2012 Dodge Caliber in Dayton, OH - $8,598

Redefining the entry-level segment, the Dodge Caliber combines high value with bold styling, five-star safety ratings and many clever innovations. The Caliber is designed for those who want a compact car that stands out from the crowd yet provides the flexibility to do more in seating and storage options.

For 2011, Caliber recalibrates itself with five passionate new model offerings that is built with the customer's personal style in mind and packaged to fit a variety of lifestyles: Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat and Rush.

The front-drive Caliber is propelled by one of two four-cylinder World Engine offerings – 2.0L or 2.4L and joined to the standard Magna Driveline T355 five-speed manual gearbox. A Jatco CVT2 continuously variable automatic transmission is an available option.

The Dodge Caliber rides on a solid, high-strength steel structure and boasts more than 25 standard advanced safety and security features such as side-curtain airbags and driver's side inflatable knee blocker. In addition, 40 percent of Dodge Caliber's body structure by mass is constructed of high-strength, ultra-high strength and hot-stamped steel, which reduces weight and provides excellent impact performance.

The control hardware consists of a four-wheel independent suspension system, with MacPherson struts, coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers and stabilizer bar in front; a multi-link suspension with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar and gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear.

Inside the cabin, occupants are treated to a variety of innovative features and conveniences. The big news last year was an all-new interior featuring: a new instrument panel with a center storage bin; bright trim accents; chromed HVAC (heating/ventilation/air conditioning) vents and gauge cluster rings; new vinyl-wrapped and padded soft-touch door-trim panels and center console armrest; and driver/front-passenger active head restraints.

Cabin accommodations include: a center armrest on the floor console that slides forward three inches to accommodate short drivers, an armrest lid which includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or MP3 player, a vinyl load floor that makes for easy loading and easier cleaning, 60/40 split folding rear seat and an outside temperature gauge. The driver enjoys a command-of-the-road seating position, while an available fold-flat front passenger seat adds versatility to transporting people and or cargo.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 103.7; overall length: 173.8; width: 68.8; height: 60.4

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder – 158 hp at 6,400 rpm and 141 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm; 2.4L four-cylinder – 172 hp at 6,000 rpm and 165 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm

Transmission: five-speed manual, continuously variable automatic

EPA Fuel Economy:2.0L four-cylinder – 23 city/31 hwy. (manual), 23 city/27 hwy. (automatic); 2.4L four-cylinder – 23 city/29 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 47.4 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, side-curtain airbags, driver-side inflatable knee bolster, Uconnect hands-free phone system, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry, Sentry Key engine immobilizer, and tire pressure monitoring system. Mainstreet adds fog lamps, brake assist, electronic stability control, and traction control. Uptown adds four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock,.

Optional safety features include daytime running lights and HomeLink universal transceiver.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile

Pricing

As of this writing, pricing for the 2011 Dodge Caliber was not available.