No matter how good it sells it’s still horribly ugly.

I’m waiting for the Challenger. But if I’m short on cash I’d rather get the Patriot version of the platform. It just looks more American. I don’t know why.

/yes, I know the Patriot looks like a Landrover/Landcruiser

There’s no accounting for taste. I for one won’t be buying that POS. I’d still love to know where it is selling so well. I’m sure its not on the coasts

Patriot looks like a Land Rover. No Way!!! What drugs are you on JCWhitless. This the Patriot and Compass are the most inept peices of design I have seen in a long time.

I can’t believe people are so dumb

Good for them. Rather than directly going ‘back to the ’60s’ like most seem to want Detroit to do; they’re at least trying something different to stop the bleeding. Put a little diesel in it.
Hell, put one in everything.

j i m

What drugs are you on JCWhitless

Lots….

No comment.

erg what a piece of junk. the thing has like 10 hp and is 20 tons. WOOO! American motoring

I must say, it looks pretty cool in that picture.

They must be fudging. I find it hard to believe a car that ugly, with such a horribly cheap interior could sell so well.

#11 right about that interior. Very cheap.

I wan to here about the 300 bhp SRT-4 version though.

I had this car as a loaner this week. Believe me, it’s the worst car I have ever driven. No ergonomics, no esthetics and underpowered. Once more it proves what the advertisement can do. I am sure 90% of the Caliber buyers just need a moving appliance. I am OK with that, the problem is instead of wasting money on a piece of junk they can buy something better with the same budget or even lower.

i see one in person the other day..i have to say its pretty wild looking in deed its sure diffrent looking then anything eles on the road….in a good way tho.

well i live in massachusetts and let me tell you, i see tons of calibers in the dealerships, NOT THE ROADS

“instead of wasting money on a piece of junk they can buy something better with the same budget or even lower”

What c-segment vehicles would that be Greg?

Hey, if BMW can sell ugly, overpriced cars at the high end, then Dodge can sell this at the low end.

There’s room for everyone.

good for Chrysler. They’ll need this increased sales to financially compensate for the upcoming Sebring, which will sell 1000 a year to blind people.

ok everyone here is missing something … oviosly they arn’t marketing this car to you… shut up.. my sister bought one and she is in love with it. i’ve drivin it and its no racecar and i don’t feel it pretends to be one. the inside is FINE.. you’ll all just in love with JAPAN. its a nice car get over it..

You guys are haters, you hate everything, all the time, unless it’s a ferrari or Beamer, you’re like 15 year old boyz.

The caliber is selling well because civics and corollas are too small for guys egos, what guy wants a golf cart sized car? The caliber is the only entry size car that looks big, and the styling is also mean (and well done compared to the jelly beans from the japanese). Even on a friday you all are still hatin’.

And let me rub it in for all you guys driving a civic – you should question your masculinity, because any guy driving a civic is a joke – why don’t you put a sign on the car saying you are a nancy, and thay your girlfriend picks out your clothes.

i would say everyone hates this car because its a piece of crap.
maybe if you read the article on it http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/06/28/la-times-calls-dodge-caliber-heavy-and-sluggish/ you would understand that as well.

[...] [...]

This is america, you can think whatever you want hater, I dig the styling, if you don’t you can buy a volkswagen rabbit convertible, that would probably suit you better.

…ok everyone here is missing something … oviosly they arn’t marketing this car to you… shut up..

…And let me rub it in for all you guys driving a civic – you should question your masculinity..

You guys need to learn manners first before posting a comment. I personally never thought of buying a Caliber and I don’t drive a CIVIC, however this is not about your sisters or you hating one or another car. We just share our opinions and if you don’t have something that makes sense, spare your words for something else.

lower it 2in and get ride of the stupid black pastic on the roof and then maybe we can talk

Greg, you still did not answer my question.

“this is not about your sisters or you hating one or another car”
“the problem is instead of wasting money on a piece of junk they can buy something better”

Also put a fart can on it and a big bolt on spoiler.

I think it’s an OK car… It looks good but knowing DCX the plastic is probably of the japanese kind. I’ve never driven one so tell me if I’m wrong..

Does anyone know how many they sold so far?

mmmmmmmmm fart can and a bolt on spoiler. what about a ground effect kit and drop the thing to the floor w/ some 22s on it. Id rock that

“You guys need to learn manners first before posting a comment. I personally never thought of buying a Caliber and I don’t drive a CIVIC, however this is not about your sisters or you hating one or another car. We just share our opinions and if you don’t have something that makes sense, spare your words for something else.”

Oh the humanity

…Greg, you still did not answer my question…

Chevrolet HHR, Ford Focus, Kia Spectra.

Oh the humanity

Be careful, Dieter will lash us all with his handlebar mustache of dispair…

/They really need to have him be Mr. Monopoly

HHR competes with the PT, not the caliber.
Ford Focus, a better vehicle? wow… havent laughed that hard in a while!
Spectra, well, not sure. Haven’t looked into this one at all.

you have got to be kidding on the kia spectra, you would buy that over a caliber?????
The women will be banging down your door if you drive that.

This car is crap, Mike will argue till he prolapses that there is nothing else in its class whatever competition you bring up and that for 13k you can’t do any better. I say, i bet many sell at closer to 20K and for 13K I can get a Yaris or a Fit or A Versa, which may not be competition in the literal sense of the word but when you are shopping at 13K everything at that price is competition. I’d rather have the best at that price not the biggest.

The fit??? the yaris??? Real men would take the 13k and buy a decent sized used car, and not bring shame to themselves by driving a Fit. If you are a guy seriously considering a Fit you are a joke, that is the equivalent of a geo metro, I bet Metro drivers would even be insulted!

But I suppose if you are a democrat man you are already sort of a nancy, so I guess I could see you in a Fit

First of all, let’s clear up the fact Josh is a racist piece of ****.

Second, I’ll say that the Caliber looks cheap on both the inside and outside, but I can understand why it would sell well. It’s distinctive and a convenient piece of machinery. The hatchback trunk is one reason why a lot of people would buy one, and the ChillZone, as corny as that sounds, is kind of an appealing thing to have when you’re taking a trip on a warm day. Small details like that are something you don’t get in a typical car in this segment, like the Corolla. That’s why I think the beverage warming/cooling cupholders in the new Sebring will seem appealing to many people. Keeps your coffee hot and your Big Gulp cold.

Jeez i buy my car coz it’s convenient beverage dispenser. Get a fridge

there are some cars that just aren’t guy cars – if you don’t believe that then as a guy you should drive a rabbit convertible and listen for snickers. If you think you are all that in a Honda Fit, then more power to you, it is definately a sign you are doing well in the world.

Geez, don’t any of you knuckleheads get it? Chrysler is obviously limiting the production and/or distribution in order to stir up buzz and get articles like this published. It’s human nature, people want what they can’t have… even if it’s arguably piece of crap.

Obviously.

yes, they are running 3 shifts, round the clock and limiting production.

sales numbers at the end of may listed 31,596 sold. 12k were in the month of may. Advertising began april. We’ll have to wait a week to see the latest numbers.

“Real men would take the 13k and buy a decent sized used car, and not bring shame to themselves by driving a Fit.” Haha…..you’re an idiot.

“But I suppose if you are a democrat man you are already sort of a nancy, so I guess I could see you in a Fit” Yup. Idiot.

And Bimmers aren’t ugly.

That’s all you can say? Resorting to name calling? LLN has always been a freakshow, every blog is.

MIke says “we’ll” no wonder he so pro CHrysler. Still won’t get me in one of those pieces of ****

I apologize for my minor gramatical error. I meant to say, we will have to wait until the June sales figures appear next week (or possibly the week after)to update the Caliber’s sales figures. My guess will be yet another increase in monthly sales.

My mother has a Caliber and she loves it. She use to drive a Grand Cherokee, but down graded to the Caliber. It’s cheaper on gas, and with my fathers employee discount it costs them next to nothing to drive. Also, some of you need to remember that not all people buy cars for the looks, a lot of people buy them for PRACTICALITY.

Oh, one other point. My buddy is a car salesman at the local Chrysler dealership…there is currently a 3 month waiting period to order a new Caliber.

Bax you said it all, “My Mother loves it” Well I aint gonna be a dumb schmuck waiting for one of those. I’m getting me a 2007 Rabbit. See Ya

What is wrong with you people. All this emotion over a car no one has to buy. My two cents says its selling because its cheap and not a super sub compact. Most people can afford it even with a high APR.

you guys are forgetting the xB….the original small van hit

OMG the Caliber has drum rear brakes how is that for cost cutting?
For the 19k a decently specified one costs you can have a loaded quality Rabbit with 2.5 liter 6 speed tiptronic automatic.

Why is everyone so obsessed in not letting anyone have an opinion, if “Joe or Steve” like it, then let them, and if “Mike or John” don’t like then so be it, if you don’t like it then don’t buy it, if you do like it then buy it, get over it, they built this car for a reason, and there are people buying it, just like the PT Cruiser, I would never buy it, but they sold, and they sold like crazy, but I bet most of you on here would never even think twice about owning one

Bax i feel sick thinking about PT cruisers

we know, Michaelangelo, you would rather deal with massive electrical grimlins and interior pieces peeling off in a Rabbit.

That has not been my experience with VWs Mike, it has disks all round great build quality and the best interior quality, loadsof toys, is great looking and costs less than the equivalent Caliber. Also has a 2.5 Liter 5 cyl engine does 130mph and has a 6 speed tiptronic automatic ‘box. Plus you ca order 18″ rims to die for. It’s also cool and european

But I guess if I still lived in ButtFung Egypt aka Fort COllins COlorado then I might want a Caliber so I didn’t stand out as being too hip.
And before you say you dont live in F.C CO Mike, I did and I’m bloody glad I moved to California

This site is going to crap.
I would bet a large sum that most of the idiots ripping on this car (and others) and saying that they have driven it have not.
People ripping on American cars out of hand are fools who think everyone not only has the $$ to drive a BMW but also WANTS to drive a BMW. Take a look around you glittering jewells of collosal ignorance, most people cant afford enthusiast cars and only want to go point A to point B.
I prefer a car with performance and some soul myself, but I can see why people want and drive the average GM sedan. They work, and they are affordable and far less to maintain than a lot of the tempromental european cars. The folks buying chevys are far more likely to keep their cars longer.
I agree that American cars can improve, but they are no where near the low level most of you mouth breathers rate them here.

Fatsrat is the Rabbit not affordable?

Used to live in the fort… haven’t for more than 2 years now. Greeley is MUCH worse than FC though…

dude, when the emoticon is winking it means ‘just kidding’ so pull the pelosi out of your ass already, take a prozac, and relax. C’mon, isn’t pot legal in Cali?

Mark Fields Hairpiece – Great comments.. lol

I don’t care if it’s ‘Murican’ or not it’s still f’ugly and if build quality is anything like your typical DCX product, resale and reliablilty will drop like a turd into the toilet..

No thanks, I’d sooner buy a used SVT Focus.

They need to fit better door locks so they don’t get stolen off the lots

Drum brakes in this day and age. Do people know what they are buying? It’s a Neon in drag and they have all fallen for the trick. I want something modern not a horse and cart

I find it really funny that this car is selling so well but every review I’ve read so far has completely ripped it apart. It’s underpowered, the CVT transmission is horrible, its ugly as sin, and overall drives terribly. There are better cars at the price so why is this selling so well? I’m ridiculously confused….

The dealers are probably registering them to themselves to Big it up and create some Buzz about it. I can’t stand the way it looks so wouldn’t even be tempted to buy one, but even If I liked the way it looked I would be put off by the interior and the driving experience. Decently optioned its nearly 20K and still has drum rear brakes. There really are much better machines in that price bracket. ihope all the people rushing to buy it on looks alone are happy with it because 20K is a lot to spend and feel you could have bought better.

Such a nice car im going to get to the queve line next month to get my own Caliber

THIS THING HAS DRUM BRAKES

He, anyone happen to READ? Drums are standard, Discs optional. Now, if you look at pricing, and compare “decent cars near 20K” you will realize, that while thier discs are standard, so is their $20K base price. The Caliber R/T, with a base price of $19,9K has standard discs. Lower priced models of the Caliber are the only ones that have drums. You guys are all the same. Spend half your day eating cheetos, cause you don’t have a job, and complain about what hard working people are bringing to the market. What’s the last thing that YOU worked on, that made it to the mass market and was successful? I thought so, NOTHING. Quit griping and get a job, one that contributes something tangible to the American economy. Stop draining all the unemplyment while blogging all day.

I HATE THIS CAR

where are these selling?? i live in SoCal and i’ve only seen 1 on the road since the POS came out.

Actually I spent my day working like any other normal person. This car is a just a POS hands down. I rather buy a Mazda3…handles better, it doesnt feel 800 pounds too heavy for the motor, the transmission is one of the best in its class, and I’m not going to have to worry about reliability. Much better value per dollar. Oh, and standard DISC brakes, not brakes that were designed so long ago its laughable.

I love it and I am a real man Enjoying every minute on the road. This car will be a #1 seller!

Yeah, and the Mazda 3 costs $4000 MORE than a caliber

Hi folks, greetings from Germany. The Caliber has been introduced in Germany at 10th of June and the sale Numbers for 2006 have been accompliched after 6 weeks. Now there is a 6 month waiting list on it. The Caliber is available here with a 2 liter VW Diesel engine and 6 speed gear box and great torque figurers! Making over 40 mpg!! Allmost 120 mph tops. This Diesel Caliber sells like hot cakes over here (we spend $7 for a gallon of gas!!!!). I testrived one and bought it at once. I like the styling. Crossover between a SUV and a Coupe is a hit. Price is unbeatable. A VW Rabbit (Golf in Germany) costs 5 Grands more. And it doesnt even has Chill zone or 17″ Wheels on it. Quality of workmanship is not to bad for a US Car. But as all US cars, to slugish in suspension. But an Eibach Kit can cure that for a few bucks. The plastik interior is realy a poor side, but still acceptable. I have seen worse at GM , Fords and DCX.
This car fits 90% of my technical demands and 100% of my budget.
Those guys who like to buy a 30 year old ironed Rabbit sort “new”C-Car from any brand. Please do so. You Guys who are missing the V8 torque in a 4 Banger, don’t buy a Caliber now or wait for the SRT.The Caliber is unique in this C-segment and finaly something realy new at last!
If you still must have a automatic, than live with it! Any AT will suck a 4 Banger down. A AT cuts 10-15 HP from an engine!!
Please leave any 4 letter words out of any Forum! Thanks