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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  1st and the LAST - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Used Not Improved - March 28 - 9:20 am

  Purchased the 07 Caliber SXT certified and can say it was a huge mistake. Poor ride quality, mileage is at best 23 on the hwy and high teens in the city. The CVT transmission is the real deal if your cruising or going down hill, but thats at best. Interior is very cheap, ride is similar to a 3/4 ton truck. Storage is not great, leg room is decent in the front but poor in the back, if you got a child seat in the back the front passengers knees will eat the dash. If you want quality get a GM, FORD, or Honda or something else. Dodge struck out big time on these!

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  better off w/ a hoopty - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By carla - February 26 - 3:39 pm

  I love my vehicle but I have been having problems with it since 9850 miles. I took it to the dealership more than ten times and they tell me there is nothing that they can do. I also have problems with the acceleration, the signal light went out at about 12,000 miles, the brakes squeek, the head lights dim when I use the inside controls, and the fuel door light stayed on for a day. The tires were not at the correct inflation level once and I fixed the problem by putting more air, y is there not a system that tells me why my car wont start some times. The people at the dealership treat me bad wish that they would have treated me like this when I was going to purchase my car.

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  Worst car ever made - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Jessica - February 4 - 2:03 pm

  We havent had it long but I really wish I would not have bought it. So far it stinks in gas mileage. Gets a total of 20-25 mpg. At first I thought the gas handle was broke and the company promised to fix it in 3 months. We call back and they say 3 more months. It cant move in snow, I got stuck in my drive way but me buick got out just fine. Its broken down with only 6252 miles on it. If you asked me "should I buy this car?" I would say NEVER EVER EVER buy this car.

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  Mommy Mistakes - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Sarah23 - January 25 - 8:52 pm

  I bought this car thinking it would be fantastic for when I had a baby, boy was I WRONG. The infant car seat made the front seats sit so close to the dash I could barely drive, now with the upright her feet have to squish between seats. Ive had to replace the tires the defrost makes an awful smell the brakes have been replaced twice. I went to start my car,lights and radio came on but it just clicked. To no surprise, this happens to calibers and now I have to buy a new battery for a three year old vehicle. Its awful in the snow, I slid of the road with my newborn several times with brand new tires! DONT BUY THIS CAR!!!!! Biggest mistake Ive ever made! P.S. the "cooler" doesnt cool.

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  Transmission Unreliable - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By cheevo - January 14 - 10:53 am

  This car ran just fine for the first 2 years of ownership. then suddenly the automatic transaxle overheat light came on and the car was forced into "limp mode" which doesnt allow the car to go any faster than 10-15mph. ive read a lot of reviews saying people have to get the trans replaced at a cost of approx $4000. i personally dont have money for that. BAD CAR with HORRIBLY depreciated value. would NEVER buy again

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  WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bobbie_J - January 5 - 7:48 pm

  After I discovered I was pregnant + realized that a 2 dr vehicle was no longer an option, husband + I started looking for a nice looking, fuel efficient 4 dr, went lots of places, read lots of reviews that talked so highly of the caliber we were roped in + decided to buy. THAT WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE WE COULD HAVE EVER MADE !!!!! I do commute 90 mi. 4 dys/week + expected a little wear + tear boy was I ever wrong. Ive now had this car for 3.5yrs + have had to have new tires put on (x4), new tire rod ends (X2), brakes, struts, alignments up the wazoo, + now I have the very costly transmission problem that will cost 6k to fix. R U KIDDING ME, Dodge needs to scrap the CALIBER!!!!I miss my chev

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  Not for families - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Alyssa - January 5 - 12:45 pm

  Got this because of the hatch back, the outer appearance, & at the time the reviews for this car were high-praising. Now, though, this has been my biggest regret. The back seats have absolutely no room. It is difficult to install my sons car seat properly without having the front passenger eating the dashboard. Ive had to replace tires 8 times now, brakes 4 times, and windshield washer fluid "sprayers" twice. The high-beams turn on by themselves, the "drink cooler" doesnt cool anything, replacement parts are expensive, drives terrible in the winter, & the value diminishes so quickly that youre basically stuck in the sale. Dont buy it! Definitely not family-friendly.

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  caliber 07 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Caliber07 - October 20 - 10:13 pm

  This car has given me so many problems, I have had the transmisson replaced 3 times and the car still act like it dont have any speed. ready to get rid of it cant take it any more.

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  It is what it is, I guess... - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By lovethemwahoos - March 13 - 8:24 am

  OK Ill start by saying impulse buy. This was my 4th Mopar product, and sorry my last. I bought this car, and really dont know why in the end. From the plastic interior, satellite radio with no info display, to the awful road noise. I do like the Sunroof, and Yes Essential seats. The CVT seems to work well, corners OK, but in all a massive let down. I swallowed the loss and traded another vehicle off to cover some of the loss to purchase a Pontiac Torrent. Sorry this car is great if you really enjoyed the Neon I guess. Dodge has dropped quality so far, it’s just sad. I am so happy with Torrent, sorry Dodge Caliber just needs to many improvements, glorified Neon for sure. Look around first!

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  Thankfully I Leased - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ram Horns - March 11 - 7:03 pm

  Absolutely the worst vehicle I have ever had! I leased an R/T and parked it for the last month of the lease not because of high miles but this car was so noisy inside, rode like a truck, wore out all four OEM tires in 27k miles, junked one battery, had no handling at all, no throttle response and poor mileage for a 2.4L. Other owners of the same car agreed with me and family members that had the opportunity to drive my R/T could not believe how bad a car is was.