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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  Love it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jride - February 7 - 8:40 pm

  This car drive very well, the engine is very powerful while using as little gas as possible, i do not find this car very bad on gas usage, but very great, and it tends to take a week or so depending on whether or not I am heading out across the state or if I am going across town, its very reliable, yes it will need more gas to get across the state.

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  2007Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By me1934 - January 28 - 1:06 pm

  We have owned this vehicle for four weeks. We purchased it as a backup to our full-size conversion van, but are using it as our main vehicle due to the fuel economy and fun and easy to drive.

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  17,000 Miles and going strong! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By TheOneAdam - January 22 - 5:43 am

  Hello world! I have the Sunburst Orange SXT with all the bells and whistles. Definitely an eye catcher and never a shortage on conversation whether at the gas pump or grocery store. This is a nice fun vehicle, great for traveling as well as city driving. Being in the great state of Texas, driving to Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston (all cities are about 240 miles apart – est. 230 - 250 on at tank of gas) this vehicle is fun! And yes, good acceleration from 0-60 as well as surprisingly good passing speeds. Stable at the 3-digit speeds as well – Oops, did I say that?

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  A very good car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Michel Masse - January 13 - 2:40 am

  After becoming accustomed to the CVT transmission I will have difficulty to return to another type of transmission. The AWD driving in the last winter in Quebec region was avery good experience. I averaged 26-28 mpg in city driving and 31-32 in open road. After 20 000 km it is a solid car.

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  Average, Had some problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By sgtbrobertsipd - January 12 - 8:56 am

  Purchased a Caliber for my wife in April. Looks decent on the outside, interior leaves a little to be desired. Several times the check engine light came on, ended up being some air/fuel sensor that blew almost on a weekly basis. When it did, the gas mileage went from 30MPG to literally about 8MPG. That was a pain the butt with gas prices. Dodge took care of it, no questions asked. The only other problem we have noticed is the gas pedal is a little sensative. When you push it, there is either a delay or it guns it. With my wife being pregnant, that can be annoying when it jerks her.

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  I like it. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By A.W. - January 4 - 5:53 pm

  I bought my 07 Caliber two months ago and really enjoy the car. The interior is roomy and comfortable. The back seat is right for my tall friends and there is enough of room in the "wagon" area for my two medium sized dogs. In my previous cars, headlights from other vehicles would blind me. Not so with the Caliber. Good value for the money.

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  Satisfied owner - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mark S - January 4 - 4:30 am

  I actually own two Dodge Calibers both 2007, one SE & one SXT. My review is on the SE. Nice car for the money, spend the extra on the new SE Plus package which eliminates all my complaints (especially the tires). A few comments on other posts Ive read: If you hit a deer in an entry level car, it will probably be totaled. The tires are bad on my 2007 SE but why blame Dodge? Dunlop built the crummy tires, direct your complaints to them. EPA established the fuel economy standards, (CAFE) not auto manufacturers. While its true the 2007 is off from the EPA estimates, EVERY 2007 vehicle & earlier was WAY off. New stds enacted for 2008 are right on about 26 city and 30 hwy.

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  Good little car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Gordon - January 4 - 12:10 am

  Bought this car used from a Dodge dealer. I have had it 6 weeks Im 64 and use the car for work. Yes the engine is noisy and, yes, its slow but I get 24 MPG in city driving. I drive over 150 miles a week in the city and use half a tank a gas. Good second or third car or for a young person. Watch your outside mirrors they dont fold in I have lost 2 while parked to trucks. To replace them ( power) they are only 70 bucks at the dealer and you can do it yourself. I recommend the car!!!

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  Issues Galore - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By 07_sxt_25 - December 24 - 12:00 am

  I purchased my 1.8L Caliber SXT when they first hit the lot back in 06, and honestly I have had nothing but problems with it. A/c compressor replaced w/ 12k mi on it cause it was stalling the engine, 3 years later a/c still does not blow cold it gets to 120+ is Arizona and the a/c stinks in this car Lemon law denied my case on it. Transmission problems, rear brakes problems, engine issues, A/c will be running for 1 hr and will still be sweating. The only good thing I have to say about it is the gas mileage and front, side, and knee air bags. If I wasnt stuck in the car I would sell without thinking about it.

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  1 Year of ownership - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By calibur lover - December 23 - 2:20 am

  After 1 year and 8000 miles, No problems. averaging 26 miles to the gallon. Fun to drive. Still turns heads. I like the comfort of the car, and all of the bells and whistles. I have the 17 inch wheels, which look better on this car. also have cvt transmission and love the silent shift. probably the best car I have ever owned.