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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  Nothing but problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By No more Dodge - August 23 - 7:26 am

  We bought the car brand new, looked cool and had good gas mileage. With in the first 30k miles, we had to replace tires, we are still buying tires way to often. We also have a tapping sound that the repair shop can not figure out. After 2 years the paint started to flake off and the trim is pealing. Car looks cool but that is where it ends.

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  Finally dumped it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By lb - May 12 - 6:26 am

  Welp, after being told I was crazy and all the clunking noises, I have dumped my Caliber. It actually got good mileage, it had to have something good. Frankly, I was starting to fear the car was going to fly apart. The dealership service kept telling me it was the tires making the noises, and I told them You let me drive it off the lot like this I took it to Firestone and they said the tires were fine, numerous times. Come on! If I had needed tires, I reckon Firestone would have wanted to make a buck or two. Anywho, I wouldnt recommend the Caliber. Too bad, I thought it was going to be a pretty good car.

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  Its a death trap!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By FED UP - November 25 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased this car new and regret that day ever existed. I also purchased the extended warranty which does me no good because nobody will honor it. Ive been towed 5 times in the past 3 weeks because i have a transmission problem and my car loses power and goes into limp mode. The only thing my dealership had to say to me was, "I hope you purchased good life insurance." I have taken more time off work and lost so much money because of it and they cant or wont even fix the car. They always have an excuse saying they cant find the problem. Then they say that they found it and fixed it and two days later i get towed again. I wish this car would blow up when Im not in it of course.

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  Dont buy it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Angie - September 18 - 5:43 pm

  it is an ugly car that has a weak engine Daimler Chrysler really needs to work on that. The seats are horrible for going on trips

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  Disappointed! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Duffer - July 15 - 2:43 am

  Traded an 05 Liberty due to poor gas mileage. Not much better with this unless you have a tailwind or dont use the A/C or defrost. All 4 tires worn on inner tread at 20,000 miles. Dealer told me Chrysler would not do anything about it but I was welcome to call them. Had the dealer diagnose the problem and found 3 of 4 wheels out of alignment along with the trust angle. Told Chrysler they will fix it and replace the tires or I will never buy another Mopar. Scheduled to be fixed in 4 days. First car I have ever had snow pack in the wheels causing them to go out of balance. Shortly after purchase, car died at the grocery store. Unhooked battery to get started. Dealer replaced module.

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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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  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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  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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  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...

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  Changed mileage estimate - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Dave - February 12 - 12:06 pm

  It came down to a Caliber or Focus. I bought the Caliber because it claimed 26/30mpg and looked more comfortable. Big mistake. On a recent cross country trip I averaged 25.1 mpg. It ruined the whole trip. I spent more than budgeted for gas. As if this wasnt bad enough, when I returned home I wrote to the local dealership and DiamlerChrysler HQ to report my opinion. That was over 2 weeks ago, and as of yet I have not heard from either. I had a PT with the same engine and averaged almost 28 mpg over the time I had it. Should have kept it. It may have been the one exception to the rule, but it worked. My Caliber may be the bad apple, but it still stinks. The failure of Dodge to reply also stinks