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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  Black Metal flake - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By Jay Christian - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This car rocks. Great media center. Heated cloth seats and most other options. More than 30 MPG. I love this car and Wabash Valley Chrysler is one of the best! Doug Martin hooked me up with the Caliber. Black metal flake paint. Hot wheels. I highly recommend Wabash Valley and Doug Martin. Of course I also recommend you try a Caliber.

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  Very Nice Car - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By Bill - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the most inexpensive car for all of the standard equipment you get.

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  Better luck with second attempt - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By "yougottabekidding" - November 5 - 2:00 am

  After a bad initial experience, I took a chance and reordered the Rush. After 6 months, no regrets. Car is doing everything I wanted it to do. Pleased w/ all features, especially the mileage. Maybe Im lucky, but I get an average 27 in the city and 35 on the highway w/ the 5 speed. Also, I added an aftermarket Curt (not the inadequate Mopar) 1 1/4" receiver hitch and use a cargo carrier to occasionally haul stuff outside. this works great. no drag, interference w/ hatch, or blocking of tail lights/license plate, and simple to install/remove.

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  Problems with 2008 - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Dawn - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We have not had a good experience with our 2008 Caliber. We were told it had air-conditioning and told the salesman how important it was we had air- conditioning in California. Didnt have it. Now the Clutch Cylinder has went out twice since we have purchased it.We have only had this car not even 2 years and what a problem..The cheap plastic features inside are falling of and scratch so easy. Will never by another Dodge due to the problems we have had and the dealers not helping with the Air conditioner problems. We could put one in ourselves for $ 2,000 And the salesman admitted telling us it had air!!we signed the papers and thats how we were treated. Oh they would trade it but for $8,000.

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  Great car! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Jaime - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for just over a year and it has AMAZING gas mileage! Even in the city i was getting anywhere from 25-28 MPG. Even got 30 MPG in the mountains! Going from a vehicle with 18 MPG freeway to this is SO nice. The back is roomy and fits a ton! Its a quiet ride and smooth and has some giddy up and go to it for a small engine.

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  All-around Cute and Practical - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Kim in Iowa/Illinois - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Everyone is impressed with the look of my Caliber but I always add how well the MPG is on it. The safety is high too hopefully I wont have to test that. I love the room I have fit 2 adults bikes in the back with no problem. Except for changing the dealer tires at 35K, I have not had an issue at all.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By Bob - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with the car tight steering smooth shifting 5 speed manual comfortable ride handles the road well a pleasure to drive.

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  She Loves it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Larry - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in May of 06 for my wife and she loves it. The only issue we have had with the car is we had to replace the bushings for a squeak. I do wish the fuel mileage was better but it is better than my P.T. I did have to replace the tires early (25,000) but that was due to the dealership over inflating. The car runs and drive great and wife wont let me take her out of it.

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  Fantastic Car - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By wanaya - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car, sunburst orange, for over a month now and all I can say is that it gets better and better. I now go 195 miles on half a tank of gas (mostly because I dont gun the engine and rarely use the a.c.). The cargo room is large, especially with the rear seats folding down. It works well for my business ventures. The interior is very comfortable, but really, all new vehicles are. right? the middle consol does need some extra padding for those long trips. and as another reviewer noted, the chill zone isnt really "chill", definitely something that needs to be perfected, but not a deal breaker. Engine still quiet, no unusual noises, just straight joy.

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  2010 Red Caliber Heat - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By Misty T. - September 26 - 2:00 am

  First off I love the car more and more everyday. I traded in a 05 trailblazer LT 4*4 which i loved also but the gas mileage was poor at 13 mpg with only 62,000 miles Found the caliber which is Red with the red insert seats and sunroof with 18in wheels handles great drives smooth and no problems bought with 8 miles and now have 429 miles I dont regret my choice at all.