2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Review

Multi-Purpose Zipster

A three-quarter front view of a red 2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4

In short: A spacious, powerful and stylish five-passenger hatchback.

Featuring an assertively styled exterior complete with a hood bulge and liftgate spoiler, the somewhat tall 2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4 looks meant for racing. An electronic stability program, cloth bucket seats and a 285-horsepower 4-cylinder turbo engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission reinforce this impression. However, in spite of its abundance of power, this five-passenger compact is really more of a daily commuter, appealing to younger drivers with its versatility and stylish appearance.

Inside the hatchback is a spacious interior adequate for five adults; the rear seats notably provide enough room to stretch out your legs. Interior amenities include steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Chill Zone cooled beverage storage (to keep up to four 20-ounce bottles or cans cold), illuminated cup holders and a removable LED flashlight/rear cargo lamp. A four-speaker sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD/DVD/MP3 player is also included.

Read a review of the 2006 Dodge Caliber SXT Sport

Warranty/Service: 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty; 3-year/36,000-mile powertrain warranty; 5-year/100,000-mile rust-through warranty.

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $24,590 / As Tested $27,145

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback

Engine: 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder turbo
Horsepower: 285 hp
Torque: 265 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed Getrag manual

Curb weight: 3,189 lbs
Wheelbase: 103.7 in
Length/Width/Height: 174.3/68.8/59.7 in
Turning circle: 35.5 ft

Brakes: all-wheel disc with ABS and brake assist
Suspension: independent front and rear

Traction: electronic stability program

0-60 mph: 6 seconds (est.)
Top Speed: n/a

EPA City: 19 mpg
EPA Highway: 27 mpg

Smog Index: .49

Safety: multistage front airbags; supplemental side curtain front and rear airbags; knee-blocker airbag; tire pressure monitor and warning signal

Likes: certainly has performance at value
Dislikes: clunky and awkward; torque steer; noise

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Photography: AlphaMedia

PSV021809

(Updated 06/22/09 SV)

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