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 new car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By linda - June 30 - 7:36 pm

  I only suggest that the inside is a little to compact. I fele squished driving. The back seat cup holders should retract in and out so a third person can sit in the back. I love the car just need a little more room. Although it is a compact car it is so great on gas. I love that. I did experience a trouble time. It only happened once, but I had my headlights on and when I turned my turn signals on the whole head lights turned completely off. When the turn signals were off the lights came on. I also, when driving that night, when heat and radio were on the whole console got extremely hot to touch. Just a fluke but scary. Yes lights were on, not daytime runnng lites. Great car though!

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  A little noisy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By SALESMAN - June 18 - 11:06 pm

  Love the car very easy to get in and out of. I get window sticker mileage 26-30 mpg. A little noisy at high speeds. Sits nice and high for a small car.

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  Wait till 2009 to buy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Keith - June 17 - 5:20 am

  The car was fine until the weather changed to below freezing at night. When I start the car it idles rough and it wont "rev up" until the car warms up. The car bogs down instead. The dealership has no idea what the problem is. Not a car for people with climate changes in their hometown.

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  Pure fun - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Silverchild - June 5 - 1:06 am

  We bought this car a little over a month ago for my husband. Its the first car hes ever truly loved! He finds the seats more comfortable than I do as I require more back support. The interior is gorgeous but very plastic and scratches easily. There is little glare from the dash onto the windshield though. The features this car has are great! A glove box cooler, fantastic air conditioner (dare I say freezing cold in the summer? and were in TX!) lots of leg room and the steering wheel sits out farther than most cars and is larger in size, perfect for my husband. The exterior is sharp and very attractive, lights (in and out) are perfect, tinting dark, stereo incredible and very roomy!

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  Eye catcher - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By peteyspal - May 29 - 10:53 pm

  I first saw this car in a parking lot and drove strait to the Dodge dealership. Its the first "crossover" type vehicle that Ive seen that made me want to trade in my gas-guzzling suv. I get lots of positive comments on the exterior styling even though its the "base" model without all the spoilers and such. Handling is acceptable given the low end price and gas mileage is good as well. My 17 year old niece fell in love and sat in it for over an hour.Not bad considering the fact that Ive owned high-end SUVs for the past 10 years!

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  2007 Dodge Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By kass rider - May 25 - 3:56 am

  I really like the drivers seat as I have a bad back and it really is great. Also, the interior room is great and friends who have been in the car just really think it is great. The styling is also great.

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  Caliber love it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By rt - May 8 - 9:10 pm

  Fun car. It is very good on gas mileage and it seats five well. It looks very sporty and it handles well. not a powerhouse but it gets you there

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  Want to drive this one off a cliff!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By dj - May 3 - 10:16 pm

  I bought the car brand new. I regret this purchase everyday. Since its purchase I have had nothing but problem. Its needed new struts, tie- rod ends, has electrical issues, tires are shot after 20,000 miles, and at 30,000 the starter and relay is bad! This is just a bad car!!! If it would do me any good....Id park it right in front of the bank!! No need for the repo man....Im giving this one a special delivery!! Big ticket item with BIG PROBLEMS! Dodge went wrong on this one!

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  Love the looks, needs engine work - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By don - April 21 - 8:43 pm

  I probably was one of the first people to get a Caliber. I love the look of the car. People always look when I drive. When I get gas people always ask questions. The plastic underneath the car rattles at high speeds. Also, I think a spark plug is knocking. Everytime I hit the gas, I get a knocking/metal hitting something sound. It needs more pickup. When it rains or I go to a carwash, the engine steams like it is overheating. Also, the chillzone does not work. No air comes out of the vent. The flashlight is broken also.

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  Bad Buy - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Lakrisha Davidson - April 20 - 4:30 am

  I bought my Caliber used in 2016 and it was a total lemon. The dealer was a complete scam artist. My car had no horn, bad brakes and struts, and stained ceilings and seats. I regret the decision to buy that car still to this day. My car was constantly in the shop. I put my car in the shop a day later from me buying it and it cost me $700 to get it out. Then I had to get the brakes changed which cost me $900 the first time and had to take it about 2 more times. I had to get the things that help the belt move changed and once when I was driving on the highway the front hood popped open. My A/C never worked fully plus it sucked up all the gas. My check engine light was on when i first bought it for a electrical problem no one could fix. My wires were wrapped in duct tape. My heater never worked so I froze during the winter. The only pro to this car was the trunk was spacious and the back seats let down.