Design
Purposeful, utilitarian, and brimming with attitude, the 2007 Dodge Caliber is equipped with exterior and interior design that says “sporty” and “capable.”
Dodge product planners tell us they were out to create a “small car that acts big” with the 2007 Caliber. For the most part, we think they’ve succeeded. For starters, the Caliber is four inches taller and about an inch wider than the Neon it replaces. These larger dimensions and an additional inch of ground clearance give its “ready-for-anything” positioning a good bit of credibility. All car designs are intended to make a visual statement and, to our eye, the combination of those larger dimensions and the car’s rakish profile says both “sporty” and “capable” in one glance. It’s a look that’s hard to categorize, however, as it shares styling cues with both Dodge’s Magnum station wagon and Durango SUV. With its oversize headlights and bold fender flares, the Caliber tends to look like a much bigger vehicle than it is. Despite this visual heft, the 30/70 ratio of glass-to-sheetmetal in its proportions actually manages to make it look more sleek than stubby. The Caliber SXT’s available 17-inch alloy wheels and the R/T model’s standard 18-inch alloy rims further enhance this solid visual presence. While we didn’t have the opportunity to check out an SE shod with its standard 15-inch steel wheels and wheelcovers, we figure it’s a safe bet they’d look pretty wimpy by comparison. As carefully crafted as the Caliber’s exterior is, even more thought went into the car’s interior. The cabin reminds us of other recent DaimlerChrysler vehicles we’ve admired, with clean uncluttered design and an emphasis on function. All models come with a two-tone interior dressed up with brushed aluminum-look accents and attractive cloth upholstery. The Sport Appearance Group option package, which includes a center stack surround painted to match the brightly-colored seat inserts, gives the interior a custom look. Leather upholstery is also available as an option on all trim levels. While the Caliber boasts a five-passenger interior, we think that claim is a bit disingenuous. Yes, there’s technically room for three average-sized folks in the back seat, but the floor-mounted rear seat cupholders give the center passenger no place to put their feet, essentially making this a four-seater for anything other than short trips. That said, those four passengers have a surprisingly good amount of room in which to stretch out. Back seat occupants enjoy generous leg, foot, and headroom even if they happen to be sitting behind a taller driver. Reclining rear seatbacks on SXT and R/T models add an extra measure of comfort. Our biggest complaint about the Caliber’s cabin is the wide swathe of hard plastic that greets you at every turn – not that we necessarily expect dash or door panels covered in fine Corinthian leather at this price point. But a little fabric or soft rubber trim in a few key areas like the door panels and armrests would go a long way to making the interior as inviting as it is innovative.
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