Dodge Caliber Review

2008 Dodge Caliber R/T Station Wagon Shown

As Dodge continues to toughen up its image, big chunky grilles and massive fender flares are appearing on more of its products. For proof, look no further than the Dodge Caliber. This compact hatchback is roomy, inexpensive and fuel-efficient, but is styled quite distinctively. Instead of giving it a retro look, Dodge wanted the Caliber to have a masculine persona.

Within the increasing population of economy wagons and hatchbacks, the Dodge Caliber is also set apart by its available all-wheel drive (AWD) and continuously variable transmission (CVT). These are advantages in a market where buyers are drawn to crossover vehicles that provide high gas mileage and day-to-day versatility in equal portions. Interestingly, Dodge has no plans to offer a Caliber sedan, as the company believes its target consumers will appreciate the utility and uniqueness of the hatchback body style.

However, those shoppers expecting a high level of performance, often seen in other Dodge vehicles, will likely be disappointed by the tepid handling and engine performance of the regular Caliber models. The high-performance Caliber SRT4 certainly lives up to the Dodge M.O. by providing loads of power by way of its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, no amount of horsepower can mask the Caliber's dynamic and quality-related shortcomings. Specifically, this hatchback is too heavy and features a bargain-basement plastic interior that does little to mask the car's economy roots. Although the Caliber has a lot going for it on paper, its overall execution leaves something to be desired. As a result, it's just one of many vehicles that merits consideration if you're shopping for an affordably priced compact hatchback or wagon.

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, such as ladders, skis or surfboards. The Caliber has decent headroom and legroom in the front and back, but it is still a small car, so don't expect more than two adults to fit comfortably in the backseat.

The Caliber comes in three regular trims -- base SE, SXT and R/T -- and a high-performance Caliber SRT4 variant. The SE is a base model in every sense of the word. It doesn't come with much; air-conditioning and power features are optional. Most shoppers will want to skip over the base SE and look at either the SXT or R/T, both of which come with more standard features and sportier wheels and tires. The Caliber R/T even gets 18-inch wheels and performance tires. In addition, upscale options like leather seats and a navigation system are only available on the Caliber SXT and R/T. The SRT4 gets a turbocharged engine, 19-inch wheels, lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, a performance trip computer and sport seats.

Interior design and build quality are serviceable at best. Dodge doesn't even pretend that this is an upscale vehicle, and hard plastic is rampant throughout the interior. Compared to the accommodations in vehicles like the Chevrolet HHR, Kia Spectra5, Mazda 3 and Scion xB, the Caliber's furnishings are several steps below the norm.

There are four four-cylinder engine choices for the Dodge Caliber. Each features modern design elements, such as variable valve timing and aluminum construction. At the bottom of the ladder is a 148-horsepower 1.8-liter inline-4, which comes standard on the base Caliber and the SXT. If you're looking for more power, it's possible to upgrade to a 158-hp 2.0-liter four, which is equipped exclusively with a CVT. The 148-hp 1.8-liter comes with a five-speed manual gearbox only.

Buyers looking for a bit more pep will want to take a look at the Caliber R/T, which gets a 172-hp 2.4-liter engine. It is also available with AWD. In terms of transmissions, the front-wheel-drive R/T comes with a standard five-speed manual, while the R/T AWD comes with the CVT only. The SRT4 boasts a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 285 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque attached to a six-speed manual only.

In road tests, our editors found the Dodge Caliber to be a solid daily driver, though hardly much more than that. It is comfortable without feeling too soft. And the R/T handled well in demanding situations. But our impressions of the Caliber were dampened by the lack of driving excitement. The R/T was especially a disappointment. Not only did it not feel any faster than the SXT with the optional 2.0-liter, the AWD version we tested took 10 seconds to reach 60 mph -- hardly the kind of giddy-up we'd expect from a car with an R/T badge. Blame goes to its hefty curb weight and the CVT, which isn't well programmed to the engine's power band. For buyers so inclined, the front-wheel-drive Caliber R/T with a manual gearbox is likely the pick of the litter, at least among those not inclined toward the high-performance SRT4 edition.

For those who are attracted to the turbocharged Caliber, we found it underwhelming compared to other affordable, high-horsepower hatchbacks. Burdened by excessive weight and an abundance of torque steer, it's not nearly as engaging as we'd hoped, considering its impressive Neon SRT4 predecessor.

Past Dodge Caliber Models

The Dodge Caliber debuted in 2006 as a 2007 model. Used-vehicle shoppers interested in a small Dodge will likely want to check out the Neon sedan, as this is the vehicle that the Caliber hatchback replaced.

SELECT A SPECIFIC DODGE CALIBER MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.