Ditto to everything Phil said, but let me also mention what I like about the Dodge Caliber SRT4: the handsome, nineteen-inch wheels; the very comfortable and sporty, Recaro-style front seats; and the powertrain, with the 285-hp turbo four mated to a reasonably decent six-speed Getrag manual with a good clutch pedal. The turbo boost gauge mounted in the driver's door and the digital g-force gauge are mildly amusing, as well.
As for the rest of the car, the base Caliber is incredibly unattractive, and the SRT performance add-ons do little, if anything, to improve matters. Thick A-pillars, high side windows, and a small windshield create an uncomfortably claustrophobic atmosphere in the cabin. And the torque steer? Wow. Hang on tight, folks.
In general, when one is considering the Caliber SRT4, one can't help but think of the "putting lipstick on a pig" bromide from last fall's election. It's sad, especially when you consider how cool the Neon SRT4 was in its day.
Joe DeMatio, Executive Editor ...next page >>