I had seen the Dodge Caliber show car before, but had not heard it referred to as a Neon replacement until a tv-show last night covering the Geneva Auto Show mentioned it. And, they stated this like it was more or less factual.

It would make sense as the vehicle continues the new Dodge "front-end" theme. But, they indicated that a 5-door hatchback would be the only offering on our shores or abroad which surprised me. I definately question this strategy in the US market.

 

That's worse than Chevys replacement for Cavalier (Cobalt)

 

i like the Cobalt more than the Cavalier the z24 cant compare to the ss

 

That's like saying "I like cholera better than the bubonic plague".

 

Well man, if you had to choose...

 

I've read numerous mentions in auto publications lately indicating this is indeed the neon replacement. That ram-esque styling just does not work for me. Still wary of Chrysler/Dodge in the quality department also.

 

the car connection, when they had a spy shot of this thing a couple months ago:

Spy Shots: 2006 Dodge Neon

Except it’s no Neon – and no Mitsubishi, either.

Carrying styling cues over from the 2003 Dodge Avenger Concept, and built on the upcoming Mitsubishi GS (Lancer) platform, the Neon replacement is expected to arrive in late 2005, just in time for the 2006 model year.

Codenamed PM49, this five-door hatchback will share its platform with several other vehicles in the DCX family. Two car-based SUVs based off this platform are expected to make it to production, one from Dodge and one from Jeep. Both will likely be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive will be offered as an option on all three of these vehicles. The next-generation PT Cruiser will also be riding on this platform, as well as the next Mitsubishi Outlander (which is expected to offer a V-6 option).


Rest of the article:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?...78&article=7828

 

:notnice:

 

I agree with the idea of only a 5-door hatchback being offered to NorthAmerica as questionable.

I personally think the market is big enough here and there is enough interest for small compact coupes, sedans and hatchbacks, not just a 5-door.

Just a thought, the Caliber concepts is a little too close to PT Cruiser in overall shape and proportion.

 

I dont see how some mini-suv thing can be considered a replacement for a compact car... not to mention its ugly.

 

What did they do to the Avenger :cry:

 

Whatever Neon replacement is, its gonna stink just as bad as Neon did. Maybe even worse. I guess this is another Dodge car that will last only 2 generations.

 

Neons aren't that bad. The srt-4 was definatly bang for your buck performance.

 

yup Dodge still stinks with this design :notnice:

 

That's like saying "I like cholera better than the bubonic plague".
[/b][/quote]

 

Agreed, I think Dodge is going WAY to overboard w/ this whole "Ram-esque" front end.

My $.02, I never was a big fan of the Durango, but I can't stand the sight of the late model's. The front end is too big for the rest of the car while the back of needs to be bigger. Now the poor Avenger looks like horse poo. It USED to be an O.K. coupe but now :notnice: Is Dodge making an attempt to compete w/ the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe? It's what it looks like .

 

Well that's SRT8 with turbo. Not regular Neon.

 

Well that's SRT8 with turbo. Not regular Neon.
[/b][/quote]

Even the regular neons aren't that bad. The first generation had its problems but from what I've read it was mostly due to their waaaaaaaaay to powerful air conditioner leeching hp off the motor. I can atest to that one for sure. I air conditioner in my girlfriends old neon was cold enough to freeze my hands to painful degrees.

SRT8 with turbo?

 

I'm sure he meant SRT4.

 

Yeah, I meant SRT-4. Sorry.