Overview & Reviews

A replacement for the original Dodge Neon, the Dodge Caliber certainly had promise when it was introduced, boasting an innovative, space-efficient hatchback body and unique features like flip-down tailgate speakers and a dedicated iPod holder. Unfortunately, those good ideas were spoiled by sloppy execution.

Compared to rival economy cars, the Dodge Caliber was down on quality, refinement and appeal. Even with an interior update halfway through its life, the Caliber was simply not competitive with other compact sedans and hatchbacks. If you're shopping for a used hatchback or wagon, models such as the Mazda 3, Scion xB or Volkswagen Golf would be much better choices overall.

Most Recent Dodge Caliber
Built on a global platform also used for the Jeep Compass SUV and midsize Dodge Avenger sedan, the tall-bodied Dodge Caliber was produced from 2007-'12. It came only as a compact hatchback/wagon.

The rear seats folded in a 60/40 split, increasing cargo space to a maximum of 48 cubic feet. The front passenger seat also folded forward to make room for longer items. The Caliber had decent headroom and legroom in the front and back, but it was still a small car built to a price, so it came without luxurious accommodations.

Initially, there were three regular trim levels available: base SE, SXT and R/T. In 2010 and '11, there were a wider variety of interestingly named trims available (Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat and Rush), but the available feature content was mostly the same. For 2012, the SE and SXT trim levels returned along with SXT Plus.

The base SE wasn't as bare-bones as you'd think, boasting air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, a USB audio jack and satellite radio. The SXT added bigger wheels, a power driver seat and a reclining rear seat, while the SXT Plus was a sport-tuned model with suspension, brakes and wheel upgrades. It should be noted that stability control was not offered on the SE (standard on other trims), and the antilock brakes feature rear drums on the SE and SXT. Discs were optional on the SXT and standard on the SXT Plus.

At the bottom of the Caliber's engine lineup was a 148-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which came standard on the base Caliber and the SXT. It was only available with a five-speed manual transmission, and was discontinued for 2010.

Those seeking more power and an automatic transmission should look for a Caliber with the 158-hp 2.0-liter four, which was equipped exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). There was also the R/T model (and later Rush) that was equipped with a 174-hp 2.4-liter inline-4, though Dodge discontinued it for 2012. All-wheel drive was available on the R/T model until 2009.

There was also a high-performance Caliber SRT4 produced for 2008 and '09. It boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 285 hp and 265 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed manual as the only available transmission. Aside from its big engine, it got 19-inch wheels, lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, a performance trip computer and sport seats. This may sound impressive, but it really wasn't. We found it underwhelming and overpriced compared to other affordable, high-horsepower hatchbacks, as well as burdened by excessive weight and an abundance of torque steer.

In road tests, our editors found the Dodge Caliber to be an adequate daily driver, though not much more than that. Its ride and handling just weren't as refined as its many competitors. None of the Caliber's available engines were ideal; all sounded coarse under load. We'd avoid the 1.8 given its mediocre power; the 2.0 will get you the same fuel economy. The best choice for power is the 2.4, though with either engine the optional CVT just exacerbated that coarse nature.

While any Caliber will offer respectable hatchback versatility, shoppers should note that models produced prior to 2010 had deplorable interior quality. These earlier models had hard interior surfaces, unappealingly textured plastic and questionable build quality. Compared to the accommodations in vehicles like the Mazda 3, the Caliber's furnishings were several steps behind. A notable Caliber change was for '09 when it received its available hard-drive-based music and navigation systems.

The Caliber's interior was greatly improved for 2011. The design was more appealing and materials were better, including soft-touch materials in areas frequently encountered by elbows. Still, the cabin quality was far from class-leading.

User Reviews:

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  Unsure - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By LaVerne - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Within the 1st month the tire pressure sensor had gone up. Within a few months later the tire stem on the other side of my car had snapped and once again had to get another tire pressure sensor.I went to the dealer about this and was told the tire stems break often and the company was unsure why. The car looks great on the outside but when dealing with the interior it is weak.Because it looks like a truck I was assuming it had power but it doesnt have much. My brakes squeaked at 40,000 miles and I had the brakes checked and was told this was normal. Air filter needs to be change a lot. One word this car is affordable but may need early repairs.

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  Caliber is a great small car! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By jken02 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have almost 30,000 miles on my Caliber and it has been an excellent car. Ive seen some of the other Caliber reviews, where the owners had immediate problems, all I can say is that my car has been outstanding with zero issues. Ive owned seven different Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep products over the past 20 years, and they have been fantastic cars. Nice cars, great prices, and the reliability has been outstanding.

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  Not too bad, good commuter car. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Kamila - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car over 4 years with no major issues. I currently have over 71K miles on it. Front rotors warped at 18K miles, replacement rotors have been good thus far. Fuse for sunroof went twice, thats pretty much it on the problems. Replaced tires at over 60K miles, front brakes at 70K miles. Rear brakes are still original. Acceleration is poor, ABS doesnt work AT ALL in the snow. You have to pump the brakes. Overall, its a good commuter car for me. I do mostly highway driving. Fuel economy is not as good as they say. I average 26-27 miles per gallon. Also more spacious then it looks. My mom and I both fit in the back seat along with a child seat. Trunk door is very heavy.

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  Looks ok, but drives bad - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By tylda - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I dont own the car, but Im renting a brand new vehicle from Enterprise with less then 1000 miles on it while my primary daily driver is in the body shop. Caliber has a poor finish. It looks alright, but the car is poorly assembled. Its noisy, the gearbox is lame, there is glue coming out of a shift lever. The rear hatch has to be slammed in order to close it and the passenger door is out of alignment.

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  Car broke with 300 miles already - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By norm - September 8 - 7:03 pm

  Bought new caliber on Sunday the first Thursday it broke down had it towed to dealer they told me it was battery they charged it and said it was fixed picked it up Friday drove car to store Monday dead again took back to dealer says they cant find anything wrong so come and get it. I dont know what to do?

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  3 Years of Misery, Ready for trade in - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jackie - September 7 - 6:10 pm

  Things wrong since 06/22/07 to 9/7/10. 1. Four sets of tires (awd is eating them) 2. Sunroof replaced (still having closing issues) 3. Rims replaced (clear coat peeled off, second set too) 4. Both front lower ball joints replaced. 5. Front speakers replaced. 6. Passenger side door doesnt unlock when cold 7. The emission light is on now, car bucks 8. My left headlight blew out. Replaced and it blew out again. The horn wont honk when you lock it anymore and the doors wont auto lock at 30 now either. I now have to take this car to the dealer and pay out my rear to fix this with my warranty now over. Fix it then get rid of it. I always kept up-to date tune ups too :( DONT BUY THIS CAR!

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  A Very Economical Choice - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By derik187 - September 6 - 9:08 pm

  I bought my caliber used in Nov 2009 with 32k miles. I am the second owner of the vehicle and have put over 20k on it. The caliber has the interior space of a small suv with compact car gas mileage. My 2.0 4cyl w/CVT regularly averages 31 mpg per tank. Outside of routine maintenance Ive not had to do a thing to the car. The car rides comfortably, handles great, and with decent tires it performs well in inclement weather. I chose the caliber for the fuel economy, interior/cargo space, unique styling, and price (mine was sub 10k). I test drove many vehicles in its class (cobalt, versa, matrix, fit) and the caliber won out in most categories for me.

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  This car is dangerous - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Pattison - September 6 - 5:49 pm

  Bought this car two months ago and have been kicking myself since. So far the sway bars,and tie rods have been replaced. The oil light and gas cap light both came on and dealer couldnt figure out problem. My wife was driving the car up a hill and the car died, causing the brakes and steering wheel to lock and the car to go go out of control and over a ledge into a dirt mound. Had it in the shop numerous times and the mechanics at the dealership dont know whats wrong with it. You can get a quieter ride in an army tank. Do not buy this vehicle. Im afraid for the safety of my infant and wife every time they get in this vehicle.

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  Cute, fun, but loud w/front end issues - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By janefrommaine - September 6 - 2:54 pm

  I like the comfort, look and gas mileage. I dont like the road noise, the front inner and outer tie rod ends have had to be replaced a number of times already at only 37000 miles. I would not advise buying this model. There are large blind spots.

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  Cute, fun, but loud w/front end issues - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By mainer580 - September 1 - 10:02 am

  I like the car but it is very loud, (road noise), it has developed a number of squeaks and the front end tie rod ends have needed replacing a couple of times already at only 37,000 miles. The car also has a lot of blind spots. I would never buy one again.