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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  I Love My Dodge - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Zazzy - September 10 - 4:00 pm

  Ive only owed it for 3 months, but so far it is great. Fuel mileage is everything they say it is. I get slightly over 31 mpg. Its comfortable inside, and looks great outside. Because it has an excellent safety rating, the insurance costs are low. The rear seats fold back which gives me a huge amount of space for cargo. Stereo system is not bad either. If there is one thing that I do not like it would be that trying to check your blind spot on the drivers side is nearly impossible. I solved this with a blind spot mirror attached to the outside mirror. Other than that I am a very happy Dodge Caliber owner.

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  Great Value and Performance All Around - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By famrex - August 12 - 11:56 am

  This car is so much fun to drive, rides and handles very well with the 17" tires. Once I got used to the CVT it has good acceleration for the small engine. If youre looking for a mini suv/wagon/sedan for about $20,000, check this vehicle out.

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  Tires!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Rose M - July 22 - 8:26 am

  After reading quite a few of these reviews, the common theme is tire issues. I, too, have been told that my tires need to be replaced. I have been told that it could be because of my alignment, suspension, tire pressure, you name it!! It just seems odd that a lot of people seem to have this issue. Chrysler wont do anything, sent me to Firestone, who sent me back to the dealership. Not good!! Very poor customer service. When are they going to take the hint and look into what is causing the problem?

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  Love My Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By mittiegirl - July 17 - 4:13 pm

  I absolutely love my new Caliber. It is my 3rd car, and let me tell you, it is definitely the best. I drive it back and forth to college twice a week, which is 100mi each way. Ive never had any problems with it. The headlighs are awesome! Seats are extremely comfortable. I have both front seats the whole way back and my cousins who are all 510 and taller have virtually no problem getting in and out. It does lag a bit from 0-40, but once you hit 40 it just goes. One review said it was not agile, not at all true. Very responsive and safe. The 5 star saftey rating one reason I bought it. It can also go through quite a bit of snow, AWD or no AWD.

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  very nice car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By earl - July 2 - 3:23 am

  i got this vehicle in oct.o7 i have own close to 30 cars all types and this car is very good it is 2.0 some say they are slow not this one i get about 32 miles to a gal.hwy 26 city this is a grate car and with only 12000 miles and 12 more payments iam hook /// iam keeping this car tell the wheels fall off Csmile) people should check this one out they will be surprise. almost forgot and for those who has one go to a kn air filter

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  I love my Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By D Smith - June 13 - 6:00 pm

  So far the only negative issue I have had is with the cooler in the glovebox. The latch was not catching properly and I had to have it adjusted. It seems to be working now.

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  I love my Caliber - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Raider - June 7 - 5:23 am

  Ive only had my black metallic 1.8L SXT for a month, but its been extraordinary even compared to all my other vehicles, and my last vehicle was a Cadillac. Its utilitarian and tough, solid, quiet, comfortable, and Im having no problem getting around in the Wyoming winter at 7,000 feet. Great ground clearance. The pedals and stick are right where I need them (I ordered the manual). I get 31 mpg on the highway and around 26 in town, and it has no problem starting when its 20 below zero. I hoped for a lot out of this vehicle, and its surpassed everything I expected, especially for the price. Kicks the Matrix, Mazda 3 and Vibe to the curb on value and style, and performs equally well.

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  Very Happy Customer - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Stephanie - May 15 - 4:23 am

  I feel really safe in this car. There are many safety features. You get the extra room without having a gas guzzler.

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  Huge Tire Issue - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By cotto19 - May 5 - 8:23 pm

  At 20K miles the road noise was deafening and we noticed the passenger rear tire was warn down to the tread markers. Upon evaluation, we were told that we needed to purchase 4 new tires. We were not given any explanation as to why we were being held responsible for the worn tires. Some research revealed that we are not the only ones with this issue. Chrysler sent us to Firestone. Firestone engineers, said that the tire specified by Chrysler is softer and does not qualify for any tread warranty. The Firestone told me that Chrysler knows that the tires are no good after 12K to 15K miles. Chrysler refuses to help. The only resolution is buy new tires. Apparently, once a year.

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  Good for the money - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By smitty - April 24 - 2:56 am

  Nice little car, if thats what you want to call it. The look sold us from the first, not crazy about the test drive, but wife like it and we drove it home. After 250 miles, got use to the CVT and small motor (I drive a F150 daily) and now use it to commute (wife has company car so dont get mad at me). The CVT makes driving fun again, MPG is very good also, running about 29 for us so far. Great for the money expecally for frist year model, usually they work out bugs after year 1, but Dodge did a good job with this one. If I have to sum the Caliber up in one word, it would be fun. Fun to drive, ride in, look at, just a feel good car. Even the color we bought, orange, is fun.