A decade ago, there weren't many compact sedans to choose from. Gone are the days when the Honda Civic reigned as king of the compacts and the Spice Girls topped the radio charts. Today there are far more flavors of compact vehicles than there ever were Spice Girls. Parts & People had the opportunity to test two: the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T and Nissan Sentra 2.0 S.
Dodge Caliber R/T
Aimed at 24- to 34-year-olds with active lifestyles, Chrysler officials say the Caliber is packed with features found in more expensive vehicles. They say the Caliber is the first compact vehicle to have all wheel drive, stability control, and side airbag curtains, quite an engineering feat considering the vehicle's MSRP is under $21,000.
The Caliber is sold internationally and has several powertrain variations. The tested U.S. version came equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 172 HP; a 1.8-liter version is also an option. In markets outside North America, it's equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine.
To keep the vehicle fuel efficient, Chrysler engineers used an advanced cylinder-head port and intake manifold. The engine design includes dual variable valve timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow-control valves. The tested 2.4-liter achieved 24 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
Overall, the Caliber performed well, but designers skimped on the interior that's clad mainly in plastic with loose tolerances, giving it an artificial, cheap feel.
A cool interior feature though, pun intended, is the Chill Zone--a compartment that chills beverages. All things considered, the Caliber is a sound buy for a compact car in the $20,000 price range.
Nissan Sentra 2.0 S
Unlike the first-generation Caliber, the Sentra has entered its sixth generation with quite a few new enhancements. It's built on Nissan's new "C" platform, giving the vehicle a 5.9-inch-longer wheelbase than the 2006 model. This version of the Sentra also includes an all new 2.0-liter power plant.
The 140-HP 4-cylinder engine is designed to combine responsive acceleration with good fuel economy -- it achieves 29 MPG on city streets and 36 MPG on the highway. The Sentra is available with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional Nissan Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This technology was first applied in the 2003 Murano. The tested version had the CVT transmission that is always smooth, especially when accelerating up hills.
The Sentra also offers responsive road handling. The rear suspension features a torsion beam with integral stabilizer bar, with the rear shock absorbers mounted below the trunk floor for improved trunk roominess. Sentra's ride comfort has been enhanced through use of special "ripple control" shock absorbers, an insulated front cradle-type subframe with pendulum engine mount system, roller-type front strut bearings, and large tuned rear beam isolators.
Unlike the Caliber's interior, the Sentra can be comfortably equipped on the interior. Options include leather-appointed seating, a Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, and premium Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system. Standard safety features found on the Sentra include front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seat protection.
The sticker price on the Sentra falls just shy of the Caliber, $19,615, well worth the price for this improved compact car.