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:

• 

  Worst Car Ever - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By tyxty1 - August 30 - 7:56 am

  This car was a complete nightmare for me. I traded the car as soon as I could, which was 4 years later, due to it being so upside down. I purchased my Caliber in 2007 with 20,000 miles on it. The looks and features are what initially drew me in. I was in a small accident 2 months after I purchased and boy was it downhill from there. In 4 years, I put 120,000 miles on it, but what I had to do within those 4 years was ridiculous. Replaced: 4 sets of tires, 2 batteries, 1 ENGINE, 2 alternators, and its been a year, but countless other things I cannot remember. This car was in the shop ALL the time.

• 

  SXT 2.0 Sell this car asap! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By dodge1021 - April 12 - 3:44 am

  Lets start with injectors that the dealer said was causing a hard start at 40000 miles, still doing it today at 78000 miles and has been ever since. Dealer woukd not back it. Lower control arms, oil pan leaking at 72000 miles. Then retuned it three times due to dealer in greenwood indiana tom ob had to do the alignment, three times. Niw the oil leak has returned at 78000 miles and the dealer is saying I have a new leak, frt eng cover even though the oil is coming from the exact place it did when they said oil pan. They blew it! JUNK!

• 

  The little engine that couldnt - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By swells1225 - February 28 - 1:59 pm

  Well I wasnt in love with the caliber when I first got it but it started to grow on me. Then about a month into having my car the clutch and one other part went out over a month later I finally got it back from the dealership where I bought it. Now I am having major problems, ac turns its self on, dash lights go out, cruse control wont work, key fab stopped working (I replaced the battery), it doesnt start 2 out of every 5 times I get in it, it wont let me go above 4000 rpms anymore. Ive had problem after problem and have taken care of this car. Very very disappointed in this car! Those are just a few of the issue, and I cant get rid of it for another year!

• 

  Caliber should be called Calamity - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By azdave3 - February 2 - 6:05 pm

  We bought a used Caliber with 2300 Miles on it. Wife liked,wanted it. Was OK for 3 years and 60K. But then it started to self destruct. Wife was hit with $3300+ in repairs during which we were advised Tie Rods were shot. Hmmm? was my question as were in Az and dont deal with poor roads as elsewhere. Brakes went- $260+ during which we were told MORE suspension and Motor mounts shot. Then the Alternator went, $180+ 4 Hours labor and special tool to remove. I immediately sent it to a new Home...Far, Far away from mine. Horrible, Horrible Car.

• 

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!! RUN AWAY FAST!!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By shelby6282 - October 19 - 4:56 pm

  Have only owned this car for 40 days. It has been a total nightmare. Oh & I did buy it from a dealer not just anyone. I am the 2nd owner & the car looked great with tons of add ons. After owning it 4 days engine light came on. Dealer said its O2 sensor & replaced. 2 days later engine light on again. This time they said the computer was not reset right. Barely drove it home from the shop & guess what engine light AGAIN! this time the codes were showing that it was the cadilic converter. Dealership, no its not the converter something with the sensor didnt get hooked up right causing a code. 1 week later, engine light again. they changed the converter. Drove 1wk & now brake lights on!

• 

  Run! Dont Buy the Caliber! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By prozelle5 - March 24 - 1:50 pm

  I bought the 2007 Dodge Caliber brand new off the dealer lot. At 13,000 miles the oil control valve and the cv joint in the rear had to be replaced. At 19000 miles the outter tie rod was replaced. At 50000 miles, I now have a leak in the oil pan the same outter tie rod has to be replaced again, the lower control arm and struts are leaking. The car will not pass inspection. Thankfully I took out the extended warranty and some of it is still covered. I am a grandmother and dont drive out of control or crazy. I traded in a perfectly good 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee for this car. Wish I still had it. Cant wait to unload this car. It sucks! Dont buy one!

• 

  left me stranded at 37k miles!!!!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By agraham6582 - February 22 - 7:04 pm

  Bought this car in june 2010 and it is a 2007 car - 8 months after buying this car it left me stranded in a parking lot - thank god i did not have my 18 month old daughter with me! we only got 6k miles out of this car before it died on us. currently has 37k miles on it and died in a parking lot. after calling different numbers for an hour to get it towed somewhere which cost us $70 out of pocket, we were told it was the electronic control module in the steering column that went dead. pretty much this "module" in the steering column tells the car to start the ignition when you put the key in to start up. the warranty company refuses to pay for it saying its an "electrical" issue.

• 

  Looks ok, but drives bad - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By tylda - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I dont own the car, but Im renting a brand new vehicle from Enterprise with less then 1000 miles on it while my primary daily driver is in the body shop. Caliber has a poor finish. It looks alright, but the car is poorly assembled. Its noisy, the gearbox is lame, there is glue coming out of a shift lever. The rear hatch has to be slammed in order to close it and the passenger door is out of alignment.

• 

  Car broke with 300 miles already - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By norm - September 8 - 7:03 pm

  Bought new caliber on Sunday the first Thursday it broke down had it towed to dealer they told me it was battery they charged it and said it was fixed picked it up Friday drove car to store Monday dead again took back to dealer says they cant find anything wrong so come and get it. I dont know what to do?

• 

  3 Years of Misery, Ready for trade in - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jackie - September 7 - 6:10 pm

  Things wrong since 06/22/07 to 9/7/10. 1. Four sets of tires (awd is eating them) 2. Sunroof replaced (still having closing issues) 3. Rims replaced (clear coat peeled off, second set too) 4. Both front lower ball joints replaced. 5. Front speakers replaced. 6. Passenger side door doesnt unlock when cold 7. The emission light is on now, car bucks 8. My left headlight blew out. Replaced and it blew out again. The horn wont honk when you lock it anymore and the doors wont auto lock at 30 now either. I now have to take this car to the dealer and pay out my rear to fix this with my warranty now over. Fix it then get rid of it. I always kept up-to date tune ups too :( DONT BUY THIS CAR!