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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  Great Car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By joeslo - October 5 - 1:07 pm

  I love my new Caliber. It is fun to drive. I avg. 30 miles per gallon on the first 2 tanks of gas. The only neg. is the road noise you hear inside. I think the Firestone tire are very aggressive, causing the noise.

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  Great Car so far - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mark McWilliams - September 29 - 4:06 am

  Very comfortable on long trips. I drove from Northern Cal to New Mex in it. I shouldve got the cruise control option though. Only major complaint is that it does have serious blind spots in rear and side visibility when backing. On a positive, the AC was great when going through the Mojave Ca in 125 Degree heat.

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  2008 sxt dodge caliber 2.0 L 4door - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By William - September 22 - 6:14 pm

  This is an update to my experience as posted on 08/21/08 by William. Shortly after getting this car I began to notice a clanking (metal slapping metal) noise, it was believed that an lower control arm was the concern, then the passenger front strut, it was replaced but still is making this clanking noise. So thirty gallons of fuel 750 miles just to the dealerships within thirty days and the problem has Not been fixed with around 2,250 miles on the car. The dealership manager tells me they have to follow a repair process for my/your protection? Today they sprayed some brake cleaner type chemical on the brakes and area. Guess what? It still didnt fix it. I think my dodge buying is over.

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  SXT sport - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Travis - September 21 - 9:52 pm

  Have had this car for just over one month. Had a large Chrysler 300M and have been really happy and impressed with this car. Although the car is much smaller than the 300 it doesnt feel small. Mostly city driving and get 24 mpg. 17 mpg on 300. The CVT is great. I believe that complaints are from people who are not used to it. Plenty of smooth power. Premium radio with Boston acoustics is the best I have heard. Car is really functional and fun to drive. The gas savings is a great bonus and the car is great for the money. Looked at a Honda civic and felt the auto was underpowered, not smooth and felt small. This is a great bargain. Highly recommend this car.

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  Judge by Driving! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By synesthesia - September 16 - 2:11 am

  Sitting inside, the headroom and line of sight is higher than most other "little cars". Feels like a small SUV, mileage like a sub-compact. The long rake of the windshield, large roof pillars and long low windows gives one the feel of sitting in an aircraft cockpit. The engine has a lovely "throaty roar" to it when pushed to perform. Like no other economy car Ive ever heard. "Smooth, Sleek and Powerful" are the best words to describe the feel of driving this car. I love it!

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  Popular - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Paula - September 8 - 4:13 am

  I cant believe how many Dodge Calibers Ive seen on the road already. Its fun to drive and the styling sure turns heads. Sure the price is right, but many corners seemed to have been cut to achive the price point. There have been so many fit and finish problems and kinks to work out, that my first Dodge may be my last.

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  08 Caliber SRT-4 - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Spark - August 31 - 9:00 pm

  I just recently purchased my caliber and all I can say is this little machine is a blast to drive and gets great gas mileage to boot. Within two days of owning the car I was already up to 27 mpg. the car has great styling in my opinion as well as handles very well for a fwd car, and she gets up and moves just fine. With a few simple bolt on MOPAR performance parts the fun and fuel economy will increase. If someone asked me if I had to do it all again would I still buy the car, my answer would be yes. Great job by Chrysler with this little machine. Well thought out and built in my opinion.

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  b-4 you whine and cry, learn the cvt. - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By kevin ayrault - August 31 - 12:33 pm

  At first, after driving old school automatics and sticks, the torque converter type tranny was a bit to get used to. After driving the car awhile and learning the characteristics of the tranny, I have found that I can get really good fuel mileage and the smooth transition through the powerband is really impressive. Also, where I live its very hilly, Im talking 8-9% grades and the power is more than adequate and going downhill the tranny almost acts like a jake brake that the big rigs have. What road noise? awd is great for traction and handling. car looks like a "mini magnum," really cool.

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  Great Economy Crossover - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Drew from Nebraska - August 25 - 4:46 am

  Studying to be a mechanical engineer, it took me about 1.5 years to finally find a car that would "pass the test." My wife has a 60 mile commute to work every day so we needed something safe with good gas mileage. Thats why we bought the Caliber. She wanted an SUV, but I didnt want the maintenance associated with 4 wheel drive.

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  2008 STX dodge Caliber 2.0L 4door - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By william - August 21 - 7:59 am

  This car is most impressive, I mean the most impressive from all the others I/we have driven. Toyota yaris/Ford Focus/Chevy hhr thing/and what I had owned the Chevy aveo. Overall driving experience exceeds what one would expect from a car of this size (pleasure) simply put. Heres what to expect, a little less mpg. This is reality because the calibers overall body design and weight. (this is not a bean wagon folks), its quiet comfort ready to explore. The 2.0 L 4 cyl dual vvt has no apparent concerns if you have to rely on the old lead foot to get where you need. I am also impressed with the transmission design and functions. Over- all "very pleased"!