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 SE Steel blue cool ride - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By tupmeier - December 10 - 5:03 am

  I purchased my SE base model on July 4 and my wife cant get me out of that car. I drove a Mazda MPV before and looked for a family car thats great on gas and cheap on insurance and looks great. I purchased the car on the web without even test driving it. I just loved the look of it. Then when I got to the dealer to sign the papers, I test drove it. I only have to say one thing about it to everyone else. Go and get one yourself. This car is the best car I have ever driven. Only proplem I had is the check engine light turns on when I go to a pressure brush carwash ,so I changed the carwash to no touch and havent had a proplem since

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  Smooth Ride - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Lisa Brinkley - December 7 - 12:20 pm

  This car picks up speed fast. Great to drive in the rain. The Caliber truly grips the road. The quality of the car is tough. I backed into a pole and it did not dent at all. Just a small scratch.

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  I love my Caliber! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mindosity - November 12 - 9:23 am

  I just recently purchased the Dodge Caliber SE Plus and I love it. I think the body style and little extras (light up cup holders, cooler in glove box) are great. I get over 400 miles per tank, which is nice with gas prices. I have not driven it in snow yet but it is great on wet roads. The engine is 2.0 liters and kind of loud, but worth it. I also appreciate all of the space. Before I bought the Caliber, I was driving a small pick-up and was used to being in small space.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jake - November 10 - 1:53 am

  This car is great and with gas over $3 it makes it even better. I travel for work and use the cooler and ipod holder every day. I also have the music gate feature and love it for tailgating.

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  2007 Dodge Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Missy B. - November 7 - 2:06 am

  Overall, I love the car. The gas mileage is good, the adjustable seat height on the drivers seat is a plus, I love the look of the car. The headrests seem to limit visibility when Im looking over my shoulder to go in reverse. The car is fun to drive though!

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  Its Growing on Me - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By altarofego - November 6 - 9:50 am

  This car is a good commuter car. I bought it because it seems the car best balancing gas mileage and interior space. Im on the tall side at 64". It is slow and handles poorly when pressed, but I dont dirve that way. The tubing covering the break lines has dropped down 4 times and the dealer does not seem to have a solution. I had to fix it. The steering wheel controls for the radio/cd player have a mind of their own. The left button that should change the stations only does that occasionally. Mostly it lowers or raises the volume randomly. I no longer us it. I dont know that Id buy this one again, but Im not terribly dissatisfied either.

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  Brakes, check engine - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By BC - November 3 - 7:26 pm

  1 of only a few manual Calibers. Had to return to dealer many times 5+ for check engine light. Bad software which was a big topic in Detroit as #2 o2 sensor was slow to respond. Finally have that fixed and brake rotors are severely warped. Sorry, warranty only good to 12000 miles. Hope some aftermarket co. soon makes good rotors!

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  Replaced Jeep GC 4x4 - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Ray - November 3 - 7:20 pm

  Not sure why so many national reviewers are giving this vehicle so much grief. I have the RT with the 2.4L 5spd Manual. Coming from a V6 SUV, I think this car has a lot of pep. Love the color options, my model is Black ext with black and red accents interior. Very roomy in the front. Although, I wish they narrowed steering column. Having short legs I have to be a little closer to the steering wheel. My legs scrape getting in and out.

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  hate this car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Eileen - October 24 - 10:03 pm

  I really hate this car. The inside features are not intuitive at all. My son has been pinched with the door locks that auto lock. The seats make your back hurt after any length of time. The trade in value on this car sucks. I owe more than I could ever hope to get back on it. I am praying for the day that I get it paid for so I can just trade it in and get rid of it. It has 4 doors but absolutely no room in the back unless you have the seat tilted so far back you look at the ceiling. The windows are so hard to look out of the visibility sucks. The mileage on the car runs about 26 mpg if we are lucky. The only good point is that it is very good in the snow.

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  Reliable - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jawa - September 26 - 4:26 pm

  Bought my 2007 SXT 2.0 CVT nearly 2 years ago and have only replaced the cruise control switch ($25). I am not crazy about the CVT but getting used to it. Tires are still original with 80,000 km. Fuel economy average at 8 L/100 km.