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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  Very Unhappy, Buyer Beware - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MARCI FROM CHINO - April 9 - 11:56 pm

  Our Caliber has been in for repairs several times in last 2 1/2 months. We have a loud pinging/annoying noise that gets louder if your happen to be waiting in line going thru drive thru/or driving slow speed. We have a front passenger door that doesnt fit the frame flush. Headlight that sticks out in front. Gaps galore. Ice cooler that doesnt work. Seatbelt clasp that makes clicking noise as you drive.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By AMOLDEN124 - March 11 - 8:40 pm

  This is a great vehicle! Spacious interior is great for us parents, but the sporty outside is perfect for cruising. Cant beat the fuel economy, Im getting nearly 35 miles to the gallon (highway), and when youre on a tight budget, thats always a plus. It handles better than I would have suspected.

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  Nice Dodge Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bandj05 - February 23 - 10:36 am

  This car is great on gas mileage. It is an inexpensive car, so that explains the lack of interior and exterior quality. However, I think that this car gives the college student or small family car person a great choice. Ive previously owned a Lexus and a Trans Am. If you want the quality of a Lexus you are going to have to pay the high price. If you want power the go buy a car that gets 10 miles to the gallon. If youre looking for medium quality, excellent gas mileage, and a low cost then this is a great buy.

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  Dont buy one! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By heathers_mom - February 23 - 4:03 am

  I really liked this car when I first got it, paid a little more than I probably should have and now way too upside down to trade in. Now major issues are coming up. I have 12,000 miles now, starting around 6,000 was a thumping noise. Apparently all four tires are bad and Firestone wont warranty them, Dodge just denies its the car! Also, poor design (when you roll down the rear windows, the car shakes so bad, it hurts your ears, sounds like a helicopter on the roof) Also do not like the rubbery plastic interior. Once you bump into it with something, big scratch! Also hate the white ceiling and its fabric. Passenger heated seat hardly warms up. Overall, getting more and more unhappy!!

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  This thing has been my A to B Champion commuter - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By thetreemind@mac.com - February 20 - 5:11 pm

  I bought this brand new in 2007, first brand new car i ever bought. I had an older used Honda Civic hatchback before that and it was pretty cool but had nearly 300K miles so i finally bought a new car. I used it mostly for my work commute, 40 miles a day for the first 5-6 years then i got a job that I could take a bus so i just use it now for weekending trips and short runs to the store and gym or weekend errands. It has never given me any issues. I have replaced the tires and breaks, done all the suggested maintenance, and it has been super good for me. 86,000 miles in ten years and Never a problem. I will probably sell it soon because i have always wanted to have a big rig for camping in, but i will probably never get anything as reliable... This little gem has given me ten years of amazing reliability... such an awesome Caliber. I will miss it! So maybe i got lucky? Maybe i picked out the good one? I have no idea... but this one is and has been as good as gold. If it were twice the size i would keep it another ten years. Wish i could super size it.

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  "SKs" SXT - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By "SK" - February 11 - 4:03 pm

  I took the car for a test drive and before I went 1/4 of a mile I told the salesman to make me a deal on the car. I loved everything about it. The only draw back to me is the high step over getting in & out of the car and that is minimal. I love the car. Dodge has a winner

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  Could Have Been Bettter - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mighty Elmo - February 6 - 8:46 pm

  I bought mine when they first came out. The Chill Zone does not stay open which is my first major complaint especially when I brought back to the dealer the person had no clue what it was or did. The brakes crunch one in a while. Fit and finish of the car is good. While I like the car It certainly could have a little more quality put into the vehicle

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  Love it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Willilam Hogge - February 1 - 11:00 pm

  I purchased my Caliber and have had nothing but fun driving it. I am 57 years old and I drive it 6 days a week to work. I was shocked the first time that I had to use passing gear. The response was great. I use passing gear because it feels like it has one. Thanks for building this automoble.

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  Great car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By flyusmc - January 26 - 3:56 am

  No problems and I avg 30 MPG. Tons of features and good fit and finish. Was not looking for the color I got but it stands out and be ready for attention (Sunburst Orange). Tons of space on the inside with very versatle interorior configurations. CVT is something to get used to. It definitly saps some of the engines power, but it makes up for it in fuel economy. Overall way underated but much better then the others I drove. For the same price you get a much bigger car with way better features. The rated MPG is very close to actuall unlike the Honda & Toyota I drove.. They may be faster, but thats all. PS. the integrated chill zone cooler really works and is very cool!

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  Great Car, With One Issue - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ben - January 24 - 8:13 am

  I just bought this car just a few weeks ago for my son, he loves it and so do i. it has a great exterior and interior, and runs great too. However as soon as we got it home the brakes or brake pedal squeaks. It is very annoying but the dealership said they would try to fix it so i can only hope. Overall this is a great car and i would recommend it to anyone