As fuel costs continue to fluctuate, small cars need to be more than just frugal passengers. Few vehicles embody this trend better than the 2010 Dodge Caliber, a hybrid hatchback, station wagon and SUV. Dodge's cheapest offering, the Caliber isn't a cheap car. Models range from a fuel-efficient passenger van to a well-appointed model with unique elements such as a retractable rear speaker bar, built-in iPod dock and beverage cooler - features you won't find on a Volkswagen Golf or MAZDA3. On the other hand, despite a modest improvement this year, the plastics used to finish the interior aren't quite as stylish or beautiful as those in VW and Mazda, a major concern for many savvy young buyers.
Used Dodge Caliber 2010 prices
With a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at just under $18,000, the 2010 Dodge Caliber Express is an attractive prospect. The Mainstreet package hovers around the $19,000 mark, while the Uptown and Rush versions top the $20,000 mark. Our fair purchase prices reflect real transaction prices at or near these sticker prices, but as market fluctuations continue it's a good idea to double check before making your purchase. In terms of resale value, we expect the Caliber to significantly outperform the Chrysler PT Cruiser, with which the Chevrolet HHR remains on par, but falls well short of the Scion xB.
Driving used 2010 Dodge Caliber
While the Caliber's life's work is decidedly more utilitarian than performance-oriented, we've poked fun at the sportier model, the Rush. With its 172-horsepower engine, sportier suspension, and five-speed manual transmission, the Rush is the model we'd choose for camping, especially when the campground is at the end of a winding ravine road. While the five-speed manual transmission isn't the smoothest we've tested, it works well enough to make driving a little sportier. Most consumers will likely choose the available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which offers an Auto Stick "manual mode" that allows the driver to select one of six "ratio" and thus maintain that gear ratio if needed or desired. As for Calibers with more modest motivations, we find them just as competent around town and on the highway as most of its rivals.
Indoor comfort
The 2010 Dodge Caliber is pleasantly spacious and functional, especially for such a budget vehicle. With a folding rear seat and a folding passenger seat, the Caliber's hatchback design accommodates a variety of cargo and passenger configurations. Standard cloth seats can be upgraded to leather (Uptown), while all trim gets softer padding on the door armrest, center armrest and dashboard. Overall, the newly updated interior is well designed and offers a host of smart features, including the standard Chill Zone-cooled glove box and available fold-down rear horn bar.
Exterior-Styling
With unique proportions, curvy styling and the signature Dodge grille, the Caliber is perhaps the most distinctive five-door/crossover/wagon on the market under $20,000. It's larger than the MAZDA3 and Volkswagen Rabbit, but not quite as streamlined as the Toyota Matrix, and doesn't have the retro vibe of the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevrolet HHR. Higher gauges feature chrome grille and side moldings, fog lights, and larger aluminum wheels.
favorite resources
Altavoces MusicGate Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Auto Stick
As part of Boston Acoustics' 458-watt premium audio system, the Caliber's rear speakers resonate out of the open tailgate to project outside during barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
While the idea of creating artificial gears in Caliber's "gearless" CVT might seem counterproductive, the ability to control the transmission with extremely responsive manual shifts is very useful.
standard functions
Mated to a 2.0L engine and a five-speed manual transmission, a base Dodge Caliber SXT Express has front and rear side airbags, inflatable knee pads, UConnect phone (Bluetooth), iPod controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power windows, mirrors and locks, cruise control, keyless entry, 115 volt outlet, air conditioning and four wheel drive ABS brakes. The top-of-the-line Uptown trim offers an automatic transmission, leather seats, heated front seats, automatic climate control, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system, a power driver's seat and steering wheel audio controls. The Sport Rush and Heat models offer larger wheel and tire packages, sport suspension and an updated interior, while only the Rush adds a more powerful 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower engine.
Work options
Most of the 2010 Dodge Caliber's trim is contained within one of five available trims. The few features available include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a safety package that adds remote start, safety alarm, front side impact airbags and hill start assist (in manual transmission cars).
engine and gears
Both Caliber engine options have four cylinders and 16 valves each. The base engine has a displacement of 2.0 liters and produces 158 hp, while the Rush model has a 2.4 liter engine with 172 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on Express, Rush, and Heat trims, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on Mainstreet and Uptown trims. The Express can only be ordered with a manual transmission, while the CVT with Auto Stick manual shift mode is only available on Heat and Rush models. 2.0 liter in-line engine 4 2.4 liter in-line engine 4
158 hp at 6400 rpm
141 lb-pie's pro @ 5000 U / min
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 (manual), 23/27 (automatic)
172 hp at 6,000 rpm
165 lb-pie pro @ 4400 U / min
EPA estimated fuel economy city/highway: 23/29 (manual), 21/25 (automatic)
KBB vehicle rating and classification methodology
Our expert ratings are based on hours of driving and number calculations to ensure you choose the best car for you. We thoroughly test and review every new SUV, car, truck or minivan for sale in the United States and compare it to the competition. When all this dust settles, we'll have our assessments. Every time a completely new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes onto the market, we need new qualifications. Additionally, we reassess these ratings when a new generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle upgrade; Basically we rework a car midway through its production run (usually around 2-3 years) with a minor facelift, usually with feature and technology updates. Instead of drawing random numbers or a meaningless checklist, the KBB editorial team places a vehicle where it belongs in its class. Before a car can get its KBB rating, it has to prove that it's better (or worse) than the other cars it competes with, while trying to trick you into spending your money on buying or renting it . Our editors drive and live with a specific vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, exterior, engine and powertrain, ride and handling, features, comfort and of course price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is to efficiently commute to work in the city, to protect your family, to make you feel like you've made it to the top -- or that you're on your way -- or to make you feel that you have finally found the right partner for your lifestyle.) We take every vehicle we test through the mundane (parking, lane changing, reversing, cargo and hold) as well as the essential aspects: acceleration, braking, handling, noiselessness and interior comfort, build quality, material quality, reliability.
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