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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  This is your "MOMs" car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Sue - November 3 - 10:06 pm

  Read the Edmunds review that said was going to be a 20 something vehicle. Dont believe it. Traded in a 99 Eddie Bauer Expedition for 2.0L 4cyl SXT. The styling is phenomenal and is very roomy inside. All the comforts you need and more if you want to add them. Very reasonably priced. Been driving for over a week and love everything about it. Smooth ride, great acceleration for a small engine, well designed interior. For someone who is used to driving a tank to love a small vehicle this much it has got to have something. Check it out - driving it is believing.

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  You Gotta Love It - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joanie - October 31 - 2:26 pm

  I have my Caliber RT 6 weeks now, and I love it! It is roomy inside, nice style outside. The stereo is awesome. I love riding with the sunroof open. The gas mileage is very good. After owning many cars, I have to say this is the best. Thanks to my husband for a wonderful birthday gift.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By foghorn8 - October 30 - 8:06 am

  Very fun to drive. Its like a sports car. Gas mileage is good. We get lots of looks when we drive it.

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  Dodge - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Dave - October 28 - 7:00 am

  Just purchased the Caliber a couple of months ago for my wife. The steering wheel feels different! So far its been pretty reliable and I do like the CVT, it just feels weird to not feel the gearbox shift. Im giving Dodge an oportunity to impress me. Dont let me down Dodge!

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  2008 Caliber SXT - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By hotrod85 - October 25 - 5:43 pm

  The engine seemed pretty weak below 2000 rpm until I got a few thousand miles on it. Now at 6000, it does pretty good for such a small engine. I am a tall person and I still have to put the seat up a notch or two. I like that. Over all I find this car/wagon/whatever quite comfortable. The handling is very good with a very short turning radius. At first I thought I had made a mistake but now I am glad I bought it. The mileage could do better but, you do have to rev the engine to get the best out of it and the cruising rpm is high compared to other cars. Perhaps the 2.0 engine would have been a better choice but I am happy with this one.

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  cool 4 everyone - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By alvin - October 22 - 8:32 pm

  having added theis 22 inch rims, i blew competition out the water fashion wise, black on chrome. if i wanted a too fast and furious on the show, id have a mustang in my driveway with turbo or something. Im wheelchair bound and love the 60 40 folding seats four my wheel chair. Its room galore just like in my minivan but with tons more fun.

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  Driven 120MPH-- daily-- to work. - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Big Mac-- Bavaria - October 20 - 6:28 am

  I retired, live, and work part-time in a mountainous area of Germany. Hell, Ive got two volcanoes in MY backyard. Anyway, at THIS writing, I put 110 miles a day on the car. The AWD is wonderful! Ive TRIED to drive it off the road-- the ESP-thingie just wont let you kill yourself. Im sorry to hear you CANNOT get an ALL-WHEEL- DRIVE anymore. I drive the car at over 100 MPH, all the time. While it IS true you cannot SPIN the tires, Ive had NO PROBLEMS with the car, except, once, driving around 90, I slammed the brakes on to avoid a deer. The fellow in the PASSING lane HIT it, not me. The ABS went out, but the Chrysler dealer replaced it-- asking if Id sell HIM my little beauty: NO!

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  A good little car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By NorthwesternCat - October 19 - 11:29 am

  I bought a Caliber SE Plus, with 17 wheels and 215/60/17 Firestone tires and the Touring suspension. It has A/C with the Chill-Zone Glovebox chiller. I installed a K&N Air Filter and the around town mileage runs 26 mpg, while on the highway, it gets between 34 and 37 MPG. Im coming from a 1990 Plymouth Voyager minivan with a 2.5 L 4 cylinder/ AT. The Caliber rides on a slightly longer wheelbase than the van did. It is a very nice cruiser - it rides well and gets good mileage, and looks good too. The Surf Blue Pearl paint job looks really good with the black trim and gets lots of compliments. I plan to keep this car as long as they still sell gas.

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  Bad Transmission - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Kerry - October 13 - 10:30 pm

  We bought a new Caliber in April 08 and had to take it back in August because 3d gear went out. Took 3 weeks to rebuild the transmission. Two days later, back to tighten bolts and plug in sensor. 2 weeks later, dropping out of 5th gear. They drove it and said nothing is wrong. Still dropping out of 5th and am now afraid to put my children in for a drive.

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  better than I expected - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By ljordan09 - October 8 - 10:48 pm

  Im more of a GMC/Chevy fan. And always had a negative idea about Chrysler. But i cant help but admit, Im surprised. Mostly everything is solid. i love the stereo. It is small but doesnt feel small at all. drivers seat is pretty comfortable but the seat adjustments are awfully placed. Although i love how sporty the car looks, it looks like a chopped-top, its not good for tall people. and my biggest problem with this car: ROAD NOISE!