2008 Dodge Caliber Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 66 Caliber reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Dodge Caliber has performed very well in most safety tests. However, Dodge offers many of its safety systems as expensive options, while much of the Caliber's competition provides the same features as standard equipment.
The federal government awards the Caliber five out of five stars for protecting all passengers in both front and side impact crash tests. The Caliber receives a four of five star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards the 2008 Caliber its highest score of "Good" for protecting all passengers in frontal offset crash testing. In its side-impact crash tests, however, the IIHS rated the Caliber's performance as just "Marginal," only one level above its poorest score.
Accident Avoidance
Dodge has made several accident avoidance systems available for the Caliber. An Electronic Stability Control system with Traction Control is standard on the SRT4 and available on SXT and R/T models, but is not offered on the base model SE. The same is true of anti-lock brakes. An upgrade to the Driver Convenience Group includes continuous tire pressure monitoring to warn the driver of under-inflated tires -- but again, this is an option offered only on SXT and R/T models.
Shoppers should also note that some reviewers report visibility problems when driving SE model Calibers, which do not include a height-adjustable driver's seat. "Forward visibility was a little slotlike owing to a lowish windshield header," notes Edmunds, while "the view out the back felt 'pinched' by overarching D-pillars and large, fixed rear headrests." Other reviewers praise the visibility of SXT and R/T models. "Visibility is pretty good all around, partly because the Caliber actually sits a bit higher than a common affordable car," finds Cars.com, when driving a Caliber SXT.
Crash Protection
The 2008 Caliber offers dual-stage front air bags for both front-seat passengers, which inflate at differing speeds depending on the severity of the impact. A weight sensor de-activates the air bag in front of an empty seat. Side head curtain air bags are standard equipment. The Caliber includes an additional knee-level air bag that inflates in front of the driver to protect the driver's legs. Side air bags, which protect the torsos of front seat occupants, are optional. Front seat belts include pretensioners.
Despite the Caliber's five-star rating from the government in side-impact testing, the IIHS awarded the Dodge only a "marginal" score. The two tests differ in that the government test replicates the effects of a passenger car hitting the tested vehicle directly from the side, while the IIHS test replicates the effects of a high-centered truck or SUV striking the tested car at a slight angle. The IIHS found that, even with the optional side air bags, the driver would most likely sustain heavy torso injuries in such a crash. The Institute also gave the Caliber a "marginal" score for the ability of its headrests to prevent whiplash.
