One fairly significant and one minor change define the 2009 Dodge Caliber hatchback. Gone are the R/T AWD, the SE Plus, and the SXT Sport trims. Newly available for 2009, at least in the pricier trims, is the Uconnect hands-free communications system. The Caliber, which replaced the Dodge Neon in '07, is still offered in four trim levels for '09: base SE, midrange SXT, higher-range R/T, and the high-performance SRT-4. Its 5-speed manual transmission, standard on all trims except the SRT-4, is a saving grace vis-a-vis fuel economy.

Caliber’s base SE trim, which is basic indeed, features a less-than-powerful but reasonably fuel efficient 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve inline four that puts out 148 hp with the 5-speed manual. The standard single-CD, 4-speaker stereo, outside temperature sensor, and rear spoiler do little to offset the SE’s 15-inch wheels - deemed noisy in corners - and a lack of ABS. An EPA estimated 24/29 mpg city/highway might make up some for the SE’s lack of pizazz. Caliber’s ’09 SXT trim also comes standard with the 1.8-liter I4 and 5-peed stick shift, but offers a few more features, like 17-inch wheels, Satellite radio, air-conditioning with the popular Chill Zone glovebox drink cooler, power windows, and front disc ABS. A 2.0-liter, 158-hp I4 with a constant-velocity transaxle (CVT) that gets 23/27 mpg, is optional for both SE and SXT trims. Further options for the SE include front disc ABS and a 6-CD/MP3 system. For the SXT trim, options include the Musicgate Power Sound system, a sunroof, 4-wheel ABS with brake assist, and Dodge’s electronic stability program (ESP).

With the R/T and SRT-4 trim levels, the 2009 Caliber begins to approach true comfort and convenience. The R/T features a 172-hp, DOHC, 2.4-liter I4 and 5-speed manual (or optional CVT) that claims 23/29 mpg (the CVT is rated at 21/25). The R/T also comes with such standard offerings as 4-wheel ABS with brake assist, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a sport suspension, performance steering, heated cloth front seats, and Boston Acoustic speakers. Options for the R/T include a sunroof, leather, ESP, Uconnect, and the MyGig infotainment system. The ’09 SRT-4 is equipped with a turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter I4. Coupled with the solely offered Getrag 6-speed stick shift, the 286-hp turbo has earned raves from owners of ’08 SRT-4s. The turbo is rated 19/27 mpg. The SRT-4 also features 4-wheel ABS with brake assist, 19-inch aluminum wheels, performance steering, and a high-performance suspension. Options include ESP, MyGig, and a 13-speaker Kicker sound system powered by a 322-watt amp and 200-watt subwoofer.

With 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space, its much-vaunted roominess, and Dodge’s always-cutting-edge exterior styling, ’08 Caliber owners praised its looks and functionality. Owners were less enthusiastic, however, about the lower-than-advertised fuel economy from all Caliber trims and the poor acceleration of the 1.8-liter I4. Caliber’s standard safety features range from merely front and side curtain and supplemental airbags in the ’09 base SE to front-wheel disc ABS in the SXT to 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist in the R/T and SRT-4. The Dodge Caliber won NHTSA 5-star crash test ratings again for ’09.