Dodge Caliber Review

For better or worse, the Dodge Caliber exemplifies Dodge's affection in recent years for big chunky grilles and massive fender flares. It's also roomy and inexpensive, and it boasts an available continuously variable transmission (CVT). But that's where the good news stops.

The 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, good ideas were spoiled by sloppy execution. Most rival economy cars offer significantly more quality, refinement and appeal. Even with a welcome new interior, the Caliber is simply not competitive with compact sedans and hatchbacks from Ford and the Japanese and Korean brands.

Current Dodge Caliber

Built on a global platform also used for the Jeep Compass SUV and midsize Dodge Avenger sedan, the tall-bodied Dodge Caliber comes only as a compact hatchback/wagon. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, increasing cargo space to a maximum of 48 cubic feet. The front passenger seat can fold forward to make room for longer items. The Caliber has decent headroom and legroom in the front and back, but it is still a small car built to a price, so don't expect luxurious accommodations.

The Caliber comes in five so-called "lifestyle" trim levels -- Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat and Rush. A 2.0-liter 158-horsepower four-cylinder is standard on all but the Rush, which gets a 2.4-liter 172-hp inline-4. This engine is optional on the Uptown. A five-speed manual and continuously variable transmission (CVT) are available.

The base Express isn't as bare bones as you'd think, boasting full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB audio jack and satellite radio. The Mainstreet adds bigger wheels and a comfort-tuned suspension, while the Uptown gets a variety of luxury items. The Heat is a sport-tuned model, with suspension, brakes and wheel upgrades. These are also added to the Caliber Rush, which gets several of the Uptown's extra luxury items.

In road tests, our editors have found the Dodge Caliber to be an adequate daily driver, though not much more than that. Its ride and handling just aren't as refined as its many competitors. The base engine in particular is coarse and feels underpowered, while the optional CVT isn't properly programmed to match the 2.0-liter engine's power band. Despite its ample horsepower, the 2.4-liter is far from brisk as well.

The Caliber's interior has been greatly improved from its horrible previous iteration. The design is more appealing, materials are better and there are soft-touch materials in areas frequently encountered by elbows. Still, the cabin quality is far from class-leading. On the upside, there is an abundance of space for people and their stuff in the Caliber, as its hatchback design is quite versatile.

Used Dodge Caliber Models

The Dodge Caliber debuted in 2006 as a 2007 model. Initially, there were three regular trim levels available -- base SE, SXT and R/T. Although the current structure, which debuted for 2010, is quite different, the available feature content is mostly the same. Engine choice was quite different, however. At the bottom of the ladder was a 148-hp 1.8-liter inline-4, which came standard on the base Caliber and the SXT. It was only available with a five-speed manual. 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 CVT. The R/T model was equipped with the current Rush trim's 2.4-liter inline-4. All-wheel drive was available on the R/T model until 2009.

There was a high-performance Caliber SRT-4 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 being 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.

A key change to the Caliber occurred for 2010, as Dodge addressed the rather deplorable interior quality previously found in the Caliber. Shoppers of these earlier models will find hard 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. The only other notable Caliber change was for '09 when it received its available hard-drive-based music and navigation systems.

For more on Past Dodge Caliber models, view our Dodge Caliber History page