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Dodge Caliber - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Dodge Caliber ranks 36 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 73 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Caliber, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Caliber's aggressive styling and spacious trunk are assets for anyone shopping for a hatchback -- but reviewers say the car's underwhelming powertrain and less than stellar build might make you think twice. Consider the Volkswagen Rabbit or more upscale VW GTI if you're looking for stronger road performance, or the Honda Fit for superior quality. 

The 2009 Dodge Caliber's macho stance, accommodating cargo area, unique cabin amenities and comfortable seating should earn it a place on anyone's hatchback wish list. But reviewers find flaws that prevent them from giving the car glowing marks. For one, the car is considered underpowered in almost every trim -- save the new SRT4 model. Secondly, some consider the Caliber's cost-cutting materials cheap. Lastly, test drivers find that the car's performance is too trucky for such a small vehicle.

Dodge's parent company, Chrysler, recently emerged from bankruptcy and is merging with Italian automaker Fiat. The combined company will most likely drop some of Chrysler's low-selling models while introducing new Fiat models to the United States. While this may discourage you from buying a Dodge, it shouldn't -- all warranties will continue to be honored and many dealerships will remain open. 

• "I thought the Caliber, while not high-caliber, was definitely medium-caliber." -- The Auto Channel
• "The Caliber is unconventional, but risk has paid off recently in both Chrysler and Dodge camps. And it's hard to argue with the price." -- Road and Track
• "As fuel costs continue to fluctuate, small cars are increasingly required to be more than just frugal commuters. Few vehicles better epitomize this trend than the 2009 Dodge Caliber, a combination hatchback, wagon and SUV." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "I've never really liked the chunky compact Dodge Caliber, the replacement to the quirky Neon." -- The Detroit News
• "Dodge Caliber is at the same time innovative and retro, hatchback that's more like a station wagon but with hints of the utility of a minivan." -- New Car Test Drive
• When reviewing the Caliber's new SRT4 trim, Car and Driver writes, "Like a Camembert-and-sardine sandwich, it figures to be an acquired taste." -- Car and Driver
• "These days, there's a lot of parity in terms of reliability, power and features. Still, there are certainly cars that qualify as 'not as good,' and the 2009 Dodge Caliber happens to be one of them." -- Edmunds

Caliber Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)

While test drivers say that the 2009 Caliber's SRT4 model has impressive oomph, the three remaining trims are more about value than driving thrills. Kelley Blue Book says, "While the Caliber's mission in life is decidedly more utilitarian than performance oriented, we managed to have some fun." The EPA ratings for the Caliber range from 19/27 mpg city/highway to 24/30 mpg city/highway. Read More

Caliber Exterior - 7.5 (Good)

The Dodge Caliber's aggressive lines are probably its best trait; reviewers say design calls on styling cues from larger Dodge cars and trucks. New Car Test Drive suggests, "Picture a Dodge Magnum as it might appear in a theme park's House of Mirrors, and you'll have a good idea of what the Dodge Caliber looks like." Read More

Caliber Interior - 7.1 (Good)

The Caliber has more comfortable seating than many similar priced cars -- plus it has a cavernous cargo area. But some reviewers expect higher quality cabin materials. As Edmunds writes, "With its hatchback design, the Dodge Caliber is tailor-made to accommodate most daily tasks," while also noting, "You'll likely find the Caliber's interior lacking in terms of materials and construction." Read More

Caliber Safety - 8.1 (Very Good)

The 2009 Dodge Caliber does very well in government crash tests, but receives a disappointing score from the insurance industry for side impact tests. Read More

Caliber Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Dodge Caliber reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, as well as a lifetime powertrain warranty. Read More