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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  Boxes - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joyce - November 27 - 11:50 am

  I love how the front passenger seats folds flat! I can fit 1 1/2 skids in my Caliber I no longer need to rent a box truck I just make 2 trips. Why not make 2 trips the Caliber is fun to drive.

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  kols Caliber experience - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By kol2782 - November 27 - 1:20 am

  I have recently purchased my first new car all on my own and I love my new Caliber. It drives well, has good gas mileage, and looks good. As a young single mother it still gives me my youth, yet gives me all the space and accessories as a mother.

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  Two weeks in and I love it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By slickerby - November 14 - 5:46 pm

  I bought the Inferno Red SXT 2.0 two weeks ago after retiring a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Not nearly as plush as my Jeep, but still perfect for my commute to work. Roomier than expected and I even took my six-foot-plus-some- son to sit in the back seat at the dealership before I decided to buy. Once I drove and got the feel of the CVT I was hooked. Great car, great value, great sporty look.

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  What?? Why did i buy this? - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Anthony - November 11 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this car from enterprise. After the 1st week i needed a new transmission.(miles 34,000) 2 weeks later i need another transmission. Now i need a new engine because some rod broke. Worst car ever. Engine stalls when im on the highway. I bought it for $12,000. I tried to sell it back to enterprise and they will only give me $5,000. They said the Cailber doesnt hold its value. So after 2 months it lost $7,000.00. Im stuck with it. I should have bought the charger!!!! STAY CLEAR FROM THIS CAR!! DO NOT BUY!!!

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  Worth every penny - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Holly - November 6 - 6:03 am

  Most of the views I read talked about how unhappy everyone was with the "cheap" feeling of the interior. This is an economy car, not a BMW. I feel that my purchase was worth every penny when I compared what I got on the Caliber compared to the Fit, Yaris and Focus. I just needed a great car to get to work and grad school, but also be able to take a canoe trip with friends.

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  Simply Awesome! Must Buy! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ty - October 27 - 9:43 am

  This vehicle both looks smooth and runs smooth! It is an automatic eye catcher and is sharp both inside and out. I have been blown away by the vehicles smooth manual transmission and by the small yet powerful engine!! The commercials are right, "Its anything but cute!!!" The interior is very spacious and very comfortable to ride in. This vehicle is the definition of a smooth ride and I am glad that I chose this particular vehicle! The economy of this vehicle is simply outstanding! Great gas mileage for the size of the Caliber! I had to wait about 3 months to get my Caliber... but trust me, it was defiintly worth the wait!

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  Cool car. Fun to drive - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Chuck - October 25 - 4:33 am

  I Like everything about this car. The only thing I dislike is the day time running lights. It is a option that someone must of ordered .

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  All around good American car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Angel - October 18 - 4:23 am

  I love driving my Caliber. Its very cute but it also has a masculine handsome feel and handle to it. We also own a gas guzzling SUV, so when we went looking for a second car we wanted something safe, fuel efficient, roomy and stylish looking. Also with having 2 toddlers we definitly needed 4 doors with leather. Caliber was our man or woman! Love it

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  Great Little car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By NJGUY - October 7 - 2:00 pm

  Ive had the car since February. Handling is excellent, car is just fun to drive. The styling is edgy enough to make it stand out. The inferno red doesnt hurt either. Shortcomings are the rear visibility when backing up, you really have to get used to it. The other thing is I upgraded to the 6 disc nav system, dont do it. You lose the MP3 input and it just really isnt user friendly on the music side. Had I known I would have stuck with the standard radio and CD and bought a Tom Tom. Other than that, the car has been good.

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  Cheap car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Alex - September 29 - 12:41 am

  Dont buy this car, i bought a 2007 dodge caliber feomba friend of mine and ro my surprise mavis couldnt do the alignment saying that the front cradle is corroded beyond imagination. They told me that the part still under warranty so I went to the dealer in Connecticut, they inspected the vehicle and said that the part inbfact it was covered by the warranty but in order to replace that part they needed to replace al the rusted parts around the cradle, they didnt said broken parts, they said corroded parts. Finally they gave me a appraisal for $2, 500.00 in order for them to replace to part under warranry. I refused because to expensive. A local shop is charging me 1000 to replace the part, I have no choice but to do it, this under frame, cradle appears to be made of a really cheap metal...