Looks like you young'uns may be wise to do what us old geezers did when faced with a similar OEM A/V problem: Order the car as a "Radio Delete" model, then put in the system that fits your life, your dash and your wallet.

So frigging typical. I think all designers should be forced to own the cars they think up. That is just inexcusable. And... again, typical.

The bigger issue is that they designed it so that you'd have a wire going from the armrest to the stereo. How dumb is that? If it doesn't occur to a designer to put a place for the ipod in the dash under or next to the stereo itself, and a place for wires other than straight across the path of the shifter, that designer should be kicked. In the picture, there's even a perfect place for an ipod dock already right under the stereo. Why couldn't they design something to put the ipod right there?

I believe that open space is for the GPS/NAV system or the "smokers option" ashtray...the cord actually isn't that big of a deal in my mind. The bigger issue is folks who pay the extra money for the 6-disc changer and don't get the aux line in. That's just silly.

...or just get the 6cd MP3 unit, burn 6 CDs with 100+ songs each and fughetaboutit.

The cord is a huge deal -- first of all, why have an iPod holder and no integrate a cord? Sloppy and pathetic. Second, I'll assume that 99% of the SRT4 models will have the high end stereos and a 6-speed. I own a manual car, an iPod, and a piece of crud radio adaptor that goes from the iPod to the cig-lighter right near the stick. Awful, and always in the way. Dodge = dumb.

I'm afraid Mr. Christmas tree lights may have one valid point. It seems to take longer and longer (with more and more solipsism) before you guys get to the point.

For that matter, Jonny, BMW = dumb. The iPod worked terrible in the 6-series. You think for that kind of scratch, you'd at least get a simple aux line in. But no - we had to attempt to rock to "Rendezvous With Anus" sounding like it may as well have been played through a transistor radio with a ridiculous subwoofer.

Downshift, first we have to admit we have a problem...

Yes -- the fact that the iPod didn't work at all in the $140,000 car, yet worked rather well in my $25,000 car was, well... just horrid. So, BMW = less than dumb. Especially considering that they sell themselves on the fact that they have iPod integration. Also, am I Mr. Christmas Tree Lights?

I think he was just referring to the dude in the email from the organization. It's okay. I've dubbed myself Sir Self Promotion. And why the Sir title, you might ask? Better for Self Promotion. And this might be just a subversive slap in the face to the iPod mafia from Dodge. If so, they've gained my respect. But as this obviusly isn't the case, the Caliber is ugly.

Still and all, a bigger question is why the engine in the Caliber SRT drives the front wheels.

Not to mention the fact that, if the picture is accurate, its simply an 1/8th" audio jack. Which means ... No charging the ipod No Stereo or steering wheel controls No display information on stereo Or maybe they were going for compatibility with your 80's walkman.