Caliber hit the bulls-eye when it collected the U.S. government’s highest front crash test rating for driver and front passenger. That recognition is directly attributed to the vehicle’s body structure, which uses a significant amount of high strength steel, ultra-high strength steel and hot-stamped steel. Complimenting that tough body are more than 25 safety and security features, including standard side curtain airbags and standard driver’s side knee airbag. Caliber, which debuted as an all-new vehicle in the 2007 model year, doesn’t make any radical changes in the 2008 model year. The new for 2008 list includes more chrome (including interior door handles and the gauge accent rings), more standard fare on the R/T version (including heated front seats and Sirius satellite radio), as well as engine and transmission calibration changes that reduce powertrain noise. The five-door vehicle is now offered in a front wheel drive configuration in all three versions: SE, SXT and R/T. (All-wheel-drive is available on the R/T Caliber.) Standard engine for Caliber SE and SXT is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 125 pounds-feet torque at 5200 rpm. The optional engine for Caliber SE and SXT is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that provides 158 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 141 pounds-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. Caliber R/T is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that pumps out 172 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 165 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. This road-romping entry-level vehicle is a great package in terms of performance, ride/handling, and standard amenities – which even on the base SE version include outdoor temperature display, 60/40 split fold rear seats, illuminated front cup holders, 12-volt power outlet, and rear wiper and defroster. Caliber R/T with a second-generation continuously variable transaxle tallies estimated per gallon mileage of 21 city/25 highway. MSRP of Caliber R/T is 18,395.