When the Dodge Caliber was introduced into the market, it showed great potential as a five-seater hatchback. The car has seen many upgrades to its interior and exterior throughout its production period, making it a more comfortable and stable ride. It has a high-reliability rating and offers great utility for its owners. If you are looking to buy a car, here are seven reasons why the Dodge Caliber might be a worthy investment.

Lower annual maintenance costs
According to estimates, the Dodge Caliber has an average annual maintenance cost of $501 compared to $652 on average for other cars, making it cheap and easy to maintain. These estimates also suggest that the vehicle tends to have fewer breakdowns than other models. We would not be surprised if it went without significant maintenance and repairs for extended periods. Factors that impact the maintenance cost include the region, the conditions in which the vehicle is driven, the preventative maintenance it receives, and the exact specs of the car (such as trim, transmission, and configuration).

Aesthetic value
The Dodge Caliber was the company’s first foray into the family car market. It was built to have a shrunken-SUV look, making it a hatchback with swollen wheel arches, big allows, and bold headlamps. This appearance of an off-road crossover gave it a high ground clearance, making it a great companion on rocky roads.

Engine and performance
The Caliber has a four-cylinder engine and a standard five-speed manual transmission system, delivering up to 265 pound-feet of torque. One can choose between the 1.8-liter (which produces 148 horsepower), the 2.0-liter (158 horsepower), and a 2.4-liter (172 horsepower) engine. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available. With the manual transmission, the car can give up to 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

Comfort and accessibility
The Dodge Caliber offers plenty of legroom in the front and rear seats. Its climate and audio controls are easy to reach, making the car suitable for people of all ages. Interestingly, you get a standard cooling glove box, which is not seen in similar models offered by competitors. The Caliber also has remote keyless entry and power door locks and windows.

Infotainment
The car has a standard four-speaker audio system with a CD player, an auxiliary input, a UConnect hands-free calling system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Extra features that can be added to the Dodge Caliber include a Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a touchscreen display, navigation, and heated front seats.

Safety
Safety is an important aspect to consider when buying a car. And the best way to judge a vehicle’s safety is to analyze the ratings given to it by the safety rating agencies. The Caliber received a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its moderate overlap front and rear crash protection tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a four-star rating (out of a possible five) for frontal crashes and rollovers and a three-star rating overall. A few safety technologies that make the Caliber a safe hatchback are a four-wheel ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, and child safety locks.

If the above features interest you, consider bringing home a Dodge Caliber. Its unique styling, aggressive wheel arches, oversized grille, and big taillights make it appear like a crossover hatchback, commanding attention on the road. The vehicle impresses its customers with its easily accessible features and cargo space, making it a cheap yet effective investment. You can visit a nearby dealer to learn more about the car and how it fares when compared to other models.