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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  dodge death trap - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By dodge death trap - January 23 - 9:50 am

  My 07Caliber kicks like a bronco when it changes gears, metal plates break from the bottom, my cup holders randomly dont light up, Ive have to replace the struts, springs, tierods, rotors, brakes, tires...I personally would not recommend this car. My car now has 46K and not covered under the warranty anymore.

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  nothin but hate - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jentown - January 22 - 4:13 pm

  Big mistake, tires shot @ 12,000 miles even after rotating when needed & nobody will do anything but pass the buck back and forth. After about 6 months started falling on its face had @ dealership 3 times. Of course nothing wrong (I was crazy) until it would not start. Had to be towed, main computer chip went out. Service dept. Total jerks, terrible gas mileage, lots of blind spots. Cant tell you how times I have almost hit people changing lanes. Make sure you always look 2 or 3 times before switching lanes. I told my boyfriend this car is going to be the death of me and make sure Dodge pays dearly for it.

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  Will never buy a Dodge Again - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Boringdelaney - January 21 - 7:06 am

  I bought this vehicle as they came rolling off the trucks (3/06). In the last 3 yrs had some major problems: **4/06; the entire exhaust had to be replaced **2/07; at 13,000 miles, the pads and rotors had to be replaced **11/07; pads replaced once again **1/08; at 29,000 miles the electrical had to be replaced. **9/08; the complete braking system had to be replaced including pads and rotors ** 5/09;The last and final issue, a strange noise from the engine, it was the alternator, water pump, timing belt, pulley and some type of exhaust issue, I called the bank and had them pick up the vehicle, I will NEVER own a Chrysler/Dodge Product Again. Buyers Beware.

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  Great car for the price - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Robert - January 17 - 2:00 pm

  I leased my Caliber in May of 2007. So far I have driven only 5250 miles as I drive only on weekends and to the train station each day. In the time I have had it the car has been perfect. Great in snow, starts right up in the cold, and the ride is good. Not tons of space but enough for food shopping each week and just about all my errands. Excellent fuel economy.

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  New Transmission at 30,000 Miles - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ginette - January 7 - 3:00 am

  My Caliber is now in the shop because I need a new transmission. I have 30,000 miles on the car. I thank God that it is still under warranty. I bought it before the new warranty of 100,000 miles. I am thinking about selling it and buying something other than a Dodge. I like the car but I cant afford for this to happen again since my warranty will be over soon.

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  Last minute buy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Chris - January 3 - 6:26 am

  I had a pick up truck that I had to retire, I went to the closest dealership to my home to find a vehicle that I could afford and that I liked. By 6pm I drove off the lot in my sunburst orange Dodge Caliber.

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  Buy One Youl love it - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By steve - December 27 - 7:13 pm

  This mid sized car is awsome to drive. Looks great and rides great. The R/T awd is the way to go when youre going somewhere. Had many,many compliments on the color, factory ad ons, great car

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  Love my first Dodge - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Don - December 23 - 9:16 am

  I am a Volvo man - have owned 7 over the years (still own a 1994 940. I recently bought my first Dodge and am extremely happy with it. The reason I looked at the Caliber is I am a wheelchair user (manual, non-folding ultralight weight) and I have found that most new cars on the market are either too small to hold my wheelchair (without taking it apart), are huge gas guzzlers, or are too expensive for my budget. The Caliber will hold my wheelchair, gets great gas mileage, and is one of the least expensive new cars I have ever bought. It totally satisfies my requirements, is fun to drive and the dealer/service department is excellent. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great Car....Small Annoyance... - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By daveydodge - December 19 - 2:13 pm

  Every time I wash my Caliber, it is dusty and dirty almost immediately on the back windshield, bumper, and back door on clean dry highways!!..Must be a design flaw..anybody else notice this?..All in all, love my Caliber SXT..Steel Blue with chrome door handles and gas cap and front grille, aluminum wheels and smoke window visors and bug shield and chrome "Dodge" front License Plate..gets lots of looks and 29 mpg with Mopar Synthetic...32,000 miles and going strong!!!....Love the new Dodge Journeys that are coming out..already thinking about that for 2009....

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  Fun to drive/looks great too - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By lwri72 - November 29 - 5:53 am

  I love my 2007 Caliber. It looks and drives great. The ride is not as smooth as my previous vehicle, a PT Cruiser, but that was to be expected. I also love the Sunburst Orange color and the orange inserts in the seats. All in all a fun car to drive.