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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  Worthy of my love! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By G. - July 31 - 4:10 pm

  I have been the proud owner of 1968 Ford Mustang for over 15 years. Ive been wanting to set him up as my "Go for a Sunday drive" car but hadnt found anything worthy of my attention, a car worthy to be my everyday car. That is until I found my Caliber. It just fit right the first time. A little sporty, a little tough and very comfortable.

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  Perfect - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By denver caliber sxt - July 22 - 9:03 am

  I am one of those people that researches beyond the necessary. I did my research and narrowed it down between the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. I went with the Caliber and couldnt be happier. The comfort is amazing and that is saying something since I am 65", 230lbs. This vehicle fit me the best and also leaves room for someone to sit behind me comfortably which is a first. The speed is great for a 2.0 4 cylinder. The upgraded stereo with the 9 speaker boston acoustics is well worth the extra money. Couldt be happier!

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  great mpg - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By john benton - July 19 - 4:16 pm

  this car is great. I just got back from moving my daughter from California. It is a 2000 mile trip. the car was packed with her stuff to the point that only she and I could fit. The car was quiet, comfortable and the fuel economy was great. The car is rated up to 30 mpg, but when I figured out what we got, it came out to 35 mpg. I didnt take it easy on the drive either! I drove 80mph the whole trip. I would recomend this car to anyone!!

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  First car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Steph - June 17 - 11:43 am

  This is my first car - all other vehicles have been trucks or SUVs. I love driving this car, and it was easy to make the transition from a Durango to the Caliber. It drives great and seems to have a lot of power for a 4 cyl.

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  Caliber problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By J & C - May 28 - 7:00 am

  We purchased the Caliber because my previous Dodge cars were great. The trend stops here. Since having the last routine service done, the car has been in the shop 4 times. One was for a faulty engine light sensor (this still hasnt been fixed), and most recently (and most alarming) because after plugging in the block heater overnight, the engine light came on again. The service department finally ran a full diagnostics and found that there was a "software deficiency" in that plugging in the caroverheats some component and causes the engine light to come on. They advised us not to plug in the car. We live in Canada, and it is currently -30ºC out. We must start the car every 4 hours. No ETA on a fix yet!

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  Me and my cute Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By maxine liles - May 27 - 8:10 am

  i have thoroughly enjoyed my Caliber. it is fun to drive, and people are always asking me about it, and those that dont actually talk to me are looking and looking. It is really the most fun and reliable, so far, of any vehicle I have had. I owned a l996 Intrepid and I never thoughtI would find a vehicle that I loved as much as I loved my Intrepid, but I have found it in my cute Caliber.

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  Great Little SUV - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By clarcher - May 24 - 4:50 am

  I love this little car (SUV) I have only owned it for about a month, but the gas mileage is great for this size car, I am getting 30 mpg and that is country/city driving, it should ever be better on the interstate, plenty of room for 4 grown adults or 2 adults and 3 children. I love the color it is gold it does not show dirt. I have the SE so the music system is not that great, and I do love to listen to the radio, maybe I can get it changed soon. It is a very stylish little car, it looks like a little SUV. Do not know how it handles in the snow, but it handles in the rain well. Has a few blind spots I will have to get use too. All in All I LOVE IT.

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  Fun car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By joan thompkins - May 22 - 8:30 am

  I love this car. It is easy to drive has excellent road handling. I spend about $30 every 2 weeks to fill it up and I drive about 700 miles a month. The bigger tires make it easy to drive in the rain and the brakes dont sqeak like the Neon I had before did. It has a great stereo system in it and the cooler in the glove box is the only thing I think is a gimmick. The cans or bottles have to be ice cold to put in there and in the winter it will not work because you have to have the A/C on to use it. I am really pleased with this car and would recommend anyone to buy one.

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  High Caliber Hatchback - 2011 Dodge Caliber
  By Kevin V - May 14 - 8:48 am

  We do a lot of hunting, fishing and outdoor activities and were looking for a vehicle that could get our gear too and from the woods and then take me too and from work during the week, while still getting decent gas mileage. The Caliber fit the bill!!! It averages around 24mpg and has hauled hunting gear to Utah, Colorado and Missouri without any issue. It handles well, fits my 6 frame and is still comfy for my 51" wife. The transmission and gearing work great in the snow and weve been more than happy with it after 52k miles, and look forward to another 100k!

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  Head Turner - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Weezy - May 13 - 1:56 pm

  I really enjoy the look of the car. I bought the R/T instead of getting the Compass. Sirius radio for 12 months is also a great deal. When in auto it tends to lose HP but when you flip the autostick on you feel an extra boost. Lots of storage places and the AUX input jack comes in handy with my I-Pod. I seem to be the only person around with an R/T and it attracts a lot of attention for only being a $23,000 car. Really fun to drive.