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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  Love/Hate My Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By CarlaJo - November 23 - 12:13 pm

  My 2007 Caliber has just 48,000 miles and its crap. Tires are expensive to replace and wear out quickly. Interior is cramped. Blind spots everywhere. Turn signal comes on randomly (without using blinker) and wont go off. Front suspension is shot. AC only works well on high. It has been plaqued with one problem after another. I know many people who own Calibers and have yet to find anyone who is even remotely happy with theirs. Tried to trade it in but will only get about half of what I owe. They dont hold their value at all and depreciate quickly. Looks great, fun to drive, but very unreliable car.

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  Checking - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Enrique - November 23 - 2:13 am

  As owner I like the car but as an automotive employee the car has a lot of defects. Build quality is not good. The paint color did not match between the fenders and the bumpers. The doors are not align with the body car. The gaps between doors and body are not good. The gap between the hood and the grille is awful. Looks like the hood is open. The plastic parts (in liftgate) did not cover what they need to cover, and other details.

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  Worth it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Food Library - November 21 - 2:40 pm

  This car has great acceleration and a sporty design with tons of room inside. It handles in snow and can pass like a beast. Mine has no problems and its at 65,000 as of today. My only complaint is the tiny gas tank. By the time your gas light is on youve usually gone through only 11 or so gallons of gas. I feel like a kid that has to go to the bathroom every ten minutes when Im stopping for gas every few days.

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  Purchased used - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By nhemt - November 20 - 10:08 pm

  I bought mine used with 24,000 miles on it for a good price just over 11,000. I drive alot and this has been a great car with a few exceptions. The original seasonal tires are not good for NH weather. I will need to replace them soon for the winter. But the car is comfortable to drive, it shifts well (I own automatic) and I see myself owning it for a long time.

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  love this car - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By monana - November 18 - 3:21 pm

  dodge needs to learn how to market their cars. tested toyota matrix and pontiac vibe. this car far superior in style, comfort, interior room and price. love it!

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  Excellent Safety! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By sheristroop - November 12 - 2:37 pm

  My husband recently purchased a Caliber in July and then rear-ended a 1990s model car that was at a complete stop. No one had a scratch on them. The 3 front airbags deployed, with minimal airbag burn and the seat belts worked perfectly. Even the cars frame held up, though the insurance company ended up totalling the car due to engine damage. My 5 year old son was in a booster seat in the back and didnt even know what had happened. I would definitely buy another one of these cars - great value and safety!

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  Miss It - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Gina - November 11 - 9:46 pm

  Leased this car for 2 years and wish I would have bought it when my lease was up. Still miss it almost 2 years later. Loved it inside and out. Tires are spendy but only had to replace one due to a nail in the side wall. My next one will be AWD though mine did horrible in the snow.

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  Regret - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mary - November 8 - 9:25 am

  I traded in an SUV that I LOVED for this thing. It has a very weak AC. There is a drink "cooler" in the glove box that is cooled by the AC. Pretty pointless if the AC doesnt even get cold. Youd be better off taking your cold drink and rubbing it on your face because that is the only way you will cool off in this car. The interior is too cramped and there are blind spots everywhere I look. I hate driving this car.

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  Awesome! I love it! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Vicky - November 3 - 9:30 pm

  Traded in my 2004 Ford Mustang GT for this car. Im now the proud owner of a black SXT CVT, fully loaded, sunroof, MusicGate, and (after market) tinted windows-black in the back. At first, my friends thought I was totally insane until they rode in it one day on the way to lunch. Much more room on the inside and more practical! Even my husband likes it because of the room. Not very good on acceleration, but hey, Im used to an 8-cylinder Mustang! I absolutely love this car! Inside and out, shes awesome. I had wanted to eventually trade in my Mustang for an SUV and this car will tie me over for a couple years hopefully.

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  Love driving this car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By JerryK - November 2 - 7:43 pm

  My first new car since my 98 Grand Caravan. This car impressed me right from the test drive. The reviews mention a slow response of the CVT. Hogwash,the 2.0L w/CVT moves like a jack rabbit. My previous Mopars had lousy headlights, backup lights, and brakes. All are improved on this car. I can finally see the road on a rainy night. The SXT model is nicely equipped. Great car to take back and forth to work everyday. Very comfortable.