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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  Be aware! Problem child! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By LAWMAN - July 10 - 3:56 am

  Since the purchase 6 months ago, vehicle has been in the shop 5 times and down for 2 weeks. This vehicle is not reliable at all. Cant trust it beyond the city limits. The check engine light came on 3 different times - told the gas cap was not on properly, 3rd time I made a remark that if it is not fixed I will persue the lemon law. They fixed the problem but was down for 1 week. Had to take in for recall ( cam bearing nuts ) Wife came out of work and the car would not start, had to tow into dealer and it took them 2 days to find the problem and had to wait for parts ( down another week ). Have tried to contact Chrysler, but it has been over 2 weeks and still cant get any answers!

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  Would buy all over again - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Happy Owner - July 6 - 8:47 am

  This is a great family vehicle. Reliable, comfortable, safe, and economical. The gas mileage is great and it handles well. Highly recommend the 2008 Dodge Caliber.

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  Your personal "rental car" - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Blue One in Jersey - July 5 - 11:46 pm

  Waited almost 3 months for delivery. Nice exterior styling, looks like a poor-mans X3. Interior styling is generally good too but quality of plastic is visibly poor. Does not have a lockable compartment to keep personal belongings. Ride is generally good, even at 80 mph on Jersey turnpikes. Acceleration is quite sluggish, probably due to CVT. Very easy to bump transmission into semi-manual mode accidentally. Visibility front and back is rather poor. Have to sit high to get good view in front which leads to reduced headroom. UConnect and trip computer both work quite well. Feels like driving a rental (based on years of biz travel experience) but great for daily commute, especially in bad weather.

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  Very pleased and so is my son - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By vlyntr - July 5 - 11:37 pm

  We were looking for a vehicle that has great mpg for our youngest son to go to college-At this time he is driving a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4X4 and his sister drives a 2005 Dodge Ram-we checked out the Scion, the Smartfor2, the KiaRio5 and many others, test drove and checked the prices. Today, we bought a Brilliant Black SXT, many options, he is so on cloud nine and very pleased and happy. He fits in it and going to college on football scholarship, he thinks it is a very cool vehicle, good on the mpg and it fits what he needs. My husband also drove it, I sat in it. I liked all the amenities and wouldnt have bought it if we didnt think it was a great buy. And 5 star crash rating!! Go Caliber!

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  Mileage lousy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Phoenixman - July 5 - 8:10 pm

  I am incredibly disappointed at the lousy gas mileage this car gets. I bought it because it was the only car in its class that advertised 26 mpg and many of the reviews raved about the great gas mileage. I dont know where these people live, but Im getting close to 20mph. I know Im using the air, but still, I was better off with my larger more powerful Intrepid.

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  Is it hot in here? - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jesse in Hot Vegas - July 4 - 8:13 am

  I had a small paint issue I have yet to resolve but the main issue I have with the SXT is that it feels like the A/C doesnt cool enough. I live in Vegas and I find it takes a very long time to reach a comfortable level of coolness. I also cant point the vents as far as Id like. I also found the Auxilary jack come loose after a couple months of having it.

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  Good for what it is - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By bigdan - July 2 - 10:46 pm

  Bought this vehicle to replace a guzzling ram. My price out the door with tax was $14,700 plus $2.99 gas offer. Although only a $750 rebate is mentioned, the dealer magically pulled an additional $1000 worth of bonus cash out of the air. I am an employee, so I know they were just knocking this off of MSRP. I am not sure why the vehicle gets such nasty reviews. PROS: Roomy, looks ok, good value (read: cheap), more cargo space than I thought. Rides and handles nice. CONS: The 1.8 L is a little weak and the manual is a little stiff. I am not sure why a vehicle this size and with this engine gets only 28 mpg.. should get 35 mpg! Chill zone is kinda lame, doesnt really work.

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  call me an srt4 addict - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By srt4 addict - June 30 - 9:45 pm

  I just traded in my 04 neon srt4 for the 08 caliber srt4. I loved my neon, did plenty of work to it, but it had to finally go. Lots of mileage and much needed extra room for a new baby made me do it. To me and most owners, the srt4 neon is an icon and I did not think srt could do the same for the caliber. I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, Im not going to take the new car road-racing or autocrossing like I did with the neon because of its size. But Im looking forward to surprising the same owners of $30,000+ cars while the stare at my rear end, as they did with my neon while at the strip.

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  SRT4 - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Adam - June 24 - 12:29 pm

  I purchased the srt4 as a daily commuter to replace my 05 civic. To my surprise the first trip I took in it I averaged 38 mpg. and I have a combined average of 26 mpg. I dont have anything negative other than the town I live in only have 91 octane. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for performance and economy if you can use both words in the same sentence.

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  My new caliber - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By ray darcusio - June 22 - 4:33 pm

  I have only had my caliber a short time (1 week) but i love it. Driving it is great.