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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  Looks good, but loads of trouble - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Tony - August 11 - 1:03 pm

  This little car has been trouble from the start. We have taken this to the dealer every year for the past 3 years in order to get it to pass emissions. Then just this past weekend the Transmission went out. The warranty is 3 yrs and 36 thou miles. This will cost us $4500 since the CVT transmission cannot be rebuilt. It may look good on the outside and have several good features, but is a load of crap. here are just a few of the things weve done to it, starting about a year after we bought it. Brakes (once a year), Tie rods (once), Emissions sensors (every year), lights (once). I would not buy one of these cars or any Dodge product ever again.

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  Poor Ride - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Gill - August 6 - 8:53 pm

  I wish I would have bought something else. The gas mileage is terrible for this size car. I get about 24-28 mpg when the information I had said 33 mpg. I have only 36,500 miles on it and it has a terrible suspension noise and will need to go in shop next week. I have already told several people who asked me if I liked this car "DO NOT BUY THIS CAR”. The seating is comfortable for me but the interior is very awkward in its layout, everything is very tight. The car is OK for its exterior styling but the sheet metal is very thin. If you close the door with the window open it feels like the door is going to ripe off the hinges The CVT transmission makes odd sounds in slow traffic.

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  Dodge Caliber - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Chris - August 5 - 9:33 am

  Dodge Caliber is a good above basic car and has an affordable price tag. Its performance is based on the maintenance of the CVT, you need to have it cleaned every 15,000 miles, then the car snaps when you accelerate. It could use a turbo version with the 4 cylinder, but the cost of the vehicle can reflect the turbo enhancement (Volvo does this - I own an S40 1.9T and love it). The car handles well in the snow, minus the all- wheel or 4 wheel option, due to the 17" tires and wide wheel base. The warning sensor are a flaky, but its due to the cable harnesses and connections. The car could use a little better suspension for a better ride. We like the car, just tweak it a little.

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  Wondering - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Dana - July 23 - 10:19 am

  I have had my car for a year now and I am wondering why it fishtails when the car hits a dip or uneven payment? Is anyone else having this problem and how did you fix it. I have read the other reviews and it sounds like a lot of tire rods and arms have had to replaced. I think I need to have mine checked. I also have had to change tires since buying my car. I keep the scheduled maintenance. After reading reviews am worried about trade-in offers. I think I want to trade mine in. It scares me being so fishy. It makes me wonder what else is going on under the car with suspension.

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  The worst car ever! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By lisalee - July 14 - 9:54 am

  This is the worst car ever! At 5,000 miles the caliper froze up, Chrysler wanted the dealer to turn my rotor instead of putting a new one on needless to say that didnt happen, at 24,000 the transmission had to be replaced, at 27,000 the power steering rack and pump had to be replaced, at 30,000 miles the lower control arms, linkage to the sway bars had to be replaced. This is the most unreliable car ever! Chrysler says its my problem not theirs!

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  Great Little Car! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Doug - July 11 - 6:21 pm

  I tested several similar cars and liked all of them but decided on the 08 Caliber. I have to say that I love this car and dont regret for a second the decision to buy it. I got the SXT with 2.0 and CVT and average 29-31 mpg consistently mostly driving to work and back. The CVT shifts smoothly and effortlessly and overall has a lot of pep, steering system is tight and responsive, ride is smooth and comfortable. I have owned nothing but GM and Honda vehicles for the past 20 years but went out on a limb and went with Dodge this time. I must admit that Im quite impressed with this little car. Great job, Dodge!

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  1st new car - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By javaman - July 10 - 3:35 pm

  Cash for Clunkers was a huge help. I got rid of my 90 Ford Aerostar, just in time. The first week I had it I loaded it up and drove my oldest to college, after a year of ownership I have dealt with a couple huge snow storms, at one point I had driven into snow so deep that from the windshield forward was under snow, I dug out the front wheels and backed right out. The daily driving is fun I travel back roads to work that have hills and turns and this little 5-speed with a 1.8l engine sticks to the road and is quite fun. I love the features, and it is a great car.

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  Do not buy! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Shanno - July 7 - 5:01 pm

  Well where do I begin with this thing. Lets see 3 day of having the dealership had to have it towed. I pulled out of my garage and her a bang and extremely loud clicking. Ends up the piston rod went through the engine. The tires had to be replaced 4 months later. At 6 months later needed new brake pads. A year later brought it in to be inspected and needed 2 grand of work. Still brake problems and had 4 different garages look at it and nobody can figure out whats wrong with them. Very noisy the Body is cheap but sporty and nice looking. Not as good on gas as they say. Terrible trade in value if you can trade it in. After 2 years I cannot find a dealer to take as trade.

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  Do not buy this car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Nikki - July 6 - 3:34 pm

  Six months after I bought this car the transmission has all but stopped working. I then find out that Chrysler has problems with these transmission.but certainly dont stand by their failure to provide a quality product. Then I find out Chrysler hasnt even released the tools to rebuild the transmission. I will have to get another one. This car is also horrible for comfort. My back hurts all the time while driving. This would only be good for a to and from work car...if you want to replace the transmission.

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  Way Cooler Than a Minivan! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Sandi - June 30 - 10:09 pm

  Ive owned my Caliber for a year now and my husband and I have been very pleased with it. After driving a Chevy Venture for 10 years, I was really excited to have something sportier and I have not been disappointed. This car is fun to drive and and it looks great. I still get a lot of compliments on it. The controls are easy to use, it handles well and has been completely reliable.