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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  Good Bad and Ugly - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MarleneCummings - February 13 - 10:23 am

  My SXT 2.0L was totalled after 3 months of ownership. I didnt like it enough to buy another one. The interior design is spacious and comfortable, but if you have anything inside it is seen. No storage space. The little extras are nice, but dont make up for the weak paint, under-quality interior and extreme lag in acceleration. My husband bumped the side with his belt cell phone holder getting in the car and it scratched the paint bad. No way it shouldve done damage at all. It does corner very tight and is super- responsive (overcorrection and wrecking was easy to do). The vehicle overall was okay, but I definitely didnt fall in love with it and it was my very first new car.

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  Poor service - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By rose - February 4 - 7:13 am

  We bought this car because of the size and as a winter driver thought it would be safer than the PT Cruiser I had previously. After having the car a month I had to have the front end worked on. At 24,000 miles I have been told I have to replace all 4 tires as the make is not a "good tire for the car." 18 inch tires are $200 each. Also I purchased the extended service for oil changes for the life time of the car and the dealer has gone out of service. Dodge will not honor the contract. My review is: the car is a waste of good money and as a Dodge product I find it sadly lacking in comfort, gas mileage and most of all service through the Dodge dealers. SAD CAR!

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  The Dodge Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By The Man - February 2 - 8:16 pm

  It is such a fun car. I love being in it with my Sirius satellite radio just listening to some old school rap. I have $100,000-200,000 dollar vehicles turning their heads and trying to figure out what the heck I am driving, and in my city no one really turns their head for a Mercedes or BMW because they are everywhere. A $23,000 dollar car can get them to turn if it is hooked up right.

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  Great price, quality ratio - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Tom - January 26 - 3:13 pm

  Traded a V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My wife and I could not be happier at this point. The car has a lot to offer for the price. It handles well and gets 25 to 26 honest mpg. at 78 to 80 mph (checked 3 times). At 70 it gets 30 plus mpg. Around town it gets 25 mpg. It needs more pick up from 0 to 40 but it can cruise along at 90. I suggest a 2.4 that gets 185 horses - but still gets good milleage. This is the first 4 cylinder I have ever had. Im impressed. Sunroof and other options are really enjoyable. Inside is "plasticy," but the price is right. It handles better in high winds and over rail road tracks at higher speeds than my friends 4cyl camry.