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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Awesome little Srt4 - 2008 Dodge Caliber
By David D. - April 19 - 10:33 amI was looking for a small economical, fast, good looking car. I read about it on magazines and saw it @ the LA Auto Show, I felt like I already owned one before I bought one. It was exactly what I hoped for the first time I drove it. For a little 4 banger its really fast, the 5th day I had it I was waiting at a red light, next to me was a mustang cobra...Yup a cobra! Guess who won by 5 whole cars, YUP ME! left the mustang smoking... NO LIE! you can see the video on U tube.
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better than a vibe - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By rastus2 - April 19 - 8:33 amPlanned to get another Vibe. Not when I saw this Caliber. Love all the options and at a much lower price than the Vibe. Even got heated seats. Got things you cant even get on a Vibe. So many more safety features too. Really get looks when driving it. This is not just a car for the twentysomethings.
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Huge Disappointment - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Big Disappointment - March 10 - 8:33 amDont buy this car! I bought this car 8 months ago. Its been in the shop 3 times! Major work - leaking head gaskets! Brakes were bad within 6 weeks of purchase. Gas mileage is not good for such a compact car. Very bumpy ride, lots of noise. Cant unlock doors from passenger side (??) Very inconvenient. I love the look of the car; I hate the performance. Very undependable. I will be trading it in now (warranty is almost up @ 35,000 miles and I cant afford more major repairs that wont be covered). Big disappointment because now I will be upside down in my next vehicle. Thanks Chrysler!
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Not A Bad Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Ronald Johnson - February 19 - 11:20 pmBought this car as a demo in 12/2007. First time purchasing a Dodge as Ive always heard that Dodge transmissions and motors usually go bad at around at 100K so I was a little nervous about buying it. Car gets great gas mileage and lots of stares. Very fun to drive. Ive had some issues with the brake bads and rotors.
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New Transmission @ 50K Miles - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Josh G - February 18 - 2:46 amI drive 130 highway miles every day. I bought the caliber because I needed an economical car with awd. The CVT is awful! At 50k, something was wrong. I took it in to the dealer and found out it needed a new tranny. A new tranny at 50k miles! I bought the car 4 months before Chrysler offered the lifetime warranty. With labor and tax, I was looking at $4000. The dealer wouldnt do anything. They even told me that my caliber was not the first that they replaced the transmission in. I decided to call Chrysler for help. After 3 hours on the phone, I was able to convince them to pay for it. Never buy a vehicle with CVT. I will never buy a Chrysler vehicle again. Spend the extra money and get a Toyota or Honda.
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Going on Two - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Patty - February 16 - 2:53 amI have had my R/T AWD for almost two years now. It has about 27,000 miles on it currently. I like it but it does have faults. Road noise is one big one, and blind spots. You have to be very careful when changing lanes with this car! Other than that, it looks great when its clean (black shows everything)!
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Awesome on gas - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By chosenone - February 5 - 1:20 pmThis car is awesome on gas. I drive a total of 90 miles round trip. I leave home on a full tank and return on a full tank. My last car I was putting gas in 3 times a week. Now I only have to put gas in once. My Caliber also rides so good its like a mini luxury car. I love the hands free. I could go on but take a test drive for yourself .
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Great Reliable Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By JSandPC - February 3 - 7:23 pmIm usually not a "small" car guy, but the Dodge Caliber gives me everything I was looking for. Fuel mileage is a plus, and I still feel like Im in an SUV. I buy a new car every couple of years. This is the first new car I have purchased that I have not had any mechanical complaints with. Usually, when I buy a new car, there are noises or just something that stands out that concerns me about future reliability. This car just does what I want it to do...start every time and drive without little glitches.
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Happy Caliber owner - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By VeroWing - February 2 - 3:33 amAfter seeing ads on TV for new Dodge Calibers, we (wife and I) decided to go check them out. They offered good fuel mileage(we routinely get high 20s), plenty of cargo space, and good looks. We have just passed 45,000 miles on our Caliber, and we are very happy with our purchase. First set of tires (Firestone) were just replaced with better riding (General Altimax HP), although I could have gotten a few thousand more miles from the originals. Other than new tires and occasional oil/filter changes(5,000 miles), car has not had any problems at all. Still looks good,and performs like new. Very reliable car. Only complaint is that armrests are hard and uncortable. Overall,very happy!
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Big mistake - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Sandra - January 31 - 4:16 amI traded in a very nice 2004 Jeep Liberty for this thing, I got it out of the showroom. (GOD I wish it were back in there.) Ive had it at the dealership for fuel smell in the car while driving. They say they cant find anything wrong with it, my husbands a mechanic he says their crazy, but its under warranty so they should fix it. Ive had to have it lined up because it eats tires up on the inside, and Im fixing to replace tires for the 2nd time, it only has 31,000 miles on it. I really wish I could trade it in, but the Dodge place only offered me $9,000 for it and it is in excellent shape, they know the cars are junk.
