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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  1st and the LAST - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Used Not Improved - March 28 - 9:20 am

  Purchased the 07 Caliber SXT certified and can say it was a huge mistake. Poor ride quality, mileage is at best 23 on the hwy and high teens in the city. The CVT transmission is the real deal if your cruising or going down hill, but thats at best. Interior is very cheap, ride is similar to a 3/4 ton truck. Storage is not great, leg room is decent in the front but poor in the back, if you got a child seat in the back the front passengers knees will eat the dash. If you want quality get a GM, FORD, or Honda or something else. Dodge struck out big time on these!

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  2007 sxt 2.0 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Tim H - March 27 - 1:06 pm

  I have 43,000 miles and have had no problems as of this time. Tires are still good and wearing evenly. I rotate every other oil change and still have substantial tread. I just noticed I will need an oil pan gasket when I took for an oil change, pan is thankfully easy to access. I hear some people having trouble with the transmissions. I thought this was covered by the unlimited power train warranty. Is dodge not standing behind the warranty?

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  Great Car! - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By Great Car! - March 16 - 10:18 am

  I love this car! It has performed so well, and has been a joy to drive. I love the smoothness of the transition and the quietness of the cabin. It has been everything I wanted!

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  Front end problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bowtech71 - March 15 - 3:15 pm

  I bought the RT model in spring 2007. For the first 7 months, I could not have enough driving time with my car, it was great! lots of fun. But after 8 months, the 2 front shocks needed replacement. I couldnt believe it. Lucky, they where under warranty. I had them changed. Almost a year later, they needed changing again!! Then, afte the warranty ran out, the 2 front tables where finished, $300.00 each just for the parts! All this changed and know I think there is a rack and pinion problem, because it stills makes awful noises and one front shock is, for the 3rd time in need of replacement. I wish I could bring it back to the dealership and leave it there!! its everything but economic...

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  Love/Hate - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bought used hate it - March 2 - 1:25 pm

  Well I bought this car used.. I had one as a rental car and thought it was neat. The design and such. I use it to commute 90 + miles a day.. lets see it has been in the shop 30 days already waiting on a new transmission, which thankfully was covered by the warranty I paid for. Then needed new tires, it has less than 40,000 miles on it. Which I am glad because the new tires seem to make it a quieter ride. Now recently I am noticing shifting problems with my new transmission! UGH!!

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  RIP Caliber - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By roadtripper - February 26 - 11:39 pm

  Recently wrote off my Cali with 37000kms on it. Snowy road, skidded out, flipped over the snowbank, hit 3 trees and landed on the passenger side. Passenger and I got out without a scratch or bruise. Definitely SAFE! I loved this car, amazingly comfortable on long road trips which we took 3-4x/yr and my friends were always surprised that all the luggage fit. 4 snowboards and 4 people with their bags was easy. CVT is so fuel efficient, smooth, and easy to drive in traffic. Averaged 33 MPG (7.1L/100km) mixed hwy/city. Really a car that fits into your life. Only because we do a lot of winter driving, Im looking to replace it with a Subaru Impreza for the AWD, but I know Ill miss some features.

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  better off w/ a hoopty - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By carla - February 26 - 3:39 pm

  I love my vehicle but I have been having problems with it since 9850 miles. I took it to the dealership more than ten times and they tell me there is nothing that they can do. I also have problems with the acceleration, the signal light went out at about 12,000 miles, the brakes squeek, the head lights dim when I use the inside controls, and the fuel door light stayed on for a day. The tires were not at the correct inflation level once and I fixed the problem by putting more air, y is there not a system that tells me why my car wont start some times. The people at the dealership treat me bad wish that they would have treated me like this when I was going to purchase my car.

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  I dont let my wife drive it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By ZTONY - February 23 - 2:01 pm

  I bought this car mainly for the AWD, I live in Maine. I have had no problems except tires last about 25000 mi. Im on my third set with 62000 on car. Love the CVT w/AutoStick. Summer 30mpg, winter 23mpg Love the roar of the exhaust, handling, brakes, and of course, the 485 watt stereo. Im 52, drive 40mi. one way to work.I wish the seat fabric would clean easier.

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  Great car for the money - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By RW - February 21 - 9:25 pm

  Drove a couple when test riding, along with some other vehicles in the price range. Read some reviews about low power so I was a little concerned but not much. Car is fine. Drives great. If you like the look and the price go ahead and get it. Bought this car for the wife, in town driving with a 20 minute commute to work. Surprised she liked it. It was her call. Turned in a 2000 Honda Accord that we drove to its death.

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  How not to sell a car - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By yougottabekidding - February 9 - 8:30 pm

  Ownership experience was limited to 1 hour. Although ordered correctly, Dodge failed to manufacture the car correctly by leaving out 1 of 3 options....where was the quality control?? Took car for initial drive and it overheated in less than 5 miles. After listening to salesman and manager attempt ever increasing levels of BS, we took our deposit and left.