2007 Dodge Caliber Review

The Caliber was unveiled in Spring of 2006 as a replacement for the Neon. It’s a five-door hatchback, but it clearly takes styling cues from SUVs. While it may not be quite as big as an SUV, it’s certainly more sleek, and with its split-folding seats and available all-wheel drive, it’s almost as versatile.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Dodge Caliber is certainly a bold move for Chrysler. It’s European-inspired design, mixed with bold American styling, make it an attractive package. Its unusual assortment of interior features, like lighted cupholders, really make an otherwise so-so hatchback stand out. While its engines are powerful for its class, they’re still relatively underpowered, and an awkward CVT doesn’t help matters. While it performs adequately in crash tests, the BuyingAdvice team thinks more standard safety features are called for.

What’s New For 2007:

The Caliber is all-new for 2007. There are four trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, and SRT-4. The SE is rather spartan, featuring only a manual transmission with the standard engine, and lacks air conditioning, power accessories, or even a tachometer. The SXT adds power accessories and AC, as well as more adjustable seats and a beverage cooler. The R/T adds more horsepower, and a semi-manual continuously variable transmission (CVT), which allows complete control without a clutch. The SRT-4 turbocharges the engine to 300-hp, and adds a six-speed manual.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

Since it’s such a new model, hard reliability information is not available. Drivers have complained about cheap interior materials. The Caliber has been recalled for brake locking issues. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Caliber earned an impressive five out of five stars in all government crash tests. The IIHS gave the Caliber its best “Good” rating for frontal impacts, but only “Moderate” ratings for side and rear collisions. Anti-lock brakes are optional on the SE and SXT models, but standard on the R/T. Rear, side head airbags come standard, while front side airbags, all-wheel drive, stability control, and tire pressure monitoring are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Interesting features, like a beverage cooler, AC power outlet, and detachable trunk light
+ Powerful engine for its class
+ Versatile

Cons
– Sub-par gas mileage
– Skimpy on safety features
– Unknown reliability history

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Caliber compares fairly against others in its segment. It costs $1,800 more than the Chevrolet Aveo, and lacks its standard AC, but comes standard with a CD player and a beefier engine. While the Caliber lacks standard AC and power doors/windows, it costs a full $3,000 less than the Ford Focus ZXW, which doesn’t even have side airbags. If you don’t mind driving a milk carton around, the Scion xB costs about the same, and while lacking side airbags, comes with ABS, traction control, AC, and power accessories.

What Others Are Saying:

“CVTs generally, and Caliber’s specifically, have foibles. The drivetrain in the test car sometimes, but not always, jerked if, while slowing, you had to hit the gas, then come back off it suddenly.” – USA TODAY

“The Dodge Boys really have to be commended for building the Caliber. Rather than go for something it knew for certain would appeal in the short haul to the traditional American car buyer – something big, heavy and powerful – it decided to aim for where it believes the US market is heading. In other words, something more akin to what the European car buyer is currently driving.” – About.com

“You know, somewhere, sometime someone must have said, “Hey, I’d like a car that look like it was made out of Legos.” Probably about the same time small cars suddenly were replaced by tall wagon-y things. Yep, we’ll betcha. Because that would explain the 2007 Dodge Caliber.” – The Family Car

Read more about the 2007 Dodge Caliber at the Dodge manufacturer web site.