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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  Cheap Vehicle that Dodge wont repair - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By puddles72 - August 31 - 12:57 am

  We bought our caliber sxt in August of 2007. Not overly impressive in performance and ride. Recently, weve been having having problems with the electrical system. First time (8/27/10) the car died (and the first trip to barnett White bear Dodge), the Dodge "technician" (no joke, thats what they were identified as) claimed it was fine and sent it home. The second time (8/28/10) the car died, we were asked to have it towed in to be repaired. The technician proclaimed it battery failure and couldnt possibly be anything with the electrical system. They didnt bother to check that out and werent about to based on our concerns about the cars problems. They claim that model is a "great" one. Its still crap.

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  Dont buy this car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By TonyK - August 28 - 8:57 pm

  From day one we weve had trouble with this car. We probably spent several hundreds over the past 3 years getting it to pass emissions. recently the the transmission went out, theres another $4500 for a car thats less than 4 years old. we sold it to the dealer for $8500, and paid close $20,000 for it. it depreciated faster than any other car weve had.

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  A year update - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jaclyn - August 27 - 3:37 pm

  Last year I commented on how bad the car chews up tires. On set 4 in 3 years! {Over $2000 in tires...ugh} Like everyone else, I now need new lower ball joints in the front end. {$58.00 for part} The car is bucking and getting horrible gas mileage {about $65+ a week in gas! And its a 4 cylinder!) Emissions light is on. {probably need an O2 censor} Had to replace the headlights. {Not hard, just dont touch the bulbs!} Still have problems with sunroof not closing. Have to actually open a window cause it gets to pressurized to work. And right door doesnt unlocked when it gets cold.

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  Hate it! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mindy - August 26 - 5:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle just over 2 years ago and immediately started having problems with rattles, was told it was normal. In the past year I have been through 4 sets of tires, tie rods (twice), control arms and bushings, sway bar link, catalytic converter, power steering, alternator, sensors etc, etc, etc. I do drive a lot for my job but I feel this is a bit excessive. This past weekend I purchased another set of tires last ones I got 8000 miles on them and by Monday when I went in for my alignment they were already showing wear and to top it off my vehicle is so far out of alignment they cant get it back in. Actually called Dodge to complain today and am waiting for them to call back.

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  Worst new car I ever purchased - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By vehicle1 - August 18 - 12:42 pm

  After two weeks of riding in my new Caliber, I began to experience consistent problem with tires and clanging noises. After several trips to dealer, problem remedied, only to reoccur few months later. Did I purchase the only defective 2010 on the lot?

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  The worst car ever! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By lisalee - July 14 - 9:54 am

  This is the worst car ever! At 5,000 miles the caliper froze up, Chrysler wanted the dealer to turn my rotor instead of putting a new one on needless to say that didnt happen, at 24,000 the transmission had to be replaced, at 27,000 the power steering rack and pump had to be replaced, at 30,000 miles the lower control arms, linkage to the sway bars had to be replaced. This is the most unreliable car ever! Chrysler says its my problem not theirs!

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  Do not buy! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Shanno - July 7 - 5:01 pm

  Well where do I begin with this thing. Lets see 3 day of having the dealership had to have it towed. I pulled out of my garage and her a bang and extremely loud clicking. Ends up the piston rod went through the engine. The tires had to be replaced 4 months later. At 6 months later needed new brake pads. A year later brought it in to be inspected and needed 2 grand of work. Still brake problems and had 4 different garages look at it and nobody can figure out whats wrong with them. Very noisy the Body is cheap but sporty and nice looking. Not as good on gas as they say. Terrible trade in value if you can trade it in. After 2 years I cannot find a dealer to take as trade.

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  Do not buy this car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Nikki - July 6 - 3:34 pm

  Six months after I bought this car the transmission has all but stopped working. I then find out that Chrysler has problems with these transmission.but certainly dont stand by their failure to provide a quality product. Then I find out Chrysler hasnt even released the tools to rebuild the transmission. I will have to get another one. This car is also horrible for comfort. My back hurts all the time while driving. This would only be good for a to and from work car...if you want to replace the transmission.

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  Good Rental Car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By JW2467 - May 10 - 8:03 pm

  The Dodge Caliber should be a hit with rental car companies. My car is reliable, and it gets good MPG. BUT it is very uncomfortable to ride in this car. Not much room for anything. Rear inside blind does not come out, so it really limits what you can put in the back. Went to trade it off, and found out Calibers do not hold there value at all. My next car will not be a Dodge, cause I am not thrilled with this car.

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  3 yrs old and hate it!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jr08 - May 7 - 3:09 pm

  Where do I start? Only 12,000 miles on it, first car I bought on my own so I was all excited to drive it around and show it off. Dec. 08, driver side tie rod was bad, still under warranty so got it replaced. A little after that I had to have the computer reprogrammed because it wasnt shifting and I had to do it manually. About 6 months after that I had to get new tires. Dec. 09, I was told my right side tie rod was going bad along with my ball joint on left side. March 10, I had to replace tie rod, ball joint and lower control arm on both side. I drive 30 miles one way to school and drive there 2-3 times a week.....getting uncomfortable with this car.