Dodge Caliber vs. Hyundai Azera

Dodge Caliber vs. Hyundai Azera

In a review of the Dodge Caliber R/T, DC enthusiast site, Allpar.com, draws an interesting comparison between the Dodge Caliber and the Hyundai Azera.

Standard, the R/T comes with a host of options, including side curtain front and rear airbags, four wheel antilock disc brakes, power windows, rear defroster, keyless remote, power mirrors, rear window wiper/washer, automatic power locks, cruise, air, CD with wheel-mounted controls, tilt-wheel, fog lamps, and 18" aluminum wheels (no, they really don't have to be that big, but people like the look of big wheels.) That, with all wheel drive, comes to $19,985 including destination - or about the same price as the first Neon SRT-4. Our test car had the $910 leather package with heated front seats and lumbar adjustment, the $400 convenience group with tire pressure monitor (showing each tire separately), compass and thermometer, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and garage door opener; the $400 MusicGate; $750 sunroof; and $700 for the chrome finish on the wheels. The total was $23,145, or about $1,000 less than the Hyundai Azera we tested last week, the one that accelerated like a bat out of, well, you know, and felt like a Lexus, with lots of room for everyone and not much of a gas mileage punishment compared with the Caliber R/T AWD. Admittedly, the Azera didn't look like an SUV, and it didn't have all wheel drive.

The Dodge Caliber is flying off the dealer lots as fast as they come in. DaimlerChrysler is making over 15,000 calibers per month and selling every one it can make. It only goes to show that image is everything. The Caliber is small-ish, but it is not small; and it certainly isn't light. Its fuel economy is good for an SUV, but no better than many full-size cars. Thanks to the lack of discounts due to demand, the Caliber isn't particularly cheap. I drove a mid-range Caliber SXT a few months ago, and I found it to be decent. On the other hand, I much preferred the Mercury Milan that I drove soon afterwards. The Milan cost about the same as the Caliber (and now with incentives would likely be priced lower), but the Milan looked better, rode better, was quicker, more comfortable, better equipped and got better gas mileage. The Milan doesn't look like an SUV, though.


2007 Chrysler Pacifica

Also at Allpar.com is a detailed write-up on the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica. This is the first major refreshening of the Pacifica and comes about 3 1/2 years after the model was originally introduced. The big news is the introduction of a new 6 speed automatic transmission. This transmission should soon make its way through the product line, though it appears that the minivans, the models that need it the most, will be among the last to receive it. The transmission is due to be installed on the completely redesigned 2008 minivans. The 2007 Pacifica also is the first vehicle to receive a new 4.0 liter V-6. At 255 horsepower, the 4.0 liter isn't much more powerful than the 10 year old 3.5 liter design that it replaces. Chrysler says the 4.0 liter has a broader torque curve.

The Pacifica fills a similar niche to the new-for-2007 GM crossover SUVs. The Pacifica, though no light-weight, is 200-300 lbs lighter and may be cheaper when comparably equipped.