7 (Nov 20, 2007 5:24 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. Replies to this message: daveydodge (Nov 21, 2007 7:22 am)
#203 of 221 Re: Caliber MPGs are consistent... by daveydodge Nov 21, 2007 (7:22 am)
Replying to: lexan1965 (Nov 20, 2007 8:53 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 221 Re: more numbers [pmkon7] by airnos Nov 21, 2007 (6:08 pm)
Replying to: pmkon7 (Nov 20, 2007 5:24 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. Replies to this message: pmkon7 (Nov 23, 2007 4:52 pm)
#206 of 221 Re: more numbers [airnos] by pmkon7 Nov 23, 2007 (4:52 pm)
Replying to: airnos (Nov 21, 2007 6:08 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 221 How to Determine your True Miles Per Gallon by wheelman Nov 27, 2007 (6:29 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 Replies to this message: lexan1965 (Dec 05, 2007 9:12 am)
#208 of 221 Re: I want mpg [xkmail] by wheelman Nov 27, 2007 (6:42 am)
Replying to: xkmail (Jun 26, 2006 10:14 am) Traditionally, manual transmissions deliver better MPG for non-stop highway driving Automatics have improved substantially and are a close second. Automatics, of course, are favored for stop and go city driving.   The WheelMan
#209 of 221 YMMV by micweb Nov 27, 2007 (4:46 pm)
You said, in part:   "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. "   It's more likely a fill variation between your two tanks of gas, than the book case (unless your hatch was open and it affected the aerodynamics).   I usually have pretty consistent mileage based on my commute, but if I use a different pump, or go to another gas station, or especially if I fill up on a slight angle, it can throw the mileage calculation off.   Over 18,000 miles of driving, I have averaged approximately 32 mpg on my stick shift Caliber. Pretty good, but I drive very smoothly and have a largely free-flowing freeway commute in a mild climate that seldom requires aircon and is never below freezing, a couple of common mileage killers.
#210 of 221 Re: 22K miles on car now [lexan1965] by wheelman Dec 03, 2007 (4:26 am)
Replying to: lexan1965 (Nov 08, 2006 11:08 pm) K&N has an air filter and more for your Caliber. Check out> knfilter.com   The WheelMan
#211 of 221 Significant MPG Improvement by wheelman Dec 03, 2007 (5:34 am)
To significantly increase the MPG of your Caliber you are going to have to do some things that Dodge did not. #1 Use Synthetic oil #2 Change to a Cold air intake #3 Change to a performance exhaust manifold #4 Change to a Cat-back (catalytic converter to the tail pipe) exhaust system. #5 Inflate tires to "firmer" pressures. #6 Drive close to the speed limit.   Expanded: #1 Full Synthetic oils signicantly reduce friction. Less friction means your engine strains less to do the same work. #2 to #4 Each of these assemblies adds approximately 8-10 hp by allowing your engine to 'breathe" and "exhale" easier without adding any load to your engine. More horses to move the same weight (Caliber and passengers) easier #5. Inflate the tires to what the tire manufacturer recommends...not to what Dodge recommends. Most car manufacturers want you to travel in smooth comfort, so they recommend a 'softer' tire pressure. "Firmer" tire pressures deliver better MPG by providing less rolling resistance. IMPORTANT:DO NOT OVER INFLATE YOUR TIRES. HIGHLY OVER INFLATED TIRES REDUCE TREAD LIFE AND CAN LEAD TO DEADLY CONSEQUENCES.   #6 Speeds above 65 mph wastes fuel. Period.   Your Dodge dealer's Parts Department can get you prices for items 2,3,4 and their Service people can install these parts. These assemblies are genuine Mopar and are specifically engineered for your Caliber. NOTE:Performance parts/assemblies may affect your warranty so get all the info before you open your wallet.   If you plan to keep the Caliber until the wheels fall off the performance modifications might be a way to go.   Much of 2,3,4 is a digest from Pat Goss of Goss's Garage, MotorWeek on PBS   "Drive like your life depends on it."   The WheelMan Replies to this message: plymouth_guy (Apr 21, 2009 6:32 pm)

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