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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  My Favorite Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jg - October 15 - 2:06 pm

  I have had my car for almost a year now. I live up north and we have had over 15ft of snow so far this winter and only half way through it. It handles well in the snow, this was one of the major reasons I chose this car. It doesnt have any problems starting on those below zero mornings. I make long trips regularly and this car helps me get through them. The seats are very comfortable. The only problems I have had were there when I purchased. The cruise control was never hooked up correctly and one speaker didnt work right (which there was a recall on so I got all 4 replaced). I know some people say it is loud but it is the quietest car I have ever owned.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MichaelC - September 28 - 7:13 pm

  Purchased new with 3 miles on the odometer. The only problem so far as been a return trip to the dealer for an ECU update to correct a CEL. Ive carried lumber, office furniture, 30 boxes of stone floor tile, a door and countless other large, bulky items. The original Firestone tires were noisy and rough at 30,000 miles and replaced with General Altimax HPs (a great choice for this car). I would purchase this car again.

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  Love My R/T - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By GS - September 17 - 6:26 am

  Got the 07 Caliber R/T back in June. I am absolutely in love with it, except it needs more "oomph" when I touch the gas. I mostly use the "autostick" which does give me a more power on take off. Overall, though, I love it. I get questions from people all the time - get stared at a lot when sitting at traffic lights!!! The optional Boston 9 speaker system is awesome - the chiller could be a bit cooler, but who cares about that - no biggie. Cant wait for the SRT Turbo version to come out!! I bought the "inferno red" R/T with the upgraded chrome wheels, sunroof, red seat inserts/dash panel - its gorgeous!

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  Great Value - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Laura - September 15 - 11:16 am

  This car has been awesome so far. The interior is extremely comfortable and versatile. Love the reclining rear seats and how the rear seats as well as the passenger seats fold flush to the floor for more cargo space. Also, the floor of the cargo hatch is plastic and removable for easy cleaning. The car has decent, but not great acceleration. Caliber provides an extremely smooth and comfortable ride.

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  Good in crash - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Jessi - August 7 - 7:00 pm

  This car was great to drive, comfortable and affordable. No one wanted to test the crash test rating, but we did. We were rear-ended on the freeway going very fast. I think the car did a great job absorbing the impact and the fact that my husband, my dog and myself are still around is the testimony.

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  My new Dodge - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jamie Wilke - July 30 - 8:33 am

  I love my new R/T Caliber. I love the Sirius satelite radio. I dont think I will ever be without it. The garage door opener programmed right into the car is a great feature. No more searching for the remote. I am hoping to utilize the U Connect feature when I get my new bluetooth capable cell phone. I am still looking for help on programming this. There is nothing in the owners manual. We will see how that goes.

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  Want to trade it in... - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By driver1 - July 25 - 9:03 pm

  Im reading the reviews here and getting nervous about the transmission. For the last several fuel fill-ups, the car doesnt accelerate properly. Itll go, then theres a noticeable loss of power upon acceleration, then go, while my RPMs are all over the place. Usually, after getting gas, Ill have to pull over and re-tighten the gas cap (it looks like I have OCD at the pump... putting the cap on over and over, until I feel like I have a good seal). This morning (at 55k) my check engine light came on for no reason (havent refueled in days). Id like nothing more than to get the light to turn off, and trade it in before Im out 4+k.

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  Never Again - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Amber - July 22 - 2:46 am

  I purchased a dodge caliber used with only 19,000 miles in Feb. 2008. In June 2008 i noticed my car makeing a knocking noise when accelerateing or slowing down at this time the car only had 33,000 miles on it so it was still covered under warranty. So I took it to a dodge dealer here in this area and they checked it out and told me there was nothing wrong with it. I didnt agree so i took it to another dodge dealer the next week and they said nothing was wrong with it. So i gave up and of course the warranty went out and it is still making that noise well i took it to another mechnic and he told me that it was the transmission. And Im a single mother and i cant afford $2500 to fix it!

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  I love it! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jen - July 20 - 11:56 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle. It is sporty, yet sophiscated. No it is not speedy, however I dont need the tickets! It is fun to drive and fun to look at!

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  What a Mistake - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ineedacar - July 7 - 5:29 am

  Know a good repair shop