Review: 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4

Introduction

What’s New – The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is the performance version of the existing Caliber, and includes a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine, larger brakes and wheels and an upgraded leather-trimmed interior. The performance Caliber also comes with an operational hood scoop, wider grille opening and a large spoiler for improved air flow and better down force.

Competes With: Mazda Mazdaspeed3, Chevrolet HHR SS, Subaru WRX

What We Think – The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 tries to meld the practicality of a small family sedan and the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with seat of the pants performance to create a vehicle that's practical as well as powerful. Problem is, the Caliber was no great shakes to begin with, and as the saying goes, don’t teach a pig to sing: It’s a waste of your time and it annoys the pig.  

Review – 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4: Big SUVs are out and compact fuel sippers are in, but some people still need something bigger than a Prius to handle trips to the local home and garden center or favorite big box retailer. So, automakers have revisited the hatchback, turning once again to wagon-like vehicles that are basically downsized utility vehicles.

Dodge's entry for this niche is the Caliber: A five-door wagon with seating for five and plenty of cargo room to haul those 144-count super packs of Huggies when they go on sale. But just because you need a car that handles the kids as well as it does the groceries doesn't mean you have to give up performance. Many of the new generation of hatches offer performance variations, and the Dodge Caliber is no exception. Dodge brings the 2008 Caliber SRT4 to the table, a turbocharged 285-horsepower rendition of the base Caliber. The difference between the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 and the competition is that most of the competition is building performance versions on proven, well thought out base models. Sadly, the Dodge Caliber is anything but.