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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  tire problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By 2puglvr - January 16 - 3:35 pm

  I love my 07 Caliber but the tires that came on the car are awful and seem to be very noisy. I have been rotating them every 5000 miles when i get the oil changed and they are getting worse. I took it back to the dealer after 3000 miles to have the front end looked at and all checked out fine. It didnt need an alignment and all lubricants were fine also. My friend got an S/T model after i bought mine and raved how wonderful my car was. She has also had the same problems.

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  Horrible rental!!! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By BunyLuvr - January 15 - 4:58 pm

  UGH! I rented this car on a trip recently and chose it because I love small hatchbacks I drive a 2008 VW Rabbit at home. My college-age son, who couldnt care less about cars, immediately noticed the poor quality interior compared to our Rabbit. "Is this an American car?" he asked - and I doubt he would not say that about a newer Ford. Driving this thing is not pleasurable after driving German cars, either. Its just adequately powered, and the steering is not responsive at all. The car gets points for exterior styling, and I assume its fairly reliable, but if youre looking for a small hatch, check out the Mazda3, new Golfs, Honda Fit, etc. before saddling yourself with this blah-burger

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  Transmission Unreliable - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By cheevo - January 14 - 10:53 am

  This car ran just fine for the first 2 years of ownership. then suddenly the automatic transaxle overheat light came on and the car was forced into "limp mode" which doesnt allow the car to go any faster than 10-15mph. ive read a lot of reviews saying people have to get the trans replaced at a cost of approx $4000. i personally dont have money for that. BAD CAR with HORRIBLY depreciated value. would NEVER buy again

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  nothing but problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By disappointed consume - January 12 - 6:34 pm

  I bought my Caliber in June last year. The first 60 days I had it, it was in the repair shop for 42 of those days with electrical problems. They had to replace the "Cluster" in the dash. The car had 8,000 miles on it!! Drove it till winter. No heat. Back to the dealer. Wire not hooked up. Now it has 18,000 miles on it. Bad bearings in the rear end. Just found out there was a recall in 2007 for that. Its possible the car could go out of control and cause a crash. Warranty is done, recall hopefully is good.

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  Blind Spots--Front & Rear - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Selena - January 10 - 11:50 pm

  The bulbous styling of the 2007 Caliber makes it impossible to see narrow objects that are shorter than the bumpers height. Furthermore, the bumper does not "bump" but crumples. Resulting in major damage to the cars integral components (engine, alignment). This is because Dodge uses as a shock absorber behind the exterior frame in order to achieve the high MPG.

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  6000 Miles No Problems - Like the Car - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Charles - January 10 - 10:44 pm

  I have the SE trim with automatic CVT and 2.0 motor. I like the car. Best feature is the high seats. Worst feature is the right side mirror. I had to buy a small round mirror to correct the blind spot. On the highway I hit 70-80+ mph and the car handles well. I like the way CVT as it does not shift, it provides constant acceleration. When it was new, it took about 50 miles to start driving well. It just seemed like the car needed a break in period. I did not purchase the lifetime warranty as the power train is covered for life time of the original owner. I did a great deal of research on the problems with the Caliber. It seems the 2007... continued...

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  Happy Caliber Owner! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By LMMT - January 8 - 10:29 am

  Have had my Caliber nearly 2 yrs and am very happy with the car. Previously drove a 01 Dakota which was totaled in an accident and replaced it with the Caliber. I have the SXT with the 2.0 and CVT and I average 28-32mpgs. Have taken several long trips and was comfortable riding and driving. Love the exterior styling and do not have any complaints on the interior. Many people from all age groups ask me about the car. Most love the color. Surf Blue Pearl. Seeing a lot more of them since I bought mine. Have had only one minor problem with it since I bought it. Had to replace the horn last winter. All in all I would buy this car again. I bought this one sight unseen.

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  WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bobbie_J - January 5 - 7:48 pm

  After I discovered I was pregnant + realized that a 2 dr vehicle was no longer an option, husband + I started looking for a nice looking, fuel efficient 4 dr, went lots of places, read lots of reviews that talked so highly of the caliber we were roped in + decided to buy. THAT WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE WE COULD HAVE EVER MADE !!!!! I do commute 90 mi. 4 dys/week + expected a little wear + tear boy was I ever wrong. Ive now had this car for 3.5yrs + have had to have new tires put on (x4), new tire rod ends (X2), brakes, struts, alignments up the wazoo, + now I have the very costly transmission problem that will cost 6k to fix. R U KIDDING ME, Dodge needs to scrap the CALIBER!!!!I miss my chev

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  Not for families - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Alyssa - January 5 - 12:45 pm

  Got this because of the hatch back, the outer appearance, & at the time the reviews for this car were high-praising. Now, though, this has been my biggest regret. The back seats have absolutely no room. It is difficult to install my sons car seat properly without having the front passenger eating the dashboard. Ive had to replace tires 8 times now, brakes 4 times, and windshield washer fluid "sprayers" twice. The high-beams turn on by themselves, the "drink cooler" doesnt cool anything, replacement parts are expensive, drives terrible in the winter, & the value diminishes so quickly that youre basically stuck in the sale. Dont buy it! Definitely not family-friendly.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bateman - January 3 - 6:50 pm

  I completely LOVE this car. I dont really have a bad thing to say about it. It has tons of room inside. My husband is a bigger build and he fits in our Caliber better than any other car. The seats in the front as well as the back are VERY comfortable. It has lots of great features and storage space inside. My 3 dogs love it as well.