Dodge Caliber vs Ford Focus
Overview | |
MSRP$17,225 | MSRP$13,925 |
Average price$9,040 | Average price$5,397 |
Listings4472 | Listings183 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.8 out of 10 |
Reviews SummaryFor as red-hot and competitive as the economy-car segment is, success in this corner of the market is based on some pretty mundane variables. It comes down to things like fuel economy, price, number and location of cupholders, ride quality, and other items. It basically has to be economical, reliable transportation for the everyday commute. There are other nuances, such as the ease of use of its controls, but success in this segment requires automotive pragmatism at its best. It's through this lens that we consider the 2016 Ford Focus. This 4-door, 5-passenger small car has been refreshed for this model year, building off the success of the third-generation car, which debuted in 2011. That was the first car under the “One Ford” plan, under which one car is sold on multiple continents in multiple markets with minimal changes. The result of the plan was a car that was much more refined than the two generations before it and positioned the Focus for the past several years as the best American Small Car. That accolade is as much about the Focus’ refinement as it is about the deficiencies of American-made competitors, including the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze. A second-generation Cruze has recently been unveiled, but it’s still too early for us to render a verdict on that car. It is import rivals, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra, that pose the greatest threat to the new-look Focus. | |
Reviews SummaryThe Caliber joined Dodge’s lineup last year as a practical successor to the Neon and started winning a few hearts with its reasonable price tag and comfortable interior. Optional all-wheel-drive makes the Caliber a viable crossover alternative for buyers living in places where the weather gets nasty, but the specs may not be enough. Useful hatchbacks are a rare breed on the market today, as many buyers are opting for SUVs from Jeep, Hyundai, and Honda, so the Caliber enjoys somewhat limited competition. The Toyota Matrix and Nissan Versa are closest to going toe-to-toe with the Caliber, but it’s the Toyota that dominates the segment. The Caliber is less refined and less efficient than the Matrix, but the price will be much better for many buyers’ budgets. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 160 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine1.8L 148 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower160 hp @ 6500 rpm | Horsepower148 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 160 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine Name1.8L 148 hp I4 |
Torque146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm | Torque125 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
Horsepower160 hp @ 6500 rpm | Horsepower148 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsOptional |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemOptional |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.2 cu ft | Cargo Space18.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight2960 lbs | Curb Weight2966 lbs |
Height57.8 in | Height60.4 in |
Length178.7 in | Length173.8 in |
Width80.5 in | Width68.8 in |
Wheelbase104.3 in | Wheelbase103.7 in |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Towing Capacity1000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity1000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $17,225 | $13,925 |
Average price | $9,040 | $5,397 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 5.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | For as red-hot and competitive as the economy-car segment is, success in this corner of the market is based on some pretty mundane variables. It comes down to things like fuel economy, price, number and location of cupholders, ride quality, and other items. It basically has to be economical, reliable transportation for the everyday commute. There are other nuances, such as the ease of use of its controls, but success in this segment requires automotive pragmatism at its best. It's through this lens that we consider the 2016 Ford Focus. This 4-door, 5-passenger small car has been refreshed for this model year, building off the success of the third-generation car, which debuted in 2011. That was the first car under the “One Ford” plan, under which one car is sold on multiple continents in multiple markets with minimal changes. The result of the plan was a car that was much more refined than the two generations before it and positioned the Focus for the past several years as the best American Small Car. That accolade is as much about the Focus’ refinement as it is about the deficiencies of American-made competitors, including the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze. A second-generation Cruze has recently been unveiled, but it’s still too early for us to render a verdict on that car. It is import rivals, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra, that pose the greatest threat to the new-look Focus. | The Caliber joined Dodge’s lineup last year as a practical successor to the Neon and started winning a few hearts with its reasonable price tag and comfortable interior. Optional all-wheel-drive makes the Caliber a viable crossover alternative for buyers living in places where the weather gets nasty, but the specs may not be enough. Useful hatchbacks are a rare breed on the market today, as many buyers are opting for SUVs from Jeep, Hyundai, and Honda, so the Caliber enjoys somewhat limited competition. The Toyota Matrix and Nissan Versa are closest to going toe-to-toe with the Caliber, but it’s the Toyota that dominates the segment. The Caliber is less refined and less efficient than the Matrix, but the price will be much better for many buyers’ budgets. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 160 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 1.8L 148 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 6500 rpm | 148 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 24 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 160 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 1.8L 148 hp I4 |
Torque | 146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm | 125 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 6500 rpm | 148 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 24 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Optional | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Optional | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.2 cu ft | 18.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2960 lbs | 2966 lbs |
Height | 57.8 in | 60.4 in |
Length | 178.7 in | 173.8 in |
Width | 80.5 in | 68.8 in |
Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 103.7 in |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1000 lbs | |
Standard Towing Capacity | 1000 lbs | |
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