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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  Dodge Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By lexan1965 - February 2 - 2:03 am

  Great price for a whole lot of car. You cant beat it when it comes to price for everything u get on this vehicle. It looks and handles like a mini SUV and Ive had a lot of people say how much they like the looks of it.

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  My Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MY CALIBER - January 26 - 11:23 pm

  Dodge did a good job with this car. It seems to be very reliable and gets great gas mileage. I am a large man and I find it comfortable on long drives. Theres plenty of storage for little things. I have received a lot of compliments on the looks of this vehicle. My only dislike of this car is the sliding arm rest. It would be better if it locked in.

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  Stuck with the dealership - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Claire - January 13 - 5:10 am

  I am happy overall-not a bad value but- I noticed right away some little things on the vehicle that were not up to the quality Im used to. The "plastic" parts" (door frames, etc.) scratch and stain easily and are dificult to get clean. The rear window and trim do not come clean at the car wash, they need hand scrubbing. My biggest complaint is with the mileage I drive I require an oil change about every 4-6 weeks. I cant find anyone to give me an oil change (they dont have the filter) other than the dealer at 2x the price and the dealer is always a long wait. I am always late from lunch. I work long hours and have to take off work to go to a dealer.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Orange SXT Sport - January 7 - 3:26 pm

  This is an all around great car! Its fun to drive, has comfortable seats, and the MusicGate sound system is just simply amazing for a factory premium stereo.

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  Dodge Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By GPinnell - January 5 - 2:53 pm

  Fun car except very loud rear end noise after 16000 miles. Makes driving very loud. Well laid out interior but inane design of passenger dash lift up compartment. Beverage cooler functionally useless. Snow in wheels equals very unbalanced tires.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By John Ussery - January 3 - 11:50 pm

  This car reminds me of the Volkswagon Jetta, people kept them for years. The only difference is that the Caliber is a lot bigger and roomier. If you get the 5-speed, manual transmission and the 1.8L engine, you wont have any acceleration problems and youll get great milleage. I get over 400 miles per tank (13.5 gallons) city and highway average. If you get the fold-down front seat option youve got a vehicle for car camping. The car has a lot of front leg room; Im 65" tall and I am very comfortable (when the seat is all the way back, there probably isnt a lot of rear leg room. The only noise I hear is when Im on old, degraded pavement.

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  I hate that I brought this car!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Tabitha - December 13 - 7:13 am

  I purchased this car because I wanted something larger but with great gas mileage. The transmission is shot and I have only had the car for TWO years. :-(

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  paying for a car i cant drive - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jeanniita - December 3 - 1:56 am

  the car started out great good gas mileage was noisy new tires still noisy should of knew something was up when one dealer offered free tires for life there is a part on the transmission that went bad and no dodge dealer knows how to fix they hook it up to machine try to fix but keeps messing up the car goes 20 mph so we cannot drive it and still making payments on it one dealer thinks maybe we should put in new transmission and maybe that will fix it at the tune of 3200 dollars so if you buy this car buy extended warranty would never buy another caliber

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  Canadian eh? - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Cliff Sadgrove - November 24 - 8:33 am

  It has been three months since I picked up the cCaliber and I do about 85% hwy and 15% city driving. To date Ive averaged about 35 mpg IMP. The car is good on gas and is very responsive to drive. Interior head room is exceptional and it is roomy in general. The overall look of the vehicle is strong and the styling is unique. The only negative I have so far is that the knee room is a little tight. I can however, fix that by lowering the drivers seat. Overall Im very happy with this vehicle and the way it operates.

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By My First Dodge - November 15 - 10:20 pm

  Overall, I am very happy with this car. I considered the Mazda 3, Scion xB, and Toyota Matrix, but I liked the exterior styling and features of this car best. Good gas mileage 28/32 (but with air cond turned on it is more like 22/28). Good leg room front and rear. Fold flat rear and passenger seats are nice. Beverage cooler, MP3 port, and flip down hatchback speakers are fun features. Large wheels give good grip. This car turns on a dime. Great for U-turns. Drivers seat can be raised. Lots of interior storage in 2 glove boxes, plus arm rest. The seats are very comfortable, good back support. Easy to clean fabrics and cargo area.