Review: Dodge PM Caliber (2006-11)

Overview

Released in August 2006, the Dodge PM Caliber was a five-door, compact SUV. Manufactured in Illinois, USA, the front-wheel drive Caliber was available with four engines:

• the 1.8- and 2.0- and 2.4-litre petrol engines had an aluminium block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable intake and exhaust valve timing; and,
• the 2.0-litre Volkswagen turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, Pumpe Duse direct injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1.

Beyond the engines, the Caliber was available in ST, SX, SXT and R/T editions. The range, however, was subsequently simplified: the R/T was discontinued in 2007 and the ST followed in 2008. The full range is given in the table below.

The PM Caliber was 4415 mm long, 1800 mm wide, 1535 mm tall and had a 2635 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Caliber had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas-charged dampers and anti-roll bars).

July 2010: Caliber update

In July 2010, the Caliber range was updated: the SX was discontinued and the remaining SXT edition had an updated interior with a new dashboard, centre console, split-level storage compartment under the centre armrest and soft-touch door trims; there were also chromed highlights for the climate controls, gearshift gate and instrument dials.

Safety equipment

Standard safety features included dual front airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the 2.0L CRD variants and R/T editions were also fitted with electronic stability control.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a Caliber 2.0L CRD received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.14 out of 37. In the front offset crash test, there was insufficient pressure in the front airbags to prevent the dummies from making contact with the steering wheel and dashboard respectively; protection from serious leg injury was also marginal for the front occupants.

Features

Standard features for the entry-level Caliber ST included 17-inch steel wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, a chilled glovebox, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, vinyl loading floor, a 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Caliber SX added 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player, reclining rear seats, height adjustable driver’s seat and cargo cover. The R/T editions were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and body kit.

Compared to the R/T, the Caliber SXT omitted the RT’s body kit and was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels; additional features included leather seats and heated front seats.

Caliber Sport and Sound package

From 2006 to 2009, the Caliber was available with an optional ‘Sport and Sound’ package which included 18-inch alloy wheels, Musicgate Power sound system with six Boston Acoustics speakers, subwoofer and two articulating liftgate speakers, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, colour-keyed instrument panel and shifter trim, colour-keyed seat trim and black B- and C-pillars. For the SXT editions, the Sport and Sound package was offered at no extra cost, though leather seats were omitted.

Brochure

• Brochure: Dodge PM Caliber (August 2010)

Related links

• Technical Specifications: Dodge PM Caliber (October 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Dodge Caliber