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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  Fun 2 drive - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By megrow67 - January 26 - 1:39 pm

  Great gas mileage. Comfortable, 4x2 drives great in snow better than I thought. Easy to wash. Easy to get into. Have a lot of options for the price. Get up and go to be 4 clyinder

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  My Caliber is better than my old car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Michael Gonzalez - January 24 - 2:40 am

  I like the Dodge Caliber because its a great car. I notice that when my friends ride in it they are surprised that it is a powerful car and the comfort of the seats are comfortable.

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  Irritating Problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bill - January 21 - 3:30 am

  I traded in a Dodge Dakota V8 to save on fuel costs. The Caliber has comfortable seating compared to other smaller cars. It has a smooth ride. The second day of driving I noticed a high pitched ringing noise. This appears to be the high pressure fuel pump. The dealer and Chrysler refuse to acknowledge it is a problem and refused to replace the pump. I dont think I should hear the fuel pump operating inside the vehicle. It did not make that sound when I took delivery but started 100 miles later. It is very annoying unless you listen to loud music that drowns out the sound.

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  Caliber Rocks - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By oscal - January 20 - 6:26 pm

  Ive had the Caliber SXT for about 6 mounths now and I love almost everthing about it. I have 2 kids and I was headed into a minivan until I saw this in a magazine and I bought one 2 days later. I never even test drove it.

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  I love my Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By dak - January 17 - 4:50 am

  I was seriously considered getting the Caliber as a second vehicle when my Sebring made the decision for me to make it my primary! I was looking for an AWD vehicle that wasnt too station wagon or SUV like. For a compact car and Dodges low end vehicle, I think it is quite nice. Quite honestly, I needed something bigger and more practical than a convertible. Cant find a thing I dont like about it.

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  Awesome Caliber Review - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By 1qwalker - December 30 - 5:38 pm

  Ive owned my Caliber for almost five months now and I love everything about it. Its fun to drive and has a great style.

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  Better then the Germans?! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Dana - December 27 - 6:52 am

  In many ways this is the best small car on the market. Wife bought one this summer. I found that it was more comfortable and fun to drive then my 2007 Audi A3 S-line (and almost as nicely appointed). So Im trading in my Audi for one of my own.

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  Simple, Sexy and Stylist = Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By JUST FOR YOU - December 16 - 2:13 am

  We spend a great deal of travel time in the car; to and from work, family matters, and or just in weekend pleasure. Choosing the purchase of car we drive says a great deal about you. Im impressed with the Calibers simple, yet sexy exterior body form. Its unique design is so smoothly unisex the owners gender is undetectable. The interior also stately designed to feed, masculine and feminine egos, ample room, big instrument knobs and easy manipulations. Very smooth and "jumpy" in a good way ride. Accelaration - oookay, could be better. Worth the asking price when compared to other vehicles in like categories. Enjoying my ride

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  Great - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jm - December 13 - 8:20 pm

  I have had the R/T for about 2.5 months now and love it. Have put on 3500 miles with no problems. Need an oil change though. I am 66" and have a 100 mile round trip daily commute to work so I needed a commuter with some style. This one does the job and is very comfortable for tall people looking for a smaller car with decent gas mileage. Looks sharp and makes the drive fun. Handles better than I expected on the curves and very reasonably priced. I hope to have it around a long time. With rear seat folded I can put in my dog kennel for my 85lb German Shepard without any space issues as well. The little extras are nice but AWD and 176HP with autoshift and leather for around 20g is a good deal!

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  Awesome for Dodge! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Robbie1 - November 17 - 7:25 am

  Well, what can I say. I used to hate Dodge, but I went for a Saturday drive in my SUV and came home with my 09 Caliber SRT. The exterior looks are 100% more attractive than the standard Caliber, very aggressive features that is what caught my eye. After taking it for a test drive, I was sold. I also own a BMW and this "little rascal" is more fun than driving the BMW. The suspension and steering is very tight with enough power to have some man fun! This will be my weekend entertainment.