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 my new Caliber - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By northstarruthie - October 29 - 5:56 pm

  Ive only had this about a month but it is the first vehicle I truly love! I love sitting higher and the comfortable seats. Great ride. Gas mileage is good. Bought the lifetime warrenty so I feel safe for the long term.

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  I have the 2.0L w/CVT Tranny - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By SteveLewis - October 29 - 10:59 am

  I love this car. The CVT shifts seamlessly, and this car takes off like a rocket!!! If you keep your foot off the floor, it gets excellent gas mileage. Ive got almost 38k miles on this car, and it still runs like it did when it was new. The steering system is tight! It corners like a compact, and has a lot of power for a four-cylinder. Go Dodge!!!

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  Caliber Is Fun - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By JoeTennessee - October 24 - 1:13 am

  I purchased one of the first Calibers available. We knew we were purchasing an inexpensively built car so high expectations for quality of the interior and ride were not a factor. It was a sharp, fun, inexpensive car. The fuel rating also sold us and is the only negative we have. We have driven the car 24,000 miles now and the typical overall mileage is around 23 mpg even though the "city" low rating is 26. This was a severe misstatement by Dodge. I have owned several new cars and trucks over my 35 years of driving and have always gotten at least the minimum reported mileage that was disclosed. Yet, we still love our little yellow Caliber!

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By ihatemycaliber - October 23 - 9:43 am

  Bought my caliber Aug 2006. Was so excited I actually got one! Now I wish I had just walked away. Already replaced both outer tie rods, both struts, lower control arms blew and now the engine is dead. I am trading this in, taking a loss and getting a Honda. This was the worst mistake ever.

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  caliber 07 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Caliber07 - October 20 - 10:13 pm

  This car has given me so many problems, I have had the transmisson replaced 3 times and the car still act like it dont have any speed. ready to get rid of it cant take it any more.

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  Bargain - cant beat it - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By BOTA - October 20 - 10:03 am

  Car is great overall. Only complaint is the engine is a bit underpowered in certain circumstances. For the price - unbeatable

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  Great car! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By KD - October 17 - 2:51 pm

  I took advantage of the cash for clunkers and got an amazing deal on this car. I have been driving a Mazda Protege 5 for the last 8 years. While the Caliber cannot compare to the Mazda in terms of performance, it is still a great car. It is a bit sluggish on takeoff, but using the CVT option takes care of that. My gas mileage has steadily increased as the engine has broken in and I am now averaging 29-30 mpg city and highway combined. My 6 friends are very comfortable in the backseat and have plenty of leg and head room. The cargo storage is amazing, especially with the rear seats down.

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  Have Fun Blowing Doors Off Imports... - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Mocheezmo - October 16 - 2:14 pm

  I get giddy reading the reviews that Edmunds has for this car. Obviously 1 of 2 things. The reviewer has never actually driven the car or they dont know how to drive. This car is unbelievable! Funny I checked the curb weight and the WRX is 100 lbs heavier, guess Edmunds reviewers cant do math either. Put the Mopar stage 1 in this thing (stage 2 is now coming) and you are running over 300 ponies at the wheel with the torque (sorry ricers) to back it up! I will admit the weight distribution could use some work but nothing some basic mods wont solve. I picked mine up for under $19k, with less than $3k in mods I could walk any lancer of WRX $ for $ out their, period.

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  Love this car - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By bigd - October 16 - 9:57 am

  My wife and I drove several different cars and finally selected the Caliber. We chose the R/T because we wanted the the power the 2.4L provided. All the little extras have turned out to be a lot of fun and add to the enjoyment of ownership. This is a lot of car for the money.

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  Bang for your Buck - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Rich - October 14 - 1:26 am

  This is the most comfortable car to drive in its price range. Believe me before my purchase I had test driven them all. I love the design and the fact that this car looks different from everything else on the Market. I was between this car and the Mazda 3, to get the Mazda with the Same features it would have cost me $2000-3000 more!