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:

• 

  Incredibly Surprising - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By bsavoie93 - March 10 - 11:33 pm

  My parents got this as their loaner car while they were having their PT Cruiser worked on. They werent going to drive it so I did. I was incredibly surprised with this car. It rides very smooth even on the freeway. It picks up speed quick, but when you floor it nothing happens. I took to 110 MPH no problem and it didnt feel like it was gonna fall apart. It handles and drives well. When you go around a corner quickly there is barely any body roll. I thought something was wrong with the transmission but then I realized it had a CVT. The base stereo sounds amazing and the standard features are unbelievable. The interior needs some work. There is cheap battleship grey plastic everywhere!

• 

  left me stranded at 37k miles!!!!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By agraham6582 - February 22 - 7:04 pm

  Bought this car in june 2010 and it is a 2007 car - 8 months after buying this car it left me stranded in a parking lot - thank god i did not have my 18 month old daughter with me! we only got 6k miles out of this car before it died on us. currently has 37k miles on it and died in a parking lot. after calling different numbers for an hour to get it towed somewhere which cost us $70 out of pocket, we were told it was the electronic control module in the steering column that went dead. pretty much this "module" in the steering column tells the car to start the ignition when you put the key in to start up. the warranty company refuses to pay for it saying its an "electrical" issue.

• 

  70k here. No significant problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jeff_98563 - February 21 - 11:31 am

  My car is a 2007 SXT with the CVT transmission. I dislike the blind spots, but otherwise, its a great 30mpg car.

• 

  Good but Im getting something else for College - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By mariahemily - February 20 - 4:51 pm

  This car rides SO smooth. BUT it has horrible blind spots from the back side windows. The gas mileage is Awesome and so is the sound system. The acceleration is really slow. My parents say thats a good this for me but I beg to differ.

• 

  Caliber Heat 2.0 CVT - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By woodyzim - February 2 - 10:53 am

  Mines a CVT, but "5-speed manual" was all that was listed. Handles great, fantastic brakes, but no power. Comfortable & rides nice, but lots of wind noise. Dealers had to reattach shielding inside both front wheel wells 3 times so far & its loose again right now. My main complaint is the mileage. Again, mine has the CVT transmission & the 2.0 motor. I drive 4 blocks from my home to the the 4-lane interstate every morning. I then drive 22 miles on the interstate with the cruise control engage & exit. I then 1 mile to the front door of my employer. I do this twice a day 5 to 6 days a week. I believe all of this would be considered "highway" miles. My Dodge Caliber Heat is averaging 21 MPG!

• 

  Love at first, but then.... - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By kytrailhikers - December 28 - 8:38 pm

  Got this car for ease of getting child in & out of car seat. Worked great for that & love the comfort and look of. Once 40,000 miles hit, the problems began. Started hearing loud clanking noise when driving on highway. I read numerous complaints about the Caliber having suspension problems. I panicked & took it right in. I didnt want to worry about my child riding in this car. Today they tell me they cannot find what is causing it... said the suspension is tight BUT suspect it is the bushings. They didnt want to take a part yet so has to get worse. AND my oxygen sensor quit so paid to get that fixed. I was not expecting all this so soon. Now I will continue to worry.

• 

  Great value for money! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By KristinBC - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my (used)Caliber two days ago, so I cannot comment yet on reliability. I have the 2.0L CVT, and I am very pleased with the gas mileage and performance so far. I did not buy this car expecting great amounts of power - I bought it for the fuel efficiency, space, value for money, and looks (in that order). I drove the Mazda 3, Chevy HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser (which I have owned before) and the Toyota Matrix when comparing. Although I had it narrowed down to the Caliber and the HHR (based on the issues listed above), I chose the Caliber over the HHR because of the final variable of value for money - the Caliber was 2K cheaper, and offered most of the same features as the HHR.

• 

  COSTS a lot to maintain - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Tron - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car - fun to drive, great fuel economy, and I can even fit my 9 ft surf board in it. However - its expensive to maintain. I just hit the 60,000 mile mark and because the Caliber has a variable transmission it takes, "a special kind of transmission fluid" and has to be done at the dealership. So the 60,000 service is going to cost over $650. I also just replaced the tires and since the Caliber has an odd tire size (lower profile) there are only a few tire manufactures who make that size and I spent over $900 on new tires. I do plan to keep the car for awhile - I just wasnt expecting such large chunks of money going out for routine maintenance on non-luxury vehicle.

• 

  Great Car - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By denny l - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Have 1000 miles on my new Caliber. I average 30 mpg combined. It is very quiet and very comfortable. Still getting used to day running lights.

• 

  Bad control arms - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By ayork - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new in 08. Love the look of it, but just found out at 44,000 miles that both front lower control arms are bad. Same thing happened to another couple 3 months ago when we were both at the dealership getting oil changes. Any one else having this problem? I was quoted over 800.00 for parts and labor...money I dont have, but car needs to be fixed asap Im told. Thinking of trading...owned lots of cars and never had problems like this with such low mileage. Was told it was due to "Michigan roads" Beware.