June 22nd, 2007 by 
natasha
by Natasha M.
Pros
Driveability
Safety features
Storage
Cons
Engine power
Expect to pay more for added upgrades & amenities
Driving along the California coastline is no doubt a breath-taking scenic experience. But underestimate that tricky terrain - the narrow two-lane roads, overhanging cliffs, and gravelly shoulders - and you might be in for an unexpected treacherous “off-road” adventure! Which is why choosing the right car to safely maneuver the tricky terrain is your best bet. Cue the music and enter stage left the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber crossover utility vehicle.
The 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT was a steady drive that did well with its tight turning radius and stable handling of curvy roads. Our test vehicle featured the optional 2.0-liter, 16-valve dual VVT, 158 horsepower engine (available for the SE, SXT and SXT Sport) which was upgraded from the 1.8-liter, 148 HP engine. The R/T model has the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 172 HP engine. The 17” wheels with Firestone tires gripped the road well but lost its aesthetic impact due to the silver wheel covers that just can’t match the same appeal as the chrome-clad aluminum alloy wheels offered only in the R/T. The bold, boxy exterior design does create an aggressive feel especially with the signature Dodge crosshair grill, oversized halogen headlamps and sharp outline of its rear liftgate. I would probably compare it more to a crossover wagon than a crossover SUV (such as the 2007 GMC Acadia) because it appeared more similar in size and stamina to a hatchback wagon. The acceleration and power was also equal to more of a car than an SUV. The positive side is that it’s more marketable because of its smaller engine that is more fuel-efficient with its estimated gas mileage of 26 MPG in city and 30 MPG highway and its versatility as a five-door design. When it comes to safety and security, Caliber did well to make the grade. I learned that the 2007 Dodge Caliber received the highest frontal and side crash-test rating from the government with five stars. It also offers ESP (Electronic Stability Program) that’s designed to assist drivers in maintaining control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers. The Anti-lock brakes are standard on the RT and they also come standard on the SE and SXT when it is equipped with the automatic transmission.
The fun part of the 2007 Dodge Caliber are all the neat options to add splashes of color and special amentities that fit any active lifestyle. Neat interior highlights that I really liked were the beverage cooler (the “chill zone” fits up to 4 bottles or cans), removeable & rechargable overhead cargo flashlight, multi-tiered glove box, MP3 (iPod or Cell Phone) holder in the adjustable armrest, and fold-flat seating that extends your cargo space. I wasn’t thrilled about the vinyl cargo-area load floor but on the good side it makes it durable and washable. Other favorable features include an option for hands-free phone (uConnect), satellite radio, stain resistant fabric and many other very cool features. But be aware that all of these modern conveniences are found mostly in the R/T model. The SE offers the bare minimum. The SXT model is a step up with some basic amenities and the R/T offers all the bonuses that make any car more functional and exciting. My thought is that buyers should budget much higher than the MSRP starting price of $14,285. This can be the Caliber’s big drawback because you’re almost encouraged to go for the gold with the R/T while there are just as reliable cars (fully loaded) in the same price range. The Caliber displays a rugged design yet its smaller engine that fortunately saves on gas offsets itself on engine power and acceleration.
Editor’s note: SUV/crossover utility vehicles similar in class are the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-7, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. Similar hatchback wagons include the Ford Focus Wagon, Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Vibe, and Subaru Outback
July 25th, 2007 at 10:20 am
…..a rental car my girlfriend got from Avis or whatever…..
..seemed to be a practical little (parked alongside my age-25 diesel pickup……..seemed about the same length) vehicle. The automatic on this particular car prevented - IMHO - savoring the car’s full charm/potential.
All in all (brief exposure nonwithstanding) a very pleasant experience.
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Just purchased my Caliber and I have to say its a really fun car! Review is correct about getting the fully loaded version if you can. Makes the car even better. I’ve saved lots of gas and really enjoy driving it!
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
It’s ugly. Can’t see myself in that at all. Obviously targeted toward young adults and old teenagers.
July 1st, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I’ve had the 07 R/T for 6 months now. Love the car but disappointed with the fuel economy. Best I’ve gotten was 23 MPG on the highway with AC off.
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:28 am
I got it as a rental car, as my Z is being repaired and I nearly cried. It looks worse in person. It has so many angles and it drives like a heavy minivan. I really, really hate it. This is my hell for two weeks. I wish I could run the Calibre off a cliff and end it’s misery.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:18 pm
What is this piece of crap? They want me to drive this around while fixing my nice honda? Bull. I had the pedal to the metal and still wasn’t moving. People passing me up on the interstate and everything. 4 cylinder piece of crap.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:30 am
I just bought a brand new Dodge 2008 Caliber. I never thought in a million years that I would purchase a Dodge/Chrysler product. I have to admit the styling of this car is pretty trippy. Square to be exact!!, but for me there was something to that styling that I really liked. I have to admit that for the price the interior could probably be a little nicer instead of the hard plastic covers they put in there. Overall I do like the way the car drives and handles. No it will certainly not win any races. The engine is a bit under powered for my standards, but I am not the main driver of this car and for what it will be used for, mainly for commutes around town this car is just fine. The lifetime transmission warranty was also a pretty good incentive for me.
April 24th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Dumber and Uglier. When will American auto manufacturers learn enough so that we can stop bailing them out?
July 16th, 2009 at 1:05 am
I drove my sister’s dodge caliber and its boring to drive
August 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
this car is really great i love it im going to buy one a 2009 i currently have a 2007 but they are both great to drive it gets pretty good gas mileage so yah if i were you i would buy it
August 4th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
As a famous singer i drive this car along with a couple of other cars
this is a really great car it has alot of space and is not very expensive it does get really good gas mile age and the A/C works good
love,Miley Cyrus
August 18th, 2009 at 10:39 am
I’ve had my 2009 Caliber SXT for a little over three weeks now. We bought it using the “Cash for Clunkers” rebate and feel the value was terrific. Driveability is fine for general commuting. I can’t comment yet about fuel mileage because I’m still on my first tank. I think the fit and finish of the vehicle is excellent on the car. Also, I don’t mind the hard plastic interior. I find that after 10-15 years, the soft parts always separate from the hard plastic parts anyway. The seats are very comfortable and we have plenty of room for four adults. Even my son who is pretty tall was surprised by how much headroom he had in the backseat. If I can average 30 mpg or better on the highway, I will be a happy camper.