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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  Good Vehicle for the Price - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Jeepman1976 - May 9 - 4:00 pm

  I recently purchased a 2008 Dodge Caliber to help me with my new career. I went from working for a Dodge dealer to an outside salesman with a differant company. I bought the car because I new the data about the vehicle and so far am very impressed with it. I put about 3,000 miles a month on and have averaged between 29 to 34 mpg. I have owned Jeeps for most of my life but with this new job I needed fuel milage and the Caliber did not sit low to the ground like a car which was really appealing to me.

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  3 yrs old and hate it!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jr08 - May 7 - 3:09 pm

  Where do I start? Only 12,000 miles on it, first car I bought on my own so I was all excited to drive it around and show it off. Dec. 08, driver side tie rod was bad, still under warranty so got it replaced. A little after that I had to have the computer reprogrammed because it wasnt shifting and I had to do it manually. About 6 months after that I had to get new tires. Dec. 09, I was told my right side tie rod was going bad along with my ball joint on left side. March 10, I had to replace tie rod, ball joint and lower control arm on both side. I drive 30 miles one way to school and drive there 2-3 times a week.....getting uncomfortable with this car.

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  Great car! - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By Trent - April 27 - 7:29 am

  First off i have a 2008 limited Durango 15,000 miles and a 2010 ram Laramie 4,000 miles love em. I also had a 2007 caliber rt traded it in w/ 123,345 miles bought the 2010 caliber and the interior is way better the cvt is also more refined and the soft door panels are a big plus.

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  I love my Spunky! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By musicmamma - April 25 - 5:44 pm

  I turned in my Durango and decided I needed something smaller with better gas mileage. I always name my cars, so after I took it on a particular drive I found out that it was so "Spunky" for a 4 cylinder that I named him spunky. He drives great, gets great gas mileage and was a perfect buy for me. Within my first month I drove him to Williamsburg VA and back to PA, he took only a tank down and one back. I had 3 total passengers, all of us rather large in the middle and we enjoyed the ride and the cost.

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  Really nice car - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Ian - April 24 - 8:15 pm

  I have owned this car for several months and, overall, it is really a nice car. It is the SE base model with the 1.8 liter engine. I bought the manual shift as I am using it to tow behind my RV. I added cruise control, power windows and power door locks. I would not recommend anyone to install the above after market stuff as it has been kind of a hassle, but it all works well. I have no idea why any auto company would sell a car without cruise, power windows, door locks and mirrors, it just does not make sense. The car is slightly slow if you want to race another driver, but overall is powered with the manual just fine. There is a blind spot at the rear sides, use rear view mirrors.

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  Any Helpful Hints? - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By truckeegirl89 - April 23 - 5:18 pm

  I have had the Caliber for 2.5 years now and have 70,000 miles on it. I was told with this car that the tranny will go out around 100,000 miles if you do not get new tranny fluid every 30,000 miles (which costs $400), I have not yet had it done because of the cost and because I was told that it should be done every 60,000. Ive had problems with it for a while now with the tranny and accelerating but Dodge is saying that there is nothing wrong with it. Has anyone else had this type of a problem with theres? I feel that I am paying for a car that is a ticking time bomb!

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  Big mistake, look twice and buy foreign - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By HonestinNJ - April 22 - 11:53 pm

  Nothing but trouble from day one. Had 12 miles on it and it has has been back to the dealer 6 times now from electrical issues to lag time in acceleration,covered under warranty. A metal skid plate that grounded down and had to be replaced, covered and now at 72,000 miles both ball joints are pretty much shot, not covered!I am meticulous about this car with oil changes, checking tire pressure and accelerating and breaking as gently as i can to make this car last me 20 years, so having something like this break was just unbelievable. Unreal. Gasket leaked around tail light, not covered. Short in wire that blew out headlight, covered but not the headlight. Unacceptable! Do not buy one

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  Overall good buy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By christabelleigh - March 31 - 10:24 am

  It is not very comfortable on long drives > 6 hours. Replaced tires at 45,000 miles (but my alignment was off, which could account for some of the wear). Sounds weird, but if it is below freezing outside, my cruise control wont turn on. No problems otherwise, have been performing maintenance as recommended. Would buy again. Headlights are very bright, oncoming traffic always thinks that I have on high beams.

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  Front end hell - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mad as Hell - March 29 - 8:34 pm

  I have replace the front end struts 4 times already the last time in the last 4 months but the dealer keep telling me that there is nothing wrong and they must be putting part on wrong, I have talked other caliper owner some are having the same problems. The worst car I have every owned, wish I could give it back.

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  In Love with My Caliber - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By mrzalicia - March 29 - 11:53 am

  I would have to say im impressed with its room for me and my three kids. The gas mileage is great, especially in todays economy we need a car good on gas. It could be a little more stylish inside maybe a ipod connection like some cars are doing, there are some blind spots but over all I am a happy Dodge Caliber owner.