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• Reliability

Dodge Caliber - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Dodge Caliber ranks 7 out of 7 Affordable Compact Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 81 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Caliber, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Dodge Caliber tries to be the quintessential hot hatch, but underpowered engines, sloppy handing and subpar interior materials keep it from hitting the mark.

The Dodge Caliber has comfortable seating and an expansive cargo area for a small car -- benefits that should earn it a place on any hatchback shopper's list, and could even lure in buyers from compact wagons.  The Caliber even has aggressive, macho styling borrowed from Dodge's trucks and SUVs that make it stand out in its class. Despite those high points, the Caliber disappoints reviewers with lackluster performance and an interior that doesn't keep pace with competitors, even with upgrades for 2010.

Gone for 2010 is something that may have lured in buyers: Dodge's lifetime powertrain warranty.  In its place are some innovative interior options, like Dodge's uConnect infotainment system and an in-glovebox cooler. However, if you want the full hot-hatch package of utility, performance and quality, most reviewers say you should shop elsewhere.

If you don't think the Caliber is for you, consider looking at the Honda Fit. The Fit has a versatile cargo area, strong performance and build quality that some reviewers say is bullet-proof. It also starts at about $1,000 less than the Caliber. If you want standout styling similar to the Caliber's, check out the Scion xB. While it doesn't have as good a cargo capacity when the rear seat is in place, its aggressive looks that keep up with the Caliber's in-your-face exterior. If you want to stick with an American make, the Chevy HHR offers retro good looks and more cargo and passenger space, though it starts at about $2,000 more than the Caliber.

For 2010, the Dodge Caliber receives some mild interior upgrades, and its top-of-the-line SRT8 trim has been discontinued. The Caliber is available in SE, SXT and R/T trims.

• "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
• "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 . . . Dodge Caliber happens to be one of them." -- Edmunds

Caliber Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Dodge Caliber's performance isn't up to class standards. Reviewers say the Caliber has poor acceleration and sloppy handling. If you're looking for a zippy, fun-to-drive hatchback, look elsewhere. Read More

Caliber Exterior - 7.5 (Good)

The Dodge Caliber takes its styling cues from the aggressive lines of Dodge's larger cars and trucks -- something most reviewers see as a plus. Consumer Guide says, "The Caliber boasts a unique look and greater utility than the traditional compact station wagon." Read More

Caliber Interior - 7.1 (Good)

The 2010 Dodge Caliber has more cargo space than most small cars, making it a practical choice that can almost haul as much as some compact wagons. It also has a number of innovative available interior features, like a cooler in the glovebox. However, others in the class offer nicer materials and better construction. Read More

Caliber Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

The 2010 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 2010 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). Warranty information on the 2010 Dodge Caliber hasn't be released yet. However, Dodge offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, as well as a lifetime powertrain warranty on the 2009 Caliber. If you can find a 2009 Caliber on dealer lots, it might be worth getting it for the lifetime powertrain warranty alone. Read More