Having test driven both models (and not just around the block), I believe the reviewer's conclusions are right on the spot!

 

I sent this article to another engineer where I work who has recently completed a 'beyond stage 3" upgrade to a Neon SRT-4. Quite an impressive little car. I asked for the the dyno sheet, and she happily produced it.

Get ready, 395 WHP

Funny, she was worried at first, and then realized it was a Caliber.

 

Exactly. I thought the Dodge was uglier but that is my opinion. However the cheap feel is a fact and the interior is not comfortable at all. It may have a few more ponies under the hood but hopefully that will soon change when the 2.0T upgrade kits come available. I love my HHR SS. Its a good all around vehicle. Roomy enough for the average family and cargo, gets great MPG, and is not at all sluggish when you need power.

 

IMO, overall, i kinda like the dodge. before anyone jumps on me,let me explain. i'll start with the obvious, horsepower,price,and how far you can go. now,when i got mt ss,i paid 27k for my manual out the door. no sunroof,but 0 down and 0% financing. across the street,they had a black srt caliber for 21k. mopar will not be afraid to upgrade this car power wise. plus all the aftermarket guys will produce stuff quickly. look how successful the after market was for the neon.

when it comes to looks,imo the caliber have a "mean aggressive" look. the interior can be better,but the seats in the caliber owns the hhr seats. not only that,but the leather is standard equipment.

it really comes down to what you buy the car(s) for. i wanted somthing other than a subui or a mitsu. i wanted to be "sneaky" and hhr ss does the trick. i got the car to race and to mod,not to tote the family and get groceries. if i could do it again,i would get the caliber...if for the same type of deal or where my payment is now.

 

I looked at the Dodge as well. I am not a small guy but the Dodge seemed way to small. The leather seats were actually an option that I didn't want (full leather) so there was another strike on the Dodge. Not to mention I was coming from years of premium German engineering, quality, and style. The Dodge made me feel like I was sitting in a plastic box, and while the SS has the plastic in it as well, I didn't feel it really at all. Onstar was a big plus as well. I was also in need or cargo room and the SRT didn't really hit on that.