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 for money - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By scott - August 18 - 9:05 pm

  This is one great car for the money! Rides and drives great with comfortable seating. I had read these reviews before purchasing and having driven and owning this vehicle, I agree that there is a good bit of road noise, but all of the small cars in this price range did as well. Real world driving all around has resulted in 26 MPG with straight HWY MPG at 28 which could be better. Another thing about some of the reviews at this site state that this car doesnt ride, drive, and handle as well as their Accord or one are Camry, nor is as quiet, the last time I checked, these cars are thousands more in price than the Caliber but none have a higher safety rating. Apples to Apples this is a great c

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  Great Commuter! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Craig - August 9 - 10:59 pm

  My 2008 Dodge Caliber SE was actually ordered by the dealership with the 2.0 L engine, CVT, and ABS upgrades. I highly recommend these upgrades. Did not come with cruise control, which was disappointing, but can be added on aftermarket, at the dealer. Fun to drive, good ride quality, roomy, and I am averaging 27 MPG for all around driving. I dont understand why some of the media reviewers blast this vehicle, as I am very pleased with its performance and versatility especially for being in the under $20K category.

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  Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Brandon R - August 7 - 11:06 pm

  I saw the ad online, did my research and knew this was the car for me. I got all the benefits of the SUV I was driving with handling and fuel economy of a car. Selection is still hard to come by at the dealerships

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  sxt - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By maxsxt - August 6 - 7:37 am

  Only bought this car because we needed reliability and room for our newborn, which it excels at! Besides that the gas mileage of the 2.0l and CVT is horrible, as bad as my last v8. The CVT is very smooth, great for a sleeping baby. However, it causes a frighteningly slow throttle response time, especially noticeable when pulling out into traffic. Also has bad blind spots and makes a horrible drumming noise when you roll down a back window going any over 30 mph

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  Gas Mileage-Hah! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Alan Sanders - August 1 - 8:37 am

  Advertised mileage with the 2.0 CVT with sport stick is 31 city/39 hwy. On a 1,100km trip we used 104 litres of gas for an average of about 25 mpg and this was mostly highway. Seats 4 comfortably, but only space for 2 big suitcases. OK little car, but a gas guzzler. Struggles going up hills, feels way underpowered.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Louis Schmidt - July 22 - 8:41 pm

  The 2.4 L, 172 HP auto transmission does not get near the advertised mileage. Local driving averages between 17 and 18 mpg. Open road better but well under advertised 25 mpg. Quality control appears to have taken the day off when my car was assembled. The front hood and rear hatch are not centered. Roof molding is loose.

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  Disappointed in this one - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Tillys Mom - July 22 - 4:29 pm

  Gas Mileage is not as promised. Road Noise Will Deafen You. Too much cheap plastic on exterior, cheap interior seating, tight interior, looks bigger than it is. Rides a bit rough and it already squeaks and leans around corners after only 30,000 miles. Rear Window design attracts and holds dirt, always looks dirty. All in all, I wish I would have kept my Suzuki XL7

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  Powerful economy car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By jbiscuit86 - July 18 - 11:33 pm

  Very nice car for the price. It just goes to show that economy cars dont have to be boring.

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  2008 Caliber R/T 5 SP - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Kurt - July 15 - 12:26 pm

  We were looking for something my 5 year old daughter would be comfortable in, in the back seat, and this filled the bill. We bought our Caliber R/T this past winter. I was worried about the tires in the snow. They did pretty good, though I am planning on snow wheels and tire for this winter. Salt and aluminum wheels dont like each other. I drove a base model with the CVT and didnt like it. So we opted for the R/T with the 2.4L with the 5 speed. I love it, so far. Average fuel mileage is 27 mpg. On the highway, should be able to hit 30 mpg. Well, maybe not. ( : I just needed a car to get around in, and we sold a 94 Eclipse, so this was a car to replace that one.

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  We love it. - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Jim - July 10 - 1:01 pm

  This is a great mid-size car. It handles very well and I really like the way it corners. It handles better then I thought it would. I know that I gave up some mileage, but it has good power and the AWD will be for the winter weather here in Missouri. The transmission takes a little getting used to. It has a slight delay in pickup speed when you floor it, but it has a very smooth transfer up to speed. The cab forward is a little hard to get used to. Also, the way the front end slopes down makes is a little tough project where the front corners are until you driven it a while. Mostly made in USA. Foreign cars in this price range feel cheap. This car has a big car feel.