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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  My new car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MS. BEE - July 30 - 2:40 pm

  I love this car its fun to drive. I love the cooler thats in the passenger side. I also like the sound system in the car. The only thing is the gas - it doesnt hold gas. But overall the car is great

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  What a wonderful car! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By ejman - July 30 - 10:48 am

  I purchased after test driving the Scion XD, Nissan versa, Nissan Cube, KIA Soul, Chevrolet HHR. The Caliber is a far more substantial car, not "tiny" feeling at all. I got the 1.8 engine with the 5 speed manual transmission. What an outstanding combination. The car feels wonderful, corners really flat with great handling. Just took it out yesterday to the coast on a really windy hilly road. Great passing ability, pulls up just fine on hills. (Also 35+ MPG). It hit 111 yesterday, the AC works just great no problem at all keeping up with that heat on next to the lowest setting on the AC.

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  Excellent Car/Great Value - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jim Pennington - July 19 - 4:10 am

  We purchased this car for our 17 year old son and have nothing but great things to say about it. Originally, we set out to purchase a used 2004/2005 Nissan/Honda/Toyota with less than 30,000 miles. The price range on these cars was $15,000 to $17,000. We then checked on the all-new 2007 Caliber and found we could get the SXT version for $17,800. That was three months ago and the car now has 5,000 miles on it. There have been no problems whatsoever; the car averages about 30 miles per gallon; theres loads of interior space; more than adequate power; and excellent bulid quality and design. My wife and I wish we wouldve bought one for ourselves!

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  I have 2.0L SXT - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By xjerseygirlx - July 18 - 2:19 pm

  Im also not sure why Edmunds hates this car! I have a SXT 2.0L CVT trans - red with black & red sport seats & red around the stereo. I LOVE MY CAR!! In my opinion, & also that of those whove been in my car, the interior DOES NOT look cheap. I took this car on a small road trip to go camping the day after I took it home & it was perfect for that. The seats were comfortable on the drive, it fit everything in it that we needed, we didnt even notice any road noise with the awesome stereo on (oh & to those of you complaining about not being able to see title & names on the radio/Sirius all you have to do is press the "info" button & it shows that stuff)...all in all this is a great car

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  2009 Dodge Caliber SXT 2.0 CVT - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Dodge Man - July 16 - 3:55 pm

  All I can say about this car is that it has everything you need and more and for 2009 they have really cut down on wind and engine noise from 2007 and for 2010 they are getting a new interior.

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  This Caliber Rocks! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Bullrun - July 13 - 2:15 pm

  Ill say it right away... getting 33MPG and car is only two weeks old - 5 speed manual. 60% Hwy / 40% City Driving. Ride is comfortable. Bumps in road jolt the car, but not too bad. Quiet ride for type of car. Road noise is average Id say. Toys inside are fun. GPS/MyGig unit is great. Downloading music is simple. Steering Wheel controls are great! UConnect bluetooth is the best! Car looks great with all the angles and wheels. Speakers are great. Pretty loud, no distortion. Handles well on corners. Headlights are nice and bright. Engine is quiet. Nav works great with real time traffic info.

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  Wow, Its a Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By rainville - July 9 - 3:56 am

  We bought our Caliber in April 2006 and we love it! It gets great gas mileage. I listed what we averaged for one month and it was driven a lot in city miles, and we got great mileage! We also love the way it looks and drives! The inside is also sharp! The color we bought is the sunburst orange and it is sharp! We also liked the red! It is just a great all the way around< we did own a dodge ram 1500 quad cab and I thought we may not like the caliber because of the size but it has a lot of room and gets great gas mileage. That was the reason we were looking to trade because of gas prices and went on the Dodge web site and seen the Caliber and liked what we saw!

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  Problems with the speakers. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MBooth - June 27 - 2:13 am

  I have had problems with the speakers and radio in this car and had it in twice for the same problem. When the weather is below freezing, the speakers dont work, sometimes the radio wont work. By the time I was able to bring it in, radio was working so mechanics couldnt find a problem and fix it. Two separate times. Also check engine light on- needed a software upgrade. Other than these annoying problems, I like the car.

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  2009 Dodge Caliber SXT - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By SIMO86 - June 20 - 7:25 pm

  After looking at the 2010 Prius, 2009 Honda Fit, Ive decided on the Caliber based on its superior exterior design, economical valve (cheapest of the three), safety features and roominess. Each of these categories, I found the Caliber had the advantage. Although the other two cars beat out my sexy Dodge in fuel economy, it would take years before the fuel economy to be an advantage since this car is $4000 cheaper than the Fit and $8000 cheaper than the Prius. I love the fact that I can fit my family of four comfortably. The ride is smooth.

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  IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By shelli59 - June 13 - 11:55 am

  I purchased my Caliber only 3 weeks ago. I bought the car on the spur of the moment, and am happy to say it was an excellent choice. Compared to other cars in its class, it is comfortably roomy and has good acceleration. And Ive been getting 30+ mpg, driving both city and highway! If you can love a car, then Ive met my soul mate.