2007-2008 Dodge Caliber: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Cargo room
- Acceleration (SRT4)
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Rear-seat comfort
- Acceleration
- Quietness
Vehicle Highlights
Dodge's new entry-level vehicle for 2007 was a compact five-passenger, four-door wagon, available with front- or all-wheel drive. Caliber replaced the long-lived Neon sedan and was about as long overall, but 4.5 inches taller. It had a liftgate and split-folding rear seats. Competitors included the Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac Vibe, as well as the retro-styled Chevrolet HHR. SE, SXT, and R/T models were offered. All used a four-cylinder engine, but three engine sizes were available. SE and SXT models had front-wheel drive and a 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine (with manual transmission). The optional 2.0-liter developed 158 horsepower. Caliber R/T wagons came with either front-drive or all-wheel drive, powered by a 172-hp 2.4-liter engine. The 1.8-liter engine teamed with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 2.0-liter worked with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which contained no conventional gears. R/T Calibers came with either transmission. AutoStick for manually-selected gear changes was an option for automatic R/Ts. Antilock braking was optional on SE and SXT models, and standard on the R/T, where it came with rear disc brakes instead of drums. R/T wagons had a sport suspension and unique trim. Traction/antiskid control and front side airbags were optional. All Calibers had curtain side airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Available features included a fold-flat front passenger seat, refrigerated glovebox, and removable cargo light/flashlight. Optional on SXT and R/T were a navigation system, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Caliber's basic design also was used for the Jeep Compass and Patriot; Dodge and Jeep were divisions of DaimlerChrysler (now known as Chrysler LLC).
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Caliber SE w/CVT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2007-2008 Dodge Caliber includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Dodge Caliber and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Dodge Caliber is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Like the similar-concept Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, Caliber boasts a different look and greater utility than the traditional compact station wagon. Noisy, weak engines on most versions are drawbacks, and the budget-grade cabin decor wins no prizes. Against those demerits, count available all-wheel drive, smart packaging, and some clever convenience features. SRT4 promises the most go-power and was priced reasonably when new. On the down side, it's far less refined than such "hot hatchbacks" as the MazdaSpeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Caliber SE w/CVT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $770 |
| Alternator | $940 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,600 |
| Brakes | $700 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,250 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,240 |
| Exhaust System | $840 |
| Radiator | $1,250 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,100 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $770 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| Caliber | $12,000-13,800 | $10,800-12,400 | $6,700-7,700 |
| Caliber R/T | $15,000-17,000 | $13,700-15,500 | $9,500-10,700 |
| Caliber SRT4 | $17,500-20,000 | $16,100-18,400 | $11,200-12,800 |
| 2007 | |||
| Caliber | $9,800-11,500 | $8,800-10,400 | $5,100-6,000 |
| Caliber R/T | $12,300-14,000 | $11,100-12,600 | $7,000-8,000 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 173.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.8 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 60.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2966 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 48.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.6 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I41 | 2.0 / 122 | 158 | 141 | CVT automatic: 23/27 | CVT automatic: 24.8 |
| dohc I41 | 1.8 / 110 | 148 | 125 | 5-speed manual: 23/29 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| dohc I41 | 2.4 / 144 | 172 | 165 | 5-speed manual: 23/29 CVT automatic: 12/25 |
5-speed manual: -- CVT automatic: 23.6 |
| Turbocharged dohc I41 | 2.4 / 144 | 285 | 265 | 6-speed manual: 21/26 | 6-speed manual: 22 |
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1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2008 Dodge Caliber |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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