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:

• 

  2007 Dodge Caliber SE 2.0L CVT - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By caliberandy - May 1 - 4:43 am

  This car is the most fun and functional vehicle ive ever purchased. Great on gasoline, a real attention getter, and a blast to drive!

• 

  Dont buy this for the gas mileage - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Beep Beep - March 24 - 2:26 pm

  Just wanted to let everyone know that this is a nice little car. I would definitely not rate it as high as most of the people below but for the price its very nice. I drive a lot of miles and get around 25 mpg no matter how I drive. I tried for 2 weeks to drive slow and see what my mpg would be and it was slightly over 26. I would also suggest to stay away from the dark colors, I got black , it has a white under coat and the scratches really jump out. Over all its a nice little car for the price.

• 

  Mean Machine! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By amannuel - March 19 - 7:36 am

  Im very impressed wth my new Caliber! Ive had it for about 3 weeks, and it has treated me very well! As with any new model car, there a a couple small kinks that need to be worked out, such as the leaky rear window washer, but that will iron itself out with time! This car is a lot of fun, versatile, and its easy on the fuel! Its definitely worth a test drive!!

• 

  Is this a prototype? - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Caliber owner - March 17 - 5:43 am

  Overall, I like my Dodge Caliber. There are tons of neat little storage places and innovative interior features. The body design is new and different, and I love it. The engine bogs down a lot on inclines and from a stand still. The design has way too many blind spors especially when backing up. I was nervous about buying a vehicle in the first model year, and I dont think my skepticism is unfounded, but I dont have nearly as many issues as I had feared. The AC is having some issues along with the rear defroster. Overall, the car is good and I will definitely drive it for years to come.

• 

  happy with this car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By tam - March 13 - 10:46 am

  I love this car! I traded my Mustang for a more reliable vehicle as I travel often, and I love it, Ive had no issues with it since I purchased the vehicle with 28,000 miles, Ive so far put 12000 miles, traveled to las vegas and san diego back to new mexico with no issues! this has been a great car for me and my family

• 

  Beware, stay away, run for you life - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Kimmy - March 9 - 1:43 pm

  Ive own this car since March 2007 and had a first great year, thats it! Ever since my car have been to the dealership almost every month. I had and still have the squeak sound in the back suspension, the mechanics seem to be clueless about it even after they changed from the chock to the bushings and some other things then the was and still is something weird. When I start the car, the RPM rev up and down about 5 seconds and if I try to put it in reverse the motor just stops and its hard to start it again and I have to wait until the car warms up about 15 mins to be able to leave and sometimes the motor even totally stops at a red light.

• 

  I love my Dodge Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By DJC - March 5 - 6:03 am

  I love my Caliber. Great fuel economy, styling, and cool features. Im getting about 38 mpg going back and forth to work. I get a lot of looks and comments where ever I go. There are some real cool features that make the car special; lighted cup holders (I dont have to guess where to put my coffee cup, the glove box cooler can hold four cans or bottles of pop and keep them cold (the other day I had a candy bar that was melting... so I put it in the glove box cooler and it was good to eat by the time I got home), theres a detachable rear dome light that doubles as a flash light (I used it to fix a friends car one night), and the rear speakers can be detached for parties.

• 

  Love It - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By T. Henry - February 21 - 11:23 am

  Weve had our Caliber for a couple of months and we love it. It does not have much "get up and go", but feels sturdy and safe. Theres a lot of steep grades in our area & it handles them beautifully. Comfy inside, but blind spots are hard to get used to, especially in reverse. Gas mileage is fantastic, we average about 30 miles/gal. Storage space is excellent. Love its look and overall feel. Well see how it handles in winter.

• 

  07 caliber sxt 2.0 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By mopar 1 dude - February 18 - 8:16 pm

  when i frist got my car peaple would turn there heads when i drove by.and told me they loved the color.it was sunburst orange.

• 

  I love my R/T - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ken Smith - February 8 - 2:26 pm

  The build quality, materials, and styling strike me as being European. Some reviews assess the interior as "cheap" and "small". I found the interior to be very roomy and comfortable. The road noise is much lower than I expected from a car at this price-point. Options are plentiful and make it easy to make it exactly what you want.