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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  Best buy for the buck - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By D M Millar - July 11 - 11:20 am

  I have been driving Chrysler products for many years because I find them more reliable. I chose the 2007 Dodge Caliber after I tried out Matrix and others and notice the structure was much safer looking and it had a 5 star rating and it felt more like a safer car to ride in. After reading of so many being injured and killed in Toyota and other small cars I chose the Caliber and Im glad I did. The ride is unbelievable, performance and economy better than expected. I usually trade every two years but this ones a keeper for another year or two. Compare the structure of this vehicle with Japans vehicles and you will feel safe in a Caliber

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  10 year review - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Tony S - July 5 - 8:21 am

  I’ve had my caliber R/T for 10 years now, and overall it’s been a decent vehicle. Like a few others, I to had to replace the ball joints around 50,000 miles. I’ve replaced the battery twice. Replaced tires numerous times. Replaced the master and slave cylinder for transmission. That’s about it. I bought the car used in 2007 with 14,000 Miles. The dealer had a number of calibers on the lot, but I wasn’t fond of any until I saw this one. It looked great (still does), was an R/T, plus had many of the SRT upgrade features. Finally, it was a manual transmission which I love. Over the years, I’ve racked up more an 100,000 Miles on this car, and although I’ve had a few repairs, I’ve never regretted buying it. Any car 10 years old will be be in the shop sooner or later. Even with the expense of repairs, it’s been the most economical and reliable car I’ve ever owned. Time and time again it’s got me where I needed to be, and never let me down. I was looking for a economical car when I found the Caliber. Many told me not to buy it, but those same people were spending thousands more on a car than I wanted to. I bought it anyway and have never regretted it. Maybe I was lucky. Maybe I found the only decent Caliber out there. I don’t know. I like to think I took care of her, and she took care of me.

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  This is no NEON - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Donald - June 21 - 3:46 pm

  The hype "was" that this was a replacement for the NEON! This car is so much better than the Neon, it has a removable Ultra deck (cargo deck that will hold up to 250 pounds. I have a navigation system with a boom box that that is attached to the rear hatch door with 348 watts of power for tailgating parties. I also have a place for my ipod that plays through the speaker system in the car. This is not another NEON, this is the new Dodge CALIBER!

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  Loving my Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MS. G - June 17 - 1:30 am

  I just purchased my Caliber a week ago and I just love it! I wanted a mid size SUV and decided to go with the Caliber instead. Its just like a SUV. I have received so many compliments about my car everyone that see it loves it. It is so comfortable and rides very well. I have the red one and the color is just beautiful. I highly recommend this car, you will love it!

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  Love this car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By bluebutterflyla - June 16 - 4:50 pm

  If an SUV and a sedan had kids this is what it would look like. Small like a sedan with room like an SUV and the comfort of both. This car is great on gas and is very dependable.

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  Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jim - June 15 - 11:40 pm

  Drove in snow and ice for first time. Excellent handling on the ice with AWD. Getting up icy hills with no problem. Tows my small boat easily. Would like better gas mileage (22 mpg city). Is not crowded with five passengers. Like the SUV style-I call it a minie SUV.

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  Best New Car Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Steve6887 - May 23 - 2:26 am

  Bought new 51 weeks ago; run 27000 miles already, mostly my 50-mile daily commute down the I-5 in So. Cal each day, plus three trips to Vegas, and city errand/kids school carpool driving etc. This is the only new car (of six Ive owned)that has not had any defects or problems whatsoever. The original Firestone 18" performance tires still have plenty of service life left, and surprisingly so do the original brakes. The only service has been oil changes every 5K miles ($17 at the Dodge dlr, not bad for OEM) My 16 yr old daughter thinks this car is cool. Definitely get the R/T though, as added amenities, bigger engine, autostick, and 4wheel disc brakes are crucial for the enjoyment of this car.

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  Finally dumped it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By lb - May 12 - 6:26 am

  Welp, after being told I was crazy and all the clunking noises, I have dumped my Caliber. It actually got good mileage, it had to have something good. Frankly, I was starting to fear the car was going to fly apart. The dealership service kept telling me it was the tires making the noises, and I told them You let me drive it off the lot like this I took it to Firestone and they said the tires were fine, numerous times. Come on! If I had needed tires, I reckon Firestone would have wanted to make a buck or two. Anywho, I wouldnt recommend the Caliber. Too bad, I thought it was going to be a pretty good car.

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  SXT Sport - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Wendy - May 8 - 8:03 pm

  Ive had my car for 5 weeks. It handles well, has good speed and is beautiful to look at. I love it.

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  Reliable, Sharp, Fun - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By SNN - May 2 - 3:30 am

  I bought this as a used fleet car at 16,000 miles. Its the 2.0 CVT SXT. I have had no problems thus far. The tires have been changed eliminating any road noise. AC is cold at 30 degrees lower than outside temp, chillzone stays at 65 to 75 degrees with ac on and vent open. I replaced the stock speakers but left the stock radio. I get avg. 28 city/ 32 highway mpg. Plenty of spunk for stop lights and city traffic dodging. Handles well, and will spin tires. Doesnt haul butt, 0-30 in 3 seconds and 30-60 in another 9 seconds. But, it is a clean looking car thats fun to drive with acceptable mpg and features. The new 2008s have more standard features now, but Im glad to own an original.