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:

• 

  Dont Buy IT. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By rwrasman - January 9 - 6:17 pm

  This car is the worst car ever and dodge is an absolutely HORRIBLE company to have to endure if anything happens. Dont buy a dodge....

• 

  Do you homework first! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By josh1189 - October 17 - 6:42 pm

  I bought my 07 Caliber SXT 2.0 CVT (Not 1.8 Manual) in April 2011 from a Chrysler/Dodge dealership with 74K miles on it. Drove great, sounded great, felt great. And it WAS a great car....for about a year. Then, thats when the sh*t hit the fan....The door panels started to rattle (probably from the awesome sound system but thats no excuse. If youre going to put in a powerful system, make the car equipped to handle it.) Then it started to jerk and putter a bit when I accelerated and make a moaning noise when I turned the wheel. Then the alternator went out at 91K miles. 6 days later, the fuel pump went out. Now, Im just waiting to see whats next. Do yourself a favor and buy Japanese.

• 

  Bad Purchase - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By mfinley - October 7 - 8:56 pm

  This was a more expensive car purchase for me when I bought it in 2008. It only had 23,000 miles on it. I have had to replace both front ball joints, tires, battery, alternator, brake lights, and only a year after getting those ball joints fixed, they are going again. My mechanic said that Dodge used shoddy parts throughout and to keep expecting these same problems. I am going to unload this car as fast as I can and I will never buy another Dodge again! The interior is difficult to clean and stains easily, also.

• 

  What crap! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By heather42 - September 11 - 10:43 pm

  I bought my 07 Caliber in 09. It had 54,000 miles and was told it was a one owner. Ive had this car not even 3 years and I hate it! I have replaced the battery, headlight bulbs, tail light bulbs, the break calipers on both sides, the coil on both sides, had to change transmission fluid and filter, both wheel bearings, and now my "Brain" is going out and have to buy 4 new tires! I would not recommend that anyone buy this vehicle. Its been nothing but a money pit and the parts are not cheap.

• 

  Whatever you do DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By katatomic - September 9 - 3:03 am

  I purchased this car used in 2010 and I loved it at first mainly because it was the first time I had owned a car! My grandmother liked it so much that she bought one also about 6 months later. After that her transmission blew out after only 30,000 miles! She replaced the transmission costing her thousands and guess what? The second transmission started having problems. I thought it was just her car, but then today my calibers transmission also died and now I have to get a whole new car because it isnt worth having this car anymore. Plastic covers keep breaking off, the AC unit has alway been terrible, had to replace the accelerator. Save yourself the time and money and look elsewhere.

• 

  Worst Car Ever - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By tyxty1 - August 30 - 7:56 am

  This car was a complete nightmare for me. I traded the car as soon as I could, which was 4 years later, due to it being so upside down. I purchased my Caliber in 2007 with 20,000 miles on it. The looks and features are what initially drew me in. I was in a small accident 2 months after I purchased and boy was it downhill from there. In 4 years, I put 120,000 miles on it, but what I had to do within those 4 years was ridiculous. Replaced: 4 sets of tires, 2 batteries, 1 ENGINE, 2 alternators, and its been a year, but countless other things I cannot remember. This car was in the shop ALL the time.

• 

  What was Dodge thinking - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By ortega8794 - June 28 - 2:24 am

  My god! What was dodge thinking when they decided to build this piece of crap? Lets build a car which will never get out of the shop!? Im 17, I got my Caliber as a gift from my parents at 15 been driving it for 2 years and in those 2 years Ive had to change Engine supports, Alternator (twice), battery 3 times, Tires (all four), Compressor (Twice)... And those are just the major things let alone the small things every time I take it to the shop. Ive been told its due to the sound system I have in the car but friends of mine have much bigger sound systems in civics and such cars and nothing. Ive been left out on the road twice! Car just died on me had to get a tow because it wouldnt start

• 

  GREAT CAR! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By t_white - June 2 - 3:03 pm

  I have had this car now for three years and I absolutely love it! The design is innovative as well as comfortable. It drives great and I have never had any problems with it mechanically. I would recommend this car to anybody.

• 

  Not luxurious but decent little ride - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By bryancpe - June 1 - 12:44 pm

  I bought this car new and Ive put 66000 miles on this car without a need for any repairs. The ride is comfortable but not luxurious by any means. The ride is fairly smooth and gets great mileage. Typically I get 30-31 mpg. On long interstate trips I get about 28. Why you might ask do I get lesser mpg? It has a tiny engine (2.0L) that works harder to maintain 70+ mph speeds. I keep up with the maintenance religiously as I live in the hot desert of Arizona and want this vehicle to last. The vehicle idles heavy and is weak on the acceleration. The cabin is bit small but I do have two toddler car seats in the back seat. Cargo space can be limited, especially with a big stroller. Does the job!

• 

  Lots of Water Interior Rear and Front Passenger Side - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By kwicklund - May 21 - 5:08 pm

  I replaced my worn out Aurora with 197+ thousand miles on it at the end of Feb 2012. I purchased a used Dodge Caliber 2007 with 74,221 miles on it. It now has 75,690 miles on it. I guess the previous owner left out the little bit of information where the back & front passenger interior side floor leaks , and not just a little, inches worth. Then it takes forever to get it to dry and then it starts to stink to high heaven. I have been trying to find someone who will guide me to the spot that causes this leak so it wont cost me a small fortune to get it fixed. I also have discovered several other problems as well.