2007 Dodge Caliber Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Dodge Caliber includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Dodge Caliber from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Dodge Caliber, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Dodge Caliber help you decide if a 2007 Dodge Caliber is right for you.

2007 Dodge Caliber Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Acceleration

Passenger and cargo room	Engine noise

Available all-wheel drive	Visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
3	3	3	2	4.6

Adequate at best, regardless of powertrain. Test manual-transmission SE did 9.8 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity yet to time other models. Manual transmission requires frequent shifting for best acceleration, has slightly notchy shift action. In CVT-equipped models, throttle response is good around town but lackluster at highway speeds. One test SE suffered from ragged throttle response while the engine was warming up. It went away once it reached normal operating temperature.

Fuel Economy

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.5

Test manual-transmission SE averaged 21.9 mpg in driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Extended-use SXT with CVT averaging 25.2 mpg over first 4098 miles. Test AWD R/T averaged 23.3. All Calibers use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
4	5	5	5	5.3

SE is busy with poor bump absorption, resulting in minor vibrations felt through the steering wheel and gas pedal. SXT and R/T more compliant overall but still a bit jittery over broken pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	6	5.8

SE exhibits moderate body lean, but modest-sized tires squeal early in fast turns. SXT's larger tires quell cornering noise, improve traction. Steering nicely weighted but somewhat dull in road feel. Brakes have good pedal feel. R/T better on all counts, with slightly less body lean, sharper steering response, firmer brake pedal feel.

Quietness

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.4

Moderate wind rush, but mediocre suppression of road noise. Engines intrude during acceleration, though 158-hp version the quietest overall.

Controls

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.9

Large gauges easy to read. Large, simple audio and climate controls within easy reach, though manual-transmission shift lever can block access to climate dials. Available fold-down speakers in liftgate are a picnic plus. Testers deeply split over cabin decor. Hard plastics prevail, come off as price appropriate to some testers, low-rent objectionable to most.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.6

Ample head and leg room. Cloth seats lack lumbar adjuster, are short on lower-back support. Height-adjustable driver seat aids driver positioning, but is unavailable on SE. Center-console armrest slides fore/aft, cover flips to reveal built-in holder for cell phone or MP3 player, though it interferes with manual-transmission shift lever. Outward visibility to all directions restricted by thick roof pillars, especially to rear corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4

Decent head room, great toe space. Leg room OK for those under 6-feet tall, even with front seats nearly fully aft. Seat is uncomfortably soft, flat. Seatback reclines on SXT, R/T. Egress hindered by narrow door opening.

Cargo Room

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
7	7	7	7	4.8

Cargo area larger than that of typical hatchback, but smaller than some compact wagons. Removable plastic load floor easy to clean, but allows objects to slide around. Open liftgate won't clear a six-footer's head. Split rear seatbacks easy to fold, but don't lay flat if front seat all the way back. Small-item storage impressive thanks to large two-tier glovebox, decent-sized console box, though door map pockets are too small to be really useful. Note that air-conditioned models include chilled glovebox compartment.

Value within Class

SE, man.	SE, CVT	SXT, CVT	AWD R/T, CVT	Class Average
6	6	7	6	6

Like the similar-concept Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, Caliber boasts a sportier look and greater utility than the traditional compact station wagon. Noisy, weak engines are drawbacks, and the budget-grade cabin decor wins no prizes. Against those negatives, count competitive prices, available all-wheel drive, smart packaging, and some clever convenience features.

Total Score