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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  Simple - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Simple - February 5 - 7:08 pm

  I have bought this car in Nov of 09 in AZ and drove it up to WA avreging 39mpg at 75m/h. No issues at all. I have the 1.8l engine with 5 speed manual transmission. Beautiful metallic black paint job with black cloth interior and dash. I love the color combination! Good safety ratings and very roomy. Bucket seats could be a bit harder but other than that it is comfortable. Not bad car for the money. Payed $10K and it had 24K/mi on it.

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  Worst car ever made - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Jessica - February 4 - 2:03 pm

  We havent had it long but I really wish I would not have bought it. So far it stinks in gas mileage. Gets a total of 20-25 mpg. At first I thought the gas handle was broke and the company promised to fix it in 3 months. We call back and they say 3 more months. It cant move in snow, I got stuck in my drive way but me buick got out just fine. Its broken down with only 6252 miles on it. If you asked me "should I buy this car?" I would say NEVER EVER EVER buy this car.

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  Some things about this car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By not happy consumer - January 30 - 10:26 pm

  My Dodge Caliber is great! its a fun car to drive. My only complaint is about the heavy behind trunk door. The tires wear out fast I had to replace them and the power steering pump wore out and I have to get it replaced. I dont know if there is a recall for power steering pumps going out. I only had my car for 3 years!

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  dodge caliber 07 r/t 5 speed - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By angelina - January 28 - 5:19 am

  I have had my car for almost 2 years I have only had 1 problem which was 1 of my ball joints might have to go get the other 1 checked on just in case but other then that I love my car as well as interior and exterior it runs great I have took it on the road for more then 3 hr drives at a time at a time and I have had no problems with it other then the ball joint not with any of the problems people have put on there reports with this car I have only put about 19,000 miles on it as of now.

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  Mommy Mistakes - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Sarah23 - January 25 - 8:52 pm

  I bought this car thinking it would be fantastic for when I had a baby, boy was I WRONG. The infant car seat made the front seats sit so close to the dash I could barely drive, now with the upright her feet have to squish between seats. Ive had to replace the tires the defrost makes an awful smell the brakes have been replaced twice. I went to start my car,lights and radio came on but it just clicked. To no surprise, this happens to calibers and now I have to buy a new battery for a three year old vehicle. Its awful in the snow, I slid of the road with my newborn several times with brand new tires! DONT BUY THIS CAR!!!!! Biggest mistake Ive ever made! P.S. the "cooler" doesnt cool.

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  Never had any trouble - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Steven Graham - January 25 - 5:09 pm

  The Calibur SXT with 2.0 L engine has been a good buy. I have never had any trouble in 45,000 miles. Replaced front tires 5,000 miles ago with the rear still with plenty of tread. Love the sun roof. The cooler in the glove box is a joke. Just normal maintenance like oil and filter every 3,000 miles and one air filter. One poor quality is limited rear vision with blind spots. Otherwise I love it and would buy again. If you are looking for get up and go, look elsewhere.

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  Dodge all the way - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joe - January 25 - 9:14 am

  My 02 Mustang died the last month of my 5 year loan. I was never happy with Ford products and will never buy another Ford as long as I live. This is the third Dodge vehicle Ive owned and I could not be happier. I bought it used with 1700 miles. I now have over 72k and have not had one major problem. I noticed a lag in acceleration initially and read on some Dodge forums that the car needed a flash upgrade. Once that was done (Free from the dealer) the car handled much better. The original Firestones are very loud. I replaced them at 70k with Yokohamas and am amazed at the difference.

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  Great wheels for the price! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Best in Line! - January 19 - 1:17 pm

  I probably have one of the first Calibers built! It is a great machine for the price. Ride is comfortable, noise is low and fuel economy is great. Could it be better? Yes....But for what YOU paid for it is the BEST car in its class. I absolutely love its shape (what made me buy it!!) and coming down from a 2500 Chevy Suburban, the fact that I sit high while driving is great. A/C cools wee while the heater keeps you toasty in the winter. The only drawback I see is all the plastic inside the car!!!

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  Unhappy In Michigan - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Unhappy in Michigan - January 18 - 11:10 am

  I purchased this car in Jan 08 w/ 18000 Miles on it. It now has 52000 miles and even with regular maintenance Ive had to replace the front suspension, Multi Function Switch, and multiple tires. I only get 15 MPG(Highawy), constant problems with vehicle alignment and tire air pressure, and sometimes the vehicle gets stuck in gears. I didnt think of the plastic interior when I bought it but Ive grow to hate it it is so hard and uncomfortable. The vehicle looks amazing, if dodge does one thing right it exterior appearance. But the interior looks and feels cheap and utilitarian. Thank God Im not upside down on what I owe on the car, I am trading it in this week. HUGE BLINDSPOTS!!!

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  Take care of it and it will last forever - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Take Responsibility - January 17 - 5:44 pm

  I bought the car with 4 miles on it and have put over 42,000 miles on it. Im still on my first set of tires, and havent once had any need for service outside of preventative. I know that its a direct result of following ALL of the maintenance recommendations, which hasnt cost me much money or time. City mileage is a bit lower than rated, especially depending on what city youre in. In suburbs, I get 22 mpg, but in Santa Cruz, I got 17 (rated 23). However, I get better highway than rated. 29 vs. 26. Taking into account what the car is (3600 pounds, AWD, shaped like a brick), thats very impressive mileage. Its very capable in all terrains, snow, rain, dry, gravel, dirt, Ive traveled all