When it comes to the small-car market, American automakers had to learn a lot from its European and Asian competitors before finally getting it right. It isn’t because they lack the technology but because they just don’t pay much attention to this niche. The big-car niche has been dominated by the US for years but the surge in oil prices meant that people are now looking for smaller yet fuel-efficient automobiles. For that reason, the Pontiac Vibe and the Dodge Caliber appear to be poised in making a decent stand against the competition after their release in 2008. Both cars utilize foreign-brand platforms such as the Toyota Corolla for the Pontiac Vibe and the Mitsubishi for the Dodge Caliber. However, for the prospective buyer wants a definite answer when it comes to choosing between the two. Here’s my analysis on both station wagon-inspired compacts.
Pontiac Vibe
Price: 17345 USD
The Pontiac Vibe’s 1.8 liter VVT-i 4-cylinder is only capable of generating 126 horsepower and unfortunately, its acceleration is a diminutive 9.5 seconds from 0-60 mph. But then again, this car isn’t meant to be a racecar, so better don’t expect a lot in this aspect. Without a doubt, the Pontiac Vibe is far from being able to scorch the road although its performance is further enhanced by its intelligent variable valve timing. The Pontiac Vibe’s exterior design features 5 doors in order to maximize the cabin space while the car can grab your attention with its 17-inch chrome wheels and a sunroof.
On a different note, the Pontic Vibe has a decent interior design that includes a plastic storage flooring while also allowing the rear seats to be folded. It’s obvious that Pontiac engineers want to maximize the space available in its interior and it shows as it offers around 54 cubic feet of extra space in it. With respect to the sound system, the Vibe flaunts a four-speaker audio plus a CD player to boot. Overall, the Pontiac Vibe is a decent ride that comes in an astonishingly low price. The car isn’t that fast but who cares if all the matters is for you to reach your destination? The car is fuel-efficient and you can add to that its capacity for more payload.
Dodge Caliber SXT
Price: 14000 USD
Just like its Pontiac counterpart, the Dodge Caliber has a moderately-sized 1.8 liter VVT cylinder engine. However, this car is a lot more powerful as it struts 148 horsepower while its fuel economy is pegged at around 30 mpg. The exterior of the Dodge Caliber features a massive front hood area and tall side body panels. The interior on the other hand is rather simple but everything that you’ll see inside has a purpose.
The exterior and interior of the car might be average for some people’s tastes but if you’re into loud music, the car’s sound system has all the goods that you might be looking for. First, the car has a DVD-based navigation system with a six-disc CD changer. Apart from that, it has the impressive 458-watt MusicGate Power Boston Acoustics Sound System. With respect to the car’s price, there’s really not much I can say because this car can’t be any more affordable than this. The great thing about this car is that it’s below the 20000 range but it still offers the standard airbags. Driving the Dodge Caliber SXT is about having enough room for your friends and some other stuff and overall, this car is compact and solid and definitely a bargain if you’re going to ask me.
So what’s the verdict? The Pontiac Vibe and the Dodge Caliber SXT are built in similar ways although the latter gets my vote because of it’s more powerful and it’s 3000 bucks cheaper than the latter.
