Charger.  Challenger.  Viper.  These are just some of the most recognizable and imaginative American cars of the new millennium, and they all come from one brand: Dodge.  You got to leave it to the folks over at Chrysler; they’ve always had the cajones for coming up with something different.  And their fray into the entry-level market was no different.  In the 1990’s, the Neon served up a healthy doses of cute looks with genuine handling.  It was proof that Americans can come up with a homegrown solution against the Japanese compacts.  So when news came out that the Neon nameplate would be retired for something else, there were those who aired some concern: can lightning strike twice for Dodge?

Dodge’s answer to their critics is uniquely, Dodge: the Caliber.  And after all the teasers, speculations and hearsay, the Caliber has finally come to our shores.  Anyone who’s seen the Caliber in person would be surprised at how tightly packed the car really is compared to photos.  It’s actually the size of a compact, rather than that of an SUV.  But don’t let that fact fool you.  Indeed, the Caliber is tall, but because of its bulging fenders, sleek roofline and angular surface treatments, it makes for a very strong, very confident appearance.  Dodge design DNA is stamped throughout: the large crosshair grille, broad shoulder line and small greenhouse are all design motifs we’ve seen before.  This different design treatment has done two things: first, it has given the Caliber a unique appearance, literally making it stand out of the crowd.  Second, it has given the passengers a higher hip point making for a commanding driving position similar to that of an SUV.

The Caliber’s cabin reiterates this commanding feeling once again.  The dash is squared-off and mounted as to give a high-nosed feel behind the driver’s seat.  The overall look may be utilitarian (mainly because of the squared-cut center console and door frames), but because Dodge expects a split male-female buyer demographic, the Caliber contains a multitude of creature features for just about everyone.  Families will enjoy the stain and odor-resistant seat fabric.  The rear cargo area takes it a step further by offering a removable vinyl load floor that’s washable.  The wagon-like configuration suggests that owners will buy the Caliber for heavy-duty shopping, and it obliges by offering folding rear seats with a 60/40 split.  As a bigger bonus, the front passenger seat fold forward too, perfect for loading long items, say like, a Christmas tree.  Its maximum load, excluding passengers, top up at a remarkable 570 kilograms.

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