Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Focus, Chevrolet HHR, Nissan Rogue
Distinguishing Features:
Spacious interior for its class, available AWD, distinctive styling, affordable pricing
Marketing Angle:
Versatile and practical compact SUV with a focus on value
Engine:
Yes (all variants: 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.0L CRD Diesel)
Transmission:
Yes (Manual, CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission)
Brakes:
Yes (Hydraulic, ABS, Traction Control)
Electrical:
Yes (Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Lighting, Audio, Power Accessories)
Suspension:
Yes (Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link)
Steering:
Yes (Power Steering System - Hydraulic)
Body:
Yes (Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats)
HVAC:
Yes (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Fuel System:
Yes (Fuel Pump, Injectors, Tank)
Cooling System:
Yes (Radiator, Coolant, Water Pump)
Exhaust System:
Yes (Muffler, Catalytic Converter, Piping)
Maintenance:
Yes (Scheduled Services, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-to-Cause Analysis)
Repair:
Yes (Component Replacement, Reassembly)
Diagnostics:
Yes (OBD-II Codes, Component Testing)
Specifications:
Yes (Torque Specs, Clearances, Fluid Capacities)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (Detailed Electrical Schematics)
Depth Level:
Complete Factory Level
Rebuild Procedures:
Yes (Engine and Transmission Rebuilds)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.8 L (1798 cc) GEMA I4
Engine 1 Power:
148 hp @ 6500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0 L (1998 cc) World Engine I4
Engine 2 Power:
158 hp @ 6400 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.4 L (2360 cc) World Engine I4
Engine 3 Power:
172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 4 Displacement:
2.0 L (1968 cc) CRD Turbocharged Diesel I4
Engine 4 Power:
140 hp @ 4000 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
236 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline, Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for CRD
Engine Code 1.8L:
ECA (GEMA engine family)
Engine Code 2.0L World:
EDT (World Engine family)
Engine Code 2.4L World:
EDT (World Engine family)
Engine Code 2.0L Crd:
CBUA / CBUA-D
Transmission 1 Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag Aisin)
Transmission 2 Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with AutoStick (simulated gear shifts)
Transmission 3 Type:
6-Speed Manual (for some diesel models)
Cvt Model:
JF011E (Nissan variant, used by Chrysler)
Cvt Fluid Type:
Chrysler/Dodge ATF+4 (for some earlier CVTs) or specific CVT Fluid (e.g., Mopar CVT Fluid NS-2, consult manual for exact spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific lubricant)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars (Front), 5 Stars (Rear)
IIHS Front Offset Crash:
Good
ABS:
Standard on all models
Traction Control:
Standard on AWD models, optional on FWD
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional on some later models
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger)
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional Side-Curtain Airbags
Audio System:
Optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system available on some models.
Connectivity:
Optional Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and voice command on later models.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L/2.4L:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium)
Cvt Fluid Change Interval:
Refer to manual; often sealed for life, but recommended service interval is around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for optimal longevity.
Engine Oil 1.8L/2.0L/2.4L:
SAE 5W-20, API SN (Chrysler MS-6395 specification)
Engine Oil 2.0L Crd:
SAE 5W-40, API CJ-4 or ACEA C3 (Chrysler MS-11106 specification)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Coolant (Pink), Mopar OAT Antifreeze/Coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Cv Joint Wear:
Premature wear of front CV joints reported on some models.
Cvt Reliability:
CVT transmissions, particularly early models, have been subject to issues including shuddering or failure, often linked to fluid maintenance or control solenoids.
Engine Mounts:
Engine mounts can degrade over time, leading to vibrations.
Rear Suspension Noise:
Squeaks or rattles from the rear suspension are sometimes reported.
Door Seal Leaks:
Water leaks around door seals are a common complaint.
Climate Control Actuators:
Blend door actuators in the HVAC system can fail.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Group LLC (later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Facelift Year:
None during this generation
Discontinuation Year:
2012
Replacement Model:
Dodge Dart (though a sedan, it replaced the Caliber's market slot)
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Kbb Best Resale Value:
Not typically a recipient of major awards for resale value compared to segment leaders.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied, generally below average for some model years, particularly concerning CVT transmissions.
Epa Fuel Economy 1.8L FWD Cvt:
Approx. 24 MPG city / 30 MPG highway
Epa Fuel Economy 2.4L FWD Cvt:
Approx. 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway
Epa Fuel Economy 2.0L Crd FWD Manual:
Approx. 28 MPG city / 34 MPG highway
