New Dodge SUV

New Dodge SUV

If ever there was a car to define the downfall of Chrysler as a purely American automaker then the Dodge Caliber would be it. In concept, you could see how it would make sense. Take the chunky stance of an SUV and mix it with the fuel efficiency of a Euro-styled hatchback.

But what was released upon the American buying public was nothing less than a shoddily built and hideously styled monster that scared passing schoolchildren. There has not been an uglier or more poorly designed car since the AMC Gremlin. I would say the Pacer but at least that car had the clever passenger door that was bigger than the driver's to aid entry and exit into the back seat.

This isn't even taking into account how the Caliber drives. There are tractors that are quieter and handle with more aplomb. This vehicle is an embarrassment to every American and the fact that it is still for sale means the new Car Czar hasn't enacted any sort of new standards and practices for what constitutes a vehicle being fit for sale on U.S. roads.

If I was offered one (again) as a rental I would turn it down on reasons of retinal safety because merely gazing upon it makes me want to gouge my eyes out with melon ballers. The interior is a horror chamber of rattles and plastic edges so sharp you are sure that if you touch them you will lose a fingertip. Who is the person who sat at the end of production and gave the thumbs up to the quality of each and every Caliber as it drove past? This person should be shot for being a traitor.

This is the kind of American made hatchback that gives American economy cars a bad name. It does, however, make the Chevy Cobalt and Ford Focus look like the winners that they aren't. Fiat needs to get this rolling eyesore off of Chrysler dealer lots as soon as it can. I don't care if they are forced to ship Chrysler dealers 14 year old used Fiat Puntos to sell. As they said in Revolutionary era France, "off with its head!"

(Note: This article is meant as opinion only and is not meant to be in any way derogatory to anyone who has purchased or plans to purchase a Dodge Caliber. Although I would never recommend buying such a subpar automobile, this article is meant solely as a criticism of Chrysler Corporation under the leadership of the Cerebrus Group.)