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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Cant wait to get rid of it. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Dee - November 17 - 3:40 amIf you are considering this vehicle make sure that you check out all of the competition first! My main motive for purchasing this car was price as I was eligible for the employee discount. I got the 1.8 with manual trans, because I just dont trust CVTs to hold up for the long run. After 28k miles the exterior plastic is fading, the mileage is awful, and it still has a problem stalling at random (not driver induced, it often happens in neutral.) Perhaps all these problems are due to it being a first run year, but either way I would be weary.
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After two years - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By teacher65 - November 14 - 7:03 pmI drive to Florida each winter and find this gem more comfortable to travel in than my minivans. I owned a 1996 caravan and a 2000 Chrysler.
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Gas Mileage 2007 Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By SHELLY YAWS - November 1 - 6:40 pmThis car handles well.It is a nice comfortable ride. The hatchback is nice for groceries and childrens things.The issue that I have is the gas mileage.The sticker said that I would get 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.I cant even get 26 mpg on the highway. One day I drove it alot of highway miles for a test and emptied the gas tank. Do you know that I drove about 65 mph and I only got 21.7 mpg for highway miles. I just didnt go by the calculations off of one tank of gas. I have calculated almost all of my fill-ups. They range from 17.0 to 21.7 mpg for a 4-cylinder car. That is terrible. The dealership tested it 3 times and said that the gas mileage is what is normal for these cars.
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Great little car. Anything but cute - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Nancye - October 17 - 11:06 pmAfter 13 months of owning a Ford 2005 Mustang, I decided to go back to a Dodge after I had owned a 2000 Intrepid for five years and never had a problem with it. The Mustang was hot, but my girls were not comfortable in a 2-door car, plus the gas prices skyrocketed right after I bought it and I was paying $120 to $160 in gas per month. My girls and I like the Caliber because it has four doors, still looks good, is better on gas (even buying premium gas, only $100 per month at the max), easier to see out of, and I used it to take my older daughter to college without having to rent an SUV. It has so much more room than the Ford (which is great for a single person), and is enjoyable to drive.
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Bad choice... - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By RSTENN - October 12 - 6:40 pmThis car is very comfortable, and has a nice feeling to drive, but it is extremely unsafe, the visibility on this thing is the worst of any car Ive ever driven.
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The Caliber does it all for me! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By KMG - August 20 - 1:00 pmI love this car. I have been waiting for an economical mini SUV and this is a dream come true. This car gives me the ability to carpool and not apologize for the ride. I also love the car for weekend camping/fishing trips. I can pack the tent, supplies, and even the dog with no problems. My daughter is counting the days until she turns 16 and can stake her claim for the drivers seat.
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Love it! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Alli - August 12 - 8:43 amI traded in my Honda Del Sol for the Caliber. I didnt want a small car or a huge SUV, therefore the Caliber was just my size. I feel safer and more confortable. I got the Red 2.0 with cruise control and free satelite radio for a year. Also with 6 disc cd changer. Tried to get one with sunroof but dealership couldnt find one with all the other features I wanted along with it.
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Watch out Honda and Toyota - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By Rick - August 9 - 10:00 amJust traded my 2005 Jeep Wrangler X on this great little car. Makes the Jeep look like a dinosaur. They put their thinking caps on for this one. I have greatly anticipated its arrival. I have already sold a friend on getting one. My neighbor also. I get looks as if I were in an Aston Martin??? Rack one up for the USA and Dodge!
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Sweet Ride - 2008 Dodge Caliber
By DROSE27 - July 28 - 9:46 pmI purchased my 08 Caliber in Feb. loving it so far! Its so much fun to drive, and people are constantly taking second looks. I dont see that many on the road. It fits our family of three perfectly. I wish that the cruise control was lighted when the lights come on.
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Caliber 1 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
By J Saucier - June 30 - 1:00 amI have enjoyed driving the Caliber. I like the smooth take off of the transmission. No Jerks. The ride is comfortable. The radio and CD have excellent sound and control. I like that if you have taken your key out from the iginition for so many seconds, you can still close the windows.
