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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  Never Again - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Amber - July 22 - 2:46 am

  I purchased a dodge caliber used with only 19,000 miles in Feb. 2008. In June 2008 i noticed my car makeing a knocking noise when accelerateing or slowing down at this time the car only had 33,000 miles on it so it was still covered under warranty. So I took it to a dodge dealer here in this area and they checked it out and told me there was nothing wrong with it. I didnt agree so i took it to another dodge dealer the next week and they said nothing was wrong with it. So i gave up and of course the warranty went out and it is still making that noise well i took it to another mechnic and he told me that it was the transmission. And Im a single mother and i cant afford $2500 to fix it!

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  Eye catcher - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By peteyspal - May 29 - 10:53 pm

  I first saw this car in a parking lot and drove strait to the Dodge dealership. Its the first "crossover" type vehicle that Ive seen that made me want to trade in my gas-guzzling suv. I get lots of positive comments on the exterior styling even though its the "base" model without all the spoilers and such. Handling is acceptable given the low end price and gas mileage is good as well. My 17 year old niece fell in love and sat in it for over an hour.Not bad considering the fact that Ive owned high-end SUVs for the past 10 years!

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  Bad Buy - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Lakrisha Davidson - April 20 - 4:30 am

  I bought my Caliber used in 2016 and it was a total lemon. The dealer was a complete scam artist. My car had no horn, bad brakes and struts, and stained ceilings and seats. I regret the decision to buy that car still to this day. My car was constantly in the shop. I put my car in the shop a day later from me buying it and it cost me $700 to get it out. Then I had to get the brakes changed which cost me $900 the first time and had to take it about 2 more times. I had to get the things that help the belt move changed and once when I was driving on the highway the front hood popped open. My A/C never worked fully plus it sucked up all the gas. My check engine light was on when i first bought it for a electrical problem no one could fix. My wires were wrapped in duct tape. My heater never worked so I froze during the winter. The only pro to this car was the trunk was spacious and the back seats let down.

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  Huge Disappointment - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Big Disappointment - March 10 - 8:33 am

  Dont 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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  New Transmission @ 50K Miles - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Josh G - February 18 - 2:46 am

  I 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 wouldn’t 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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  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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  Cant wait to get rid of it. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Dee - November 17 - 3:40 am

  If 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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  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!