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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  Premature replacement of ball joints and control arms - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By tml4579 - November 24 - 3:22 pm

  IÂ’ve gone through the proper channels with Dodge/Chrysler to try to get a resolution on this matter but have been advised there is nothing they can do for me. At this point I just want it on record what my experience as a consumer has been like dealing with them on a manufacturing issue. I found out a few months ago that my car was in need of ball joints and control arms. The car was less than 5 years old with less than 60k miles when the problem started to occur. The dealership gave me a quote for repairs of $895.36. I am single mother just barely getting by so naturally I didnÂ’t pay for the repairs because I donÂ’t have that type of money. So week after week I just had to drive the car a

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  MY front end is gone... - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By poorcar - November 21 - 8:00 pm

  I own a 2007 dodge caliber and the front end is gone, it has less then 60thousand miles on it..and i did all the oilchanges/tires and normal wear and tear.. i went in for my normal oil change and the mechanic said my front end is gone...: lower ball joints and right tie rod end..what is going on here i called dodge and they said i might have gone over a curb and that would of done the damage to my car...are they serious... a curb. i want all my money back and want to buy a car that will last... i am in shock..has anyone had this problem or am i alone..no recalls, i cant even drive my car until i get it fixed... what am i going to do.. i have to work.. please has anyone else experienced this

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  Love my lil Caliber - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By klwain2 - November 16 - 9:43 am

  I just love my Caliber! I purchased it at Fifve Star Dodge in Macon, GA. After a lot of research, I decided on this model and have not been disappointed. Very roomy interior, great sound system, quiet and comfortable ride, and cute exterior design. I wanted the impossible and found it in this car. It is almost a wagon, almost an SUV and almost a sports car! Love it!

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  A Good car ... - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By cmeel - October 25 - 12:06 pm

  I love the look of the car from the outside but on the inside its a disappointment manual locks & windows and it is just cheap! I love Dodge and we bought this car after our 1st one died and wasnt worth repairing and we needed a car asap (not enough time to really shop)this was the only hatchback and it looked good so we took it.Driving its good,nothing Great or Horrible. If you have young kids stay away from this car!! the front passenger seat has to be straight up and pulled forward a lot in order to fit the carseat which is just plain uncomfortable. It needs some interior & engine improvments to really be good/nice other wise its just an ok car.

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  Surprised at Reliability Two Years Later - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By safedrivertoo - October 22 - 9:21 pm

  I bought my 07 Caliber two years ago, and it had 36,900 miles on it. It was a rental and the warranty expired at that point. Ive never had a warranty on it, and I have put 60,000 miles on it, so its up to about 97,000 miles, and I havent put more than a fuel pump (which strangely went at 50,000 miles after a fuel system flush--Im still skeptical about that although everyone says it couldnt be connected). That repair was $500ish. I am preventative and get everything flushed and checked regularly, and I havent needed any major repairs done. I might have put $1,500 in repairs since Ive owned it--tops. I always figure if I get 110,000 or 120,000 miles out of a car it did its job.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!! RUN AWAY FAST!!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By shelby6282 - October 19 - 4:56 pm

  Have only owned this car for 40 days. It has been a total nightmare. Oh & I did buy it from a dealer not just anyone. I am the 2nd owner & the car looked great with tons of add ons. After owning it 4 days engine light came on. Dealer said its O2 sensor & replaced. 2 days later engine light on again. This time they said the computer was not reset right. Barely drove it home from the shop & guess what engine light AGAIN! this time the codes were showing that it was the cadilic converter. Dealership, no its not the converter something with the sensor didnt get hooked up right causing a code. 1 week later, engine light again. they changed the converter. Drove 1wk & now brake lights on!

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  Dodge forgot about quality - 2011 Dodge Caliber
  By usspecialist - October 9 - 3:20 pm

  This car was purchased in February 2011 and 3 month into owning the vehicle i notice rust, paint chips, and the rear window started getting a weird diamond pattern. Also, the car started to run rough.

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  I love my Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By patzeep - July 8 - 11:28 am

  I bought my Caliber used and have never had problems with it- and I am not a good car owner! I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  2009 Caliber - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By sm3230 - May 10 - 5:50 pm

  I bought this car with 27000 miles on it and now I have just under 52000, and the transmission went. The warranty expired at 36000, so if you are going to buy one of these cars, beware ! How dare they charge you for an extended warranty, when they know that the product they are selling is crap....

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  Run! Dont Buy the Caliber! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By prozelle5 - March 24 - 1:50 pm

  I bought the 2007 Dodge Caliber brand new off the dealer lot. At 13,000 miles the oil control valve and the cv joint in the rear had to be replaced. At 19000 miles the outter tie rod was replaced. At 50000 miles, I now have a leak in the oil pan the same outter tie rod has to be replaced again, the lower control arm and struts are leaking. The car will not pass inspection. Thankfully I took out the extended warranty and some of it is still covered. I am a grandmother and dont drive out of control or crazy. I traded in a perfectly good 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee for this car. Wish I still had it. Cant wait to unload this car. It sucks! Dont buy one!