2006 Dodge Caliber SXT 2.0 TDI turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Looks well, but admire from the outside, don't get in

Faults:

Mass airflow sensor failed.

Brake drums screech regardless of adjustment.

Seats have lost most of their vertical support.

Interior drink holder lights keep failing.

Cruise control has failed.

General Comments:

This car has a nice ride height.

It looks well externally.

It starts every time.

However the interior is a big disappointment.

The interior plastics are very hard.

The steering column almost removes my kneecap when I get in, thanks to a protruding piece of plastic underneath.

The A pillars either side of the windscreen make big blind-spots.

The support from the seats is very poor.

The gearbox is very notchy.

The performance is lethargic/wheezy at best.

It really only moves when up in top gear on the motorway.

Wind noise is very bad.

The clutch slips in cold weather.

This was a company car with a pampered life before we bought it.

It was always main dealer serviced (we worked for the company so can verify this), so no excuse but bad build quality.

I have owned a few Chryslers before a few years ago and loved them, it was an automatic, much better for USA cars.

I'd buy another USA car, but not a Dodge Caliber.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th March, 2011

4th Mar 2011, 13:46

I rented one once, just for a day. I hated it.

4th Mar 2011, 14:11

I've rented several, each for a few days at a time, and liked them. I've rented a couple of R/T's from back in 2008, and recently rented a 2010 Caliber. There really has been an improvement in materials in just a few years. The door panels on the newer one, for instance, and the interior in general, was softer and more comfortable compared to the ones from a few years ago, which were hard plastic.

What I continue to like about them is the CVT transmission, which lets you zip up hills almost effortlessly without straining to change gears. It's always a pleasure to zip by the straining trucks and compacts in the slow lane, and you don't even lose speed.

I have never noticed this lack of power or hesitation thing that some people complain about, either. I do wish that they still made the AWD version. That would have been my first choice in a crossover station wagon.

2006 Dodge Caliber CRD SE 2.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

For the price and spec for a family car, it's well worth the money, and I would buy this model again

Faults:

Had to have new starter motor at 73.000.

General Comments:

Comfortable.

Spacious.

Reliable so far.

Good fuel mileage per gallon urban and motorway.

Engine could be a bit quieter.

Nice to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2010

2006 Dodge Caliber SXT 2 litre VVT from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great all rounder

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Excellent value for money, comfortable, reliable, with reasonable economy...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2008