CALIBER CRUISE; Dodge's new budget wheels eat up the miles.(News)

Byline: MIKE FLOYD

The drive from Detroit to Indianapolis on I-94 and I-69 is without question one of the most mind-numbingly boring stretches of highway in the United States-it's like being forced to watch C-SPAN for five consecutive hours.

But sometimes boring can be good, because there's nothing else to do but think and think some more about what you're driving.

So our still-functioning brain cells were working overtime to process thoughts on Dodge's Caliber, which got us to Indy and back for the 90th running of the 500.

This SXT model is powered by the available 2.0-liter, 158-hp engine mated to Chrysler's optional, continuously variable transmission (which comes with front-disc, rear-drum ABS). With other options, including the premium sound group ($450), speed control ($250) and 17-inch aluminum wheels ($400), our tester priced out at $18,230-pushing the upper limits for low-price transportation.

For the majority of the drive, the CVT worked as intended, but if you're in the market we'd recommend testing the standard five-speed manual or moving up the ladder to a Caliber equipped with the 2.4-liter engine option and Chrysler's AutoStick.

With two good-size adults onboard and their gear packed in the 18.5-cubic-foot cargo area, the 3039-pound car often whined and complained in passing situations. When we put our foot in it from a stoplight, the CVT would allow the engine to rev to its 6400-rpm power peak, constantly adjusting gear ratios, valiantly attempting to find both max power and max efficiency as it strained to get Caliber to accelerate.