Cue the Dodge Caliber and Chevrolet HHR.
The idea behind the HHR was to take away the people who were buying the PT Cruiser with a similarly retro style vehicle. In fact, the HHR is Chevrolet’s modern interpretation of the ‘49 Suburban from their heritage. Clearly, it didn’t seem to end so well (subjectively of course). While laughed at today, the PT Cruiser was actually really impressive in its early stages. Much the same can even be said for the HHR, with similar perks (those being interior space, comfort and versatility) the HHR was also pretty good value for money. The HHR is laughed at and mocked today. Yet it wasn’t as completely hopeless as some might have you believe. The Caliber on the other hand… Well….
It was, unfortunately, unpowered. The 2.4 liter World Engine (which would later become the much updated TigerShark 2.4) was said to be the best engine in the range. It too had a pretty clever interior though, sporting flip-down speakers from the tailgate (a feature I gawked at as a kid) and a mini-fridge in the glove box (a feature I adored as a kid). When I say “mini-fridge” what I really mean is the air conditioning is redirecting some of the air into a little vent in the glove box, effectively chilling any drinks stored there. It was still a feature I found immensely cool though (pun absolutely intended). During the Caliber’s early years, DaimlerChrysler cost cutting took effect. The interior was made of insanely cheap plastics and simply didn’t feel as nice as it should. While the 2011 refresh greatly improved the interior the damage had already been done.
And before any of you say “Chrysler was the worst thing to happen to Daimler” I must tell you that it was, truthfully, the other way around. Don’t believe me because “Mercedes can do no wrong?” Well, think again. After finishing this article I urge you to read the three articles down below and learn the truth of the DaimlerChrysler merger.
https://www.allpar.com/history/interviews/chris-theodore/fall-and-rise.html
Skip to “Mercedes and the CTC” to learn the truth. This, of course, isn’t to say Chrysler didn’t have its fumbles. It’d be ridiculous for me to say so. However, to think Daimler didn’t do a thing to scratch Chrysler is completely ignorant. Always Look For The Truth. Mini-rant aside…..
The Dodge Caliber sold decently during its early years. Peaking in 2008 at 101,079 vehicles sold. Unfortunately, that’s the highest number achieved by the Caliber. This car was probably one of the closer descendants of the current CUV onslaught. It’s small yet pretty practical, has a high ride height (in comparison to sedans) but isn’t a lifted FJ Cruiser and makes the case for a tall but small vehicle.
Comparatively, the first generation Neon peaked in sales in 1996 selling a good 139,931 vehicles.
“So why didn’t these cars stick around then?” Simple, they didn’t offer any real benefits over a Sedan. Yeah, they had a higher seating position. So what? If I wanted that I’d just get an SUV. They’re more practical than a normal car. Yeah? I’ll get a Wagon or a Hatchback if I’m looking for practicality. Don’t even talk to me about the looks department either (even though I like the way the Caliber looks and don’t have any real issues with the PT Cruiser). Headroom? My Sedan has good headroom thank you very much.
These were benefits sure, but they weren’t relevant enough at the time to make anyone really consider them over a comparable compact or midsize. Even then, the MPG numbers alone were enough to give people pause. While not bad, they just weren’t the numbers people were hoping for. Adding to this, Sedans and Hatchbacks could achieve similar and better numbers without really making the buyer sacrifice all that much. So when did that all change?