Initially released in 2007 as a replacement for the Neon, the new 2009 Dodge Caliber is a compact car that combines elements of minivan, station wagon and hatchback design standards. It's a little strange looking, but it sells well and offers owners a lot to be pleased about. MSRPs lie between $16,210 and $24,590. It does well at the pump delivering 24/29 mpg city/highway. The NHTSA awarded the Caliber a five-star frontal crash test rating.

Its standard warranty is good for 36 months or 36,000 miles and the Dodge name stands as a symbol of quality as it has for decades now. The 2009 Caliber, providing the cargo area of the BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon, features a 5-door hatchback design. This design is very popular in Europe and is definitely resurfacing as a favorite here in the states too. Easy loading and plenty of cargo space make the hatchback a family favorite.

You can choose between four separate trim levels and also between front-wheel and all-wheel drive models. Those who live in slippery northern climates especially are fond of the AWD capability. The top-of-the-line SRT4 trim features an impressive 285hp 2.0L engine that is quick and responsive. It seems that a vehicle that looks like the Caliber would never be able to scoot like that!

The interior is intelligently designed to be spacious and comfortable - especially for a compact. There's plenty of headroom even for the tall. Rear seats are able to recline - a very popular sell point. There is even an optional flat-folding front passenger seat that enables you to load an entire kayak inside the cabin with you. Additionally, there is a special compartment in the glove box that has AC to chill beverages. And one more very cool feature: there is a swing-down control panel for the entertainment system located on the optionally-powered liftgate that rules for tailgating or just hanging out at the beach.

The trims are labeled SE, SXT, R/T and SRT4. The SE and SXT feature a 1.8L 148hp I4; the R/T features a 2.4L 172hp I4 and the SRT4 features the aforementioned 2.4L 285hp turbocharged I4. All trims measure 173.8 x 68.8 x 60.4 inches (l x w x h) and have a ground clearance of 7.7 inches. The curb weights, trim dependent, are roughly 3100 pounds

Competition for the 2009 Dodge Caliber comes from the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and the Kia Spectra5. They all are within 1 thousand dollars of one another for the base models. Notably, the Caliber has the lowest fuel economy ratings with the second strongest base engine. Cool features, excellent safety ratings, adequate value and fresh styling based on utility and enjoyment make the Caliber a compact car that is difficult to ignore