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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  Classy little fun car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By day - June 11 - 8:56 pm

  I have had this car for a week and its great! It has the feel of a mini SUV but drives very smoothly. Good gas mileage and creates quite a lot of attention. Very fun car.

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By blkroze4 - June 7 - 6:33 pm

  It definitely gets a lot of looks. Had many complements on it. Handles great on the ice and snow.

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  A Lot of Car for the Money - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By tomfann - June 4 - 1:34 pm

  Most professional reviews of the Dodge Caliber complain it is underpowered, has mediocre handling, and has a cheap interior. My wife and I could not disagree more. Our car is a joy to drive! The CVT and 2.0L engine rapidly accelerate the car with turbine-like smoothness. The steering is quick and responsive. The ride is firm (though was stiff when new). The car handles very well I cant detect any body lean going around corners. The controls are quite intuitive and well thought-out. The fitnfinish is flawless. The interior is tasteful, restrained, very comfortable, and very high quality. We havent yet found one manufacturing defect. 27 mpg in mostly city driving. We love our Caliber!

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  Good Gas Mileage with CVT - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Lacpac - June 2 - 1:05 pm

  2.0 with CVT trans. Great mileage if youre light on the pedal. Up to 32 mpg on hwy at 65mph. 25-26 around town. Synthetic oil, Nitrogen in wheels at 39pds and K&N air filter. Trans is smooth! Interior is hard plastic, for which some reviews give it a bad rating. Slap a Honda logo on it and make it a box on wheels and the critics give it a 10!..Go figure. Sheet metal is a bit thin, easily dents if you try to push the door shut without using the handle. Great headlights, really covers a wide area. Comfortable seats. Like the partial reclining rear seats. Only mechanical problem was a clicking front bushing when it got wet outside. Rear brakes also need to be cleaned frequently.

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  A good bit-little car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By happy driver - June 1 - 11:08 am

  Moved into Caliber from minivan and am impressed. Hard plastic interior panels make for easy cleaning after the kids. Driver seat crank makes for more customized feel. Fit of all body pieces and interior trim pieces is smooth and feels sleek. Solid thud is heard when doors close, never a question if it is or isnt shut. Slight rattle when radio is up too loud...good factory sound system! 2X trip meter and outside temp display is nice. Plenty of leg room for passenger and driver seat doesnt sit ON the floor. Easy to enter/exit because chassis rides tall. Good handling with 17" tires. Im eager to take a road trip to test it in the long-run.

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  What a nice Surprise! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By artist - June 1 - 2:50 am

  Great for transporting to art fairs large pictures, etc. Easy getting in and out of seats - love the set up of being higher in the seats looking out the wide span windows, makes one feel like sitting in a small jet cockpit! I did however, pinstriped the sides at the top line with gold pinstriping and it really set it off! Didnt realize how much I would use the cold glove box until I left them in it and came out from shopping and they were still cold! Great stereo! Wish I could do something with all of the lights going on after stopping and and then fading. Great riding in it - smooth, but a little noisy than my last Toyota. But a lot easier to drive. A well thought out car design.

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  Economic & Roomy - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Jose R. Garcia - May 28 - 6:52 pm

  Our car performs extremely well since the first day. We have not had to worry about the cars reliability at all. The car drives safely and smoothly. Owning this vehicle has been a pleasant experience overall.

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  Wife Likes It So Thats Good Enough! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By D & B - May 21 - 12:16 pm

  My wife can be rough on cars so I wanted something that she could manuveer easily, get around in snow and ice and have enough room for all of us (2 teens). Its nothing like my Dodge Ram Laredo but this is a very nice little car. I have been buying Chrysler/Dodge products for sometime now, primarily because I like the products but the dealership also played a big role. The Caliber is very comfortable, with adjustable seats (albeit manual) that raise and lower the driver. Very nice. We had to "trick" out the car in order to get the AWD but it really makes a pleasant driving experience. Well take the four door Ram for really long trips but this one is perfect for my "supermom".

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  Rockin little Dodge - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By fitz7 - May 21 - 9:40 am

  I had a great Blazer, but too many miles and a guzzler. Was looking at the Matrix and Vibe- then I saw the commercial [one sick puppy]. Im now the proud owner of a black SXT 2.0, CVT, fully loaded, sunroof, MusicGate, and tinted windows-black in the back. Ive seen reviews suggesting lackluster speed-Not mine! Im always first off the line, and passing is a breeze. Its no race car-after all it is a 4cyl-but it does its job well. No excessive wind noise-ofcourse Ive got the Vault on Sirius blasting! I can haul my compressor, airbrushes, paints, tools, and more. If youre ever in Texas and you see a Dead-Head sticker on the back of a Black Caliber, well-thatd be me-Say Hi!!!

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  A little scared - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Alexandria Harris - May 18 - 2:50 am

  Im a little scared about the traction during bad weather. I had stopped at a red light, and it was raining, when I started go forward after the light had change the wheels on the car started to spin. Now that I have this car I feel that the safety rate on this car, should be re-rated again. Its scary to be behind another car at a car length behind and all of a sudden the car in front of you make a sudden stop. I think that this car should be a re- call.