Dodge Caliber Vs. Pontiac G5 Coupe

[Lowriderz]

Which one would you pick and why?

I basically have to chose one of these two cars and it's tearing me up.

[Samir]

I wouldn't buy either of these two cars, honestly. If I had to choose, I'd probably pick the G5 as it handles a bit better and the seats are more comfortable.

Calibre is nice for the AWD availability, chill zone glove box and aux input jack, but it handles like a fricken pig and its uncomfortable inside.

[ashhabib]

The GM Stereo options on the Cobalt/G5 and up all include an AUX in jack. I'd get the G5 between the two, but get the GT version, you'll be a lot happier

[scouzer]

I have an '06 Pontiac Pursuit GT. Drive both cars, you will pick the G5.

I'm mostly happy with my Pursuit...27k on it now and no major issues. It's had a persistent brake squealing problem in cold weather (-15 and below) that the dealer can't seem to fix, but it's been 100% warranty covered.

The GM Oil Life Monitor saves your maintenance costs dramatically--oil changes are approximately 10k apart.

[cereal83]

I would choose the Pontiac. The caliber is just a really bad car imo.

Go with the G5 GT and you will be happy :)

[Lowriderz]

Just a couple of replies to the posts:

1) Due to my "unique" circumstances, I'm essentially handcuffed and must chose between these two models (however I can pick any trim-level/options within the models).

2) The Caliber also has AUX jacks.

3) A few of you are recommending the GT model for the Pontiac. I was actually looking at the SE model for the G5. So why do you guys think the GT version is worth the extra coin?

Thanks for the input guys. Keep it coming please! :)

[Atomic Chip]

Due to my "unique" circumstances, I'm essentially handcuffed and must chose between these two models

Sorry to hear that. On the plus side, presumably your employer is picking up the tab?

[scouzer]

Just a couple of replies to the posts:

1) Due to my "unique" circumstances, I'm essentially handcuffed and must chose between these two models (however I can pick any trim-level/options within the models).

2) The Caliber also has AUX jacks.

3) A few of you are recommending the GT model for the Pontiac. I was actually looking at the SE model for the G5. So why do you guys think the GT version is worth the extra coin?

Thanks for the input guys. Keep it coming please! :)

The larger engine in the GT RECOMMENDS premium but has no ill consequence using regular. I only use regular. In addition, the 2.4L in the GT actually gets better fuel economy than the 2.2L in lower models. On my road trip last night, 270km @ 110km/h I averaged 36.5mpg (thanks to my trip computer).

Make sure you play with the GM trip computer and toys built into the dash. You can change a lot of cool things you can't on other cars. For example, when you lock the doors do you want it to honk or not? Do you want the lights to come on when you unlock the doors or not? When you park the car do you want all doors to automatically unlock, just the drivers door, or none? Etc.

The GT comes with an awesome sound system, if that's an interest of yours.

The GT looks a LOT better. It has all of the same parts from the SS Supercharged, minus the engine of course. Braking distance is better than a Corvette Z06 or Porsche 911... 60-0 in 115 feet. The brakes are extremely powerful on this car. It handles well, and the big wheels are nice.

Both cars have cheap interiors, but the Pursuit's is much less cheap. Dodge interiors are a sea of crap plastic, they are bad.

[tkyoshi]

The larger engine in the GT RECOMMENDS premium but has no ill consequence using regular. I only use regular. In addition, the 2.4L in the GT actually gets better fuel economy than the 2.2L in lower models. On my road trip last night, 270km @ 110km/h I averaged 36.5mpg (thanks to my trip computer).

Make sure you play with the GM trip computer and toys built into the dash. You can change a lot of cool things you can't on other cars. For example, when you lock the doors do you want it to honk or not? Do you want the lights to come on when you unlock the doors or not? When you park the car do you want all doors to automatically unlock, just the drivers door, or none? Etc.

The GT comes with an awesome sound system, if that's an interest of yours.

The GT looks a LOT better. It has all of the same parts from the SS Supercharged, minus the engine of course. Braking distance is better than a Corvette Z06 or Porsche 911... 60-0 in 115 feet. The brakes are extremely powerful on this car. It handles well, and the big wheels are nice.

Both cars have cheap interiors, but the Pursuit's is much less cheap. Dodge interiors are a sea of crap plastic, they are bad.


Well a couple notes.

The caliber also has a similar computer to GM, it's called EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). It has all the same features, and even a couple more. For example GM doesn't have the Tire Pressure Display or Temp/Compass along with Radio Status, but the Dodge does. On the other hand GM has the Oil Life Monitor and Dodge doesn't.

For sound system the Caliber's Boston Accoustics Music Gate system is probably better than the GT's system.

Interior wise yes the Dodge isn't the best looking one but it has it's cool features.

[onecoolloser]

Pursuit. Better looking IMO. Plus, on the Caliber, I don't like the exhaust thing (the box thingy) underneath the rear bumper...it looks ugly.


http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos.yahoo.com/ag/dodge_caliber_rtfwd_2007_exterior_6_346x270.jpg

See what I mean?

[scouzer]

If I'm not mistaken, that's the fuel tank...

[ES_Revenge]

If I'm not mistaken, that's the fuel tank...

The fuel tank would never be that far rearward on a North American automobile (fuel tanks must be ahead of the rear axle line by both US and Canadian mandated standards, for normal passenger automobiles).

The larger engine in the GT RECOMMENDS premium but has no ill consequence using regular. I only use regular. In addition, the 2.4L in the GT actually gets better fuel economy than the 2.2L in lower models. On my road trip last night, 270km @ 110km/h I averaged 36.5mpg (thanks to my trip computer).The GT comes with an awesome sound system, if that's an interest of yours.
Well there is some ill consequence, if there's a little bit of knock, particularly at higher RPMs the car is definitely going to ****** the spark and you'll get poorer performance than you would with higher octane fuel. But, if you mean no engine/driveline damage then yeah, probably nothing there.

I would agree though, go with the larger engine :D

The GT looks a LOT better. It has all of the same parts from the SS Supercharged, minus the engine of course. Braking distance is better than a Corvette Z06 or Porsche 911... 60-0 in 115 feet. The brakes are extremely powerful on this car. It handles well, and the big wheels are nice.
It brakes that well? Really? That's pretty cool, if that's true anyway.

Yeah I really love the wheel design on the Pursuit GT (yes I will always call that car a Pursuit regardless of it's Americanisation, lol). They look like regular wheels from the side but when you see the spokes on an angle they look pretty cool IMO--the spokes are relatively thin (not in terms of width but in terms of thickness I mean).

Both cars have cheap interiors, but the Pursuit's is much less cheap. Dodge interiors are a sea of crap plastic, they are bad.
Can't really comment about the Caliber as I've only seen pictures really, but the Pursuit is quite bad interior-wise. I said from the moment GM released the Cobalt/Pursuit "yech! That looks like a Corolla interior!" LOL. Definitely a step down for GM interiors unfortunately :(

One thing I hated about the Pursuit (I don't know if this has been fixed in the G5 since it's in the US now too) is the fact that the Pursuit got it's own instrument panel, but the stereo and climate controls as well (I think) were straight out of the Cobalt--disgusting blue/green illumination in a Pontiac! :mad: What on Earth were they thinking??? It looks even worse with the instruments Pontiac Red and the other things in Chevy illumination? Sacrelige!

2) The Caliber also has AUX jacks.
AUX input jacks are plain ghetto if you ask me, particularly the front panel ones. But the last Cobalt I drove (rental) had one too, so I wouldn't be too worried if you really want one of those hideous things.

3) A few of you are recommending the GT model for the Pontiac. I was actually looking at the SE model for the G5. So why do you guys think the GT version is worth the extra coin?
Definitely get the GT. Well unless it's something ridiculously more expensive which I don't think it is... If you get the SE, even with option groups, you'll probably always be wishing you bought the GT, lol.

For sound system the Caliber's Boston Accoustics Music Gate system is probably better than the GT's system.
The Boston system in the Chysler LX cars wasn't that impressive to me, though granted I didn't listen to it all that much. The Kicker system in the SRT8 LX cars seemed a good bit better than the Boston option on the non-SRT cars. I don't know much about the Boston system in the Caliber but one thing that seems gimmicky/silly is that rear speaker fold down thing. I can't say that with certainty (as I've never heard it) but it does at least look like it would sound lame, lol.

Pioneer system in the Cobalt/Pursuit/G5 is not so special either, but it isn't bad either. I think either premium sound would be at least half decent. I was actually impressed with the nomal stereo in the Cobalt. And by impressed I don't mean it was good, LOL, I just mean it wasn't horrid.

As for which I would pick, I'd probably have to say the Pursuit, in GT trim barring a Caliber SRT4 (who knows when that will be available?).

[VivienM]

The fuel tank would never be that far rearward on a North American automobile (fuel tanks must be ahead of the rear axle line by both US and Canadian mandated standards, for normal passenger automobiles).

The Caliber is legally a light truck, so that might make a difference?

[ES_Revenge]

The Caliber is legally a light truck, so that might make a difference?

It is? Really? Didn't know that! Don't they get blue [lettering] plates in Ontario though? I'm pretty sure I recall seeing them with normal car plates on. (Light trucks should have black plates in ON. SUVs get to stay with the blue, but trucks otherwise get black IIRC. Unless that changed?)

As for the fuel tank, if it is a truck, I'm not sure if it makes a difference but I don't think I recall seeing any trucks with that rearwards a fuel tank either; and that thing on the Caliber definitely looks like an exhaust component/muffler anyway. Doesn't look like a fuel tank to me...

[scouzer]

My bad about the fuel tank.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0505_compact_sport_coupe_comparison/specs_price.html

There's the braking stat. 113ft, a little better than I remembered.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is 121ft 60-0

In regards to premium versus regular: Yes there is a noticeable but minor performance loss. OP does not sound terribly interested in performance (clear from even considering a Caliber) so that's fine. The engine runs the same with premium or regular otherwise. No noticeable changes in the harmonics even at high RPM.

[VivienM]

It is? Really? Didn't know that! Don't they get blue [lettering] plates in Ontario though? I'm pretty sure I recall seeing them with normal car plates on. (Light trucks should have black plates in ON. SUVs get to stay with the blue, but trucks otherwise get black IIRC. Unless that changed?)

I think only pickup trucks get the black plates. But legally, Dodge Magnums, PT Cruisers, Chevy HHRs, this thing, and a whole lot of other hatchback "cars" are legally light trucks. One easy way to identify them: the hatchback window is tinted, which is not permissible in things that are legally cars.

Great way to exploit a loophole in the (American, though we have the same thing here... but I suspect Canadians' preferences for econoboxes makes it insignificant) fuel economy regulations.

[JAC]

One easy way to identify them: the hatchback window is tinted, which is not permissible in things that are legally cars.

Beg pardon?

[VivienM]

Beg pardon?

If you have a vehicle that's legally a car with a hatchback or rear door, such as an old school domestic station wagon, then that rear window has to be clear (at least from the factory).

But if the vehicle is legally a truck (like a minivan, SUV, Dodge Magnum, etc), then you're allowed to sell it with a tinted rear window.

If you Google, you should find this interesting story about an American who actually got ticketed somewhere because the cop didn't know about this subtle little distinction...

[Atomic Chip]

The hatchback window is tinted, which is not permissible in things that are legally cars.

Really? What statute or regulation says so? :confused:

Great way to exploit a loophole in the (American, though we have the same thing here... but I suspect Canadians' preferences for econoboxes makes it insignificant) fuel economy regulations.

Yep, that's correct. See for example here (http://www.landandfreedom.org/news/111605.htm) and here (http://www.azcentral.com/class/marketplace/cars/0117wheels17subaru.html). >:(

[VivienM]

Really? What statute or regulation says so? :confused:

Hmmm... I'm having trouble finding it. Are you going to make me read through all of FMVSS/CMVSS, if it's even in THERE? ;)

Maybe it's an American state law thing. But how many vehicles that are legally cars do YOU see coming from the factory with a tinted rear window? Most SUVs and minivans do, though...

[Lowriderz]

The larger engine in the GT RECOMMENDS premium but has no ill consequence using regular. I only use regular. In addition, the 2.4L in the GT actually gets better fuel economy than the 2.2L in lower models. On my road trip last night, 270km @ 110km/h I averaged 36.5mpg (thanks to my trip computer).

Make sure you play with the GM trip computer and toys built into the dash. You can change a lot of cool things you can't on other cars. For example, when you lock the doors do you want it to honk or not? Do you want the lights to come on when you unlock the doors or not? When you park the car do you want all doors to automatically unlock, just the drivers door, or none? Etc.

The GT comes with an awesome sound system, if that's an interest of yours.

The GT looks a LOT better. It has all of the same parts from the SS Supercharged, minus the engine of course. Braking distance is better than a Corvette Z06 or Porsche 911... 60-0 in 115 feet. The brakes are extremely powerful on this car. It handles well, and the big wheels are nice.

Both cars have cheap interiors, but the Pursuit's is much less cheap. Dodge interiors are a sea of crap plastic, they are bad.

Thanks for the reply.

A couple things:

1) Judging solely by internet photos, the G5 seems to have a much nicer interior. I'm kinda concerned that your knocking it. Maybe the photos are deceiving?

2) How does the G5 ride? Is it fast/fun/handles well? How does it hold up in the winter time driving wise? Do you feel safe drinving it in the winter? According to all the reviews, the Caliber is a slow SOB but in the Winter time it handles like champion with availible AWD and ESP (electronic stability). The caliber is also a safer car according to the IIHS.

3) Can't believe you're getting that good fuel econ. That blows the Caliber away which is suposed to have better fuel econ.

3) The G5 does seem like the better buy. Espicially considering in my area you get 0% for 60 months compared to 7.99% for the Caliber.

[scouzer]

Thanks for the reply.

A couple things:

1) Judging solely by internet photos, the G5 seems to have a much nicer interior. I'm kinda concerned that your knocking it. Maybe the photos are deceiving?

2) How does the G5 ride? Is it fast/fun/handles well? How does it hold up in the winter time driving wise? Do you feel safe drinving it in the winter? According to all the reviews, the Caliber is a slow SOB but in the Winter time it handles like champion with availible AWD and ESP (electronic stability). The caliber is also a safer car according to the IIHS.

3) Can't believe you're getting that good fuel econ. That blows the Caliber away which is suposed to have better fuel econ.

3) The G5 does seem like the better buy. Espicially considering in my area you get 0% for 60 months compared to 7.99% for the Caliber.

I average 33mpg on the highway and 22 if purely city (keep in mind I drive relatively hard).

36.5mpg is doable when I drive it nicely. You can get insane mileage at around 80-90km/h, that's what this car is better geared for than 110km/h.

The interior in G5's are above average for DOMESTIC low end vehicles. However, it IS pretty cheap. Arm wrests are not padded, seats are only acceptable, and surfaces are generally pretty hard and cheap. However, the Caliber is worse.

Winter driving... it is fine as long as you get winter tires. These are NOT an option. The OEM tires are fine (Pirellis) but can not handle snow PERIOD. They are labelled all season, but you can NOT USE THEM AS SUCH.

The handling is awesome. It does the skidpad at 0.88g which is extremely good for an econobox. The steering is the weakest link here... it's just OK. I can't imagine the Caliber even TOUCHES it though.

I'd never pick the Caliber, personally, as if that wasn't made clear. Both of these cars are flawed, far from the best in the econobox class. However, the G5 defeats the Caliber hands down.

In hindsight, if I picked again, I would have gotten a Mazda 3 probably. However, the MZ3 is a different class entirely, payments would have been $120/mo more than my G5. I pay $435/mo for 48 months after $2000 down. 0% interest, and my car has the sunroof.

[Talamasca]

Is the Cobalt an option or do you have to stay on the Pontiac side of GM? Personally, I like the quad taillamps on the Cobalt coupe better than the G5. Plus, the Cobalt is the original while the G5 is the copy because Pontiac dealers demanded an equivalent.

[scouzer]

Is the Cobalt an option or do you have to stay on the Pontiac side of GM? Personally, I like the quad taillamps on the Cobalt coupe better than the G5. Plus, the Cobalt is the original while the G5 is the copy because Pontiac dealers demanded an equivalent.

It's more like there's always been a Pontiac equivalent for 25 years...

Stupid reasoning, the tail lamps are personal taste though. I despise the Cobalt tail lights and love the Pursuits.

[JAC]

If you have a vehicle that's legally a car with a hatchback or rear door, such as an old school domestic station wagon, then that rear window has to be clear (at least from the factory).

But if the vehicle is legally a truck (like a minivan, SUV, Dodge Magnum, etc), then you're allowed to sell it with a tinted rear window.

I have heard that it is illegal for a dealer to sell a pre-tinted car, but I can find no reference retricting owners from tinting it themselves, after purchase.

[scouzer]

http://www.supertint.com/auto_films/tinting_and_law.html

Then click province by province for applicable tint laws.

[ashhabib]

My dad has a 2007 Cobalt SS which is basically the sister to the G5 GT. It has a much better interior than the base models, and the brakes are awesome. I have driven the different versions of the caliber and in handles like a paddleboat on concrete. My only nitpick about it was GM's crappy traction control which just cuts the throttle, and its not as fun to drive as my Focus

[Lowriderz]

Well I just booked a test drive for a 2007 G5 GT which has a sticker of 27K+ (basically fully loaded).

I'm really looking forward to it... Hopefully its a fun ride, unlike the cali SXT I drove a while back.

:)

[scouzer]

Well I just booked a test drive for a 2007 G5 GT which has a sticker of 27K+ (basically fully loaded).

I'm really looking forward to it... Hopefully its a fun ride, unlike the cali SXT I drove a while back.

:)

OH wow. Don't pay anywhere NEAR THAT!!!

I paid $22880 TOTAL TAX IN. This is in Alberta, so you can expect more than that for PST, but still, that's robbery.

Mine was a GT + Sunroof.