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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  Great Little Car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Courtjar - January 3 - 12:54 am

  I have had this car for about a month. We downsized from a Chevy Tahoe and I thought I would not feel as safe, but this little car has a big feel inside. Love the gas mileage compared to the Tahoe. My kids love it - they can see so much more now. As with any car, there can be a bad one in the bunch that needs a lot of work, but dont let those discourage you from checking out this car!

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  Big Small Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By stonebear - December 29 - 9:50 pm

  A remarkably adaptable little car. Seems far more spacious inside than it appears from outside. Really, what most SUV drivers actually need. Handles great on the many dirt roads in the Southwest. Perhaps a little underpowered with the 2.0 liter 4cyl and the automatic trans, but dont opt for the 5 sp and the 1.8 liter (a bad match and very sluggish). Smartly designed interior. The story, my wife was rear-ended in a Caliber she had as a rental car. The Lincoln Town Car that hit her left the inpression of the front license plate frame in the rear bumper and that was roughly the extent of the damage done to the Caliber. Needless to say, we were sold.

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  used purchase - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By calibergirlz - December 27 - 10:10 am

  I recently bought my caliber earlier this month.I love the gas the mileage,the 4 doors because im used to having 2 and the speakers. The music sounds very clear when turned up high. On the down side i hate the plastic interior,i dont like how far the back floor is from the seat. Also the drive is not smooth i can feel every bump on the road and i wish it had more pick up and go.

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  The Last In Line - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By JohnD - December 20 - 6:46 am

  My black 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 has been nothing but outstanding. As of 12.20.09, it has ~2900 miles on the odometer & sits in my garage off the road in the winter. This is the last of the old Chrysler designed/engineered cars from the 80s prior to the Fiat buyout. You Mopar fans need to find these cars if you are interested, as the SRT4 has been discontinued for 2010. It is a one-of-a-kind. It will most likely be a collectors car in 20 years (similar to the FWD Shelby cars of 1980s era) Great Buy!

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  Love it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Keith - December 17 - 1:49 am

  Bought the 2 litre turbo-deisel model and getting the promised 6 litres to 100km. The motor is 100% reliable and I still have the original tyres at 46,000km (approx 29,000 miles. Maybe we got the export quality version, but everything looks good and goes well, only standard servicing costs spent, and we are about to travel across Australia in it with complete confidence. I did test drive the 1.8 petrol and found that wanting in power, but I can assure you that this one has plenty of go. Im a 6 footer and am very comfy. I cant understand why some complain so bitterly about it. Hey, and Im an Aussie supporting the US motor industry!!

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  Fun To Drive - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By John - December 13 - 10:57 am

  Before I bought car I read reviews here n got alitte nervous. But I really like this car fun to drive. And not bad gas mileage about 26 mpg steady. I hope this review don t jinkx me. I bought an extended warranty direct because of what I read here. I plan on keeping car 4 a while. So bought a 5 yr 100 k mile hope I don t need it but I have in just in case. Im 6 ft 285 and the car is comfortable 4 me easy to get in and out of too.

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  Good car but bad motor. It has some bugs - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Nicole MIlles - December 12 - 9:43 am

  This is a really good car. But I have only had it for about a week, and the motor is already messing up. I do love the car but it is a new car so it must have some bugs that needs to be worked out.

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  May be better, but not for the price - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By demonic_celery - December 11 - 1:36 am

  Purchased a brand new R/T almost 6 months ago with leather package, sunroof, 6CD changer with 9 speakers(2 of which drop down from hatch door) and a year of sirius and a chrome package for under $20k. Getting ~28mpg. I did look at many other hatchbacks, and there are a few better out there, but you will pay a premium for a "better" new one than this. And buying new, having a LIFETIME powertain warranty, come one, VALUE. Alot of consumers dont seem to quite realize what a lifetime powertrain warranty means for value, if you take care of everything else, you can drive this for decades. I have seen the touchscreen in action for the stereo with bluetooth, and plan on upgrading to that in time.

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  There are better hatches - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By himoses - November 30 - 11:48 am

  I have now had the displeasure of driving the Caliber. This is not a bad car compared to garbage made in the 1980’s, but is far inferior to a lot of hatches on the market. This car drives like a brick. If you get a good deal, then I could see this being a decent commuter car if you only drive on the highway. If you like to drive, find something else. My personal affordable favorite hatches are the Hyundai Elantra Touring and the Mazda 3. This car is not in either of these car’s league.

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  Never want to drive this again - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Michael - November 25 - 12:42 am

  The car was reliable up until recently. In the dealership for the same problem, fifth time now in 2 weeks! The gas mileage is WORSE than my Sebring Touring, and that had a V6 in it. The transmission (CVT) makes the engine gutless and terrible drive in the winter. It has no torque, a quirk which gives no power while on an incline at times, and cheap build quality inside and out. This car is a terrible vehicle and unfit to be driven. Its unreliable, is a chore to drive, and a pain in the neck to maintain. The styling is the least of its bad points.