2011 Dodge Caliber

Even after receiving an update in 2010 that sought to improve its interior fit and finish, the 2011 Dodge Caliber's older underpinnings and average performance keep it from being a major player in the compact-hatchback arena. While the Caliber provides a decent ride and has a sizable, versatile interior, it can't match the refinement and sophisticated driving experience that superior hatchback competitors like the 2012 Ford Focus (Base MSRP: $16,270 to $22,765) and 2011 Mazda3 (Base MSRP: $15,800 to $23,010) offer.

Practicality is a strong point

Reviewers agree that the nicest aspect of the 2011 Dodge Caliber is its versatile hatchback body that provides good amounts of cargo capacity and passenger space. Don Gammill Jr. at TheTruthAboutCars.com tests a 2010 Dodge Caliber, which is essentially identical to the 2011 model, and states that when it comes to utility, the Caliber "really delivers, with a fold-down (and reclining) rear seat that reaches near-flat status, a plastic-backed flip-forward front passenger seat," and generous headroom. Furthermore, Gammill says that the materials used in the rear cargo bay are much improved, providing for a rugged and useful storage area. Maximum cargo capacity is 48 cubic feet.

Upgraded interior still not up to snuff

The upgraded interior is much improved over pre-2010 Dodge Caliber models, but the consensus among reviewers is that quality still falls about midpack when compared against segment rivals. ConsumerGuide.com calls the interior "class-competitive for materials quality and fit and finish," and Edmunds.com says that the interior redesign "added cushioned materials in key touch points." The cabin can be equipped with niceties such as Bluetooth integration, leather seating, a premium touch-screen stereo with a built in 30-gigabite hard drive, and heated front seats. While these are options on the cheapest trim levels, the higher trims include some of these features as standard equipment. There are also a few unusual options, like a mini refrigerator and flip-down speakers in the tailgate for projecting music when the rear hatch is open.

The Caliber's chunky styling is unique, making it look like a cross between a small wagon and an SUV. Some reviewers like the look for being different, while others say it looks a bit silly.

Entirely forgettable drivetrains and performance

The driving experience in the 2011 Dodge Caliber is undistinguished -- a key area in which it falls short of the competition. Edmunds.com summarizes it in one word, "mediocre," explaining that the Caliber "neither impresses nor really offends behind the wheel." ConsumerGuide.com likens the steering and handling to a midsize SUV, describing the steering as dull and noting that "body lean in turns is only moderately controlled." TheTruthAboutCars.com is unimpressed with the ride, complaining that the combination of "mushy" suspension tuning with the optional "bone-jarringly stiff" 17-inch wheel/tire package results in a brittle and uncomfortable ride. Many competitors have a better ride quality, particularly new entrants like the 2012 Ford Focus and 2011 Hyundai Elantra (Base MSRP: $14,830 to $19,980), though the latter is unavailable as a hatchback

Reviewers don't have anything nicer to say about the engines and transmissions. ConsumerGuide.com calls the Caliber "pokey even by compact-car standards," with its base 2-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. Sara Lacey from MotherProof.com feels that the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder, producing 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque, "ambles up to speed without much pickup," which is disappointing considering this is the optional up-rated engine. The five-speed manual transmission is adequate and utilitarian. The CVT automatic works relatively smoothly and simulates gear ratios; reviewers note that its calibration requires the engine to work hard (and noisily) and that it saps the feeling of power.

Unimpressive fuel economy, mediocre crash-test scores

The Dodge Caliber's fuel-economy ratings are as bleak as its performance. The base engine gets an average 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the five-speed manual and a dismal 23 mpg city/27 mpg highway/24 mpg combined with its CVT automatic. Opt for the 2.4-liter engine and fuel economy drops even further, with the five-speed manual delivering a relatively poor 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined and the CVT delivering 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway/24 mpg combined.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested the 2011 Dodge Caliber, and the results are disappointing. The Caliber gets the highest rating of Good for both front- and rear-impact protection, but it gets the low Marginal ranking for side impacts. Nearly every other small car tested by the IIHS fares better. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also tested the 2011 Caliber, and the results are similar. Front-crash protection and rollover resistance are given 4 stars out of 5, while side-crash protection gets only 3 stars. 

Safety features and warranty

Standard safety equipment includes driver-side knee airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes, front airbags and side curtain airbags. Stability control and front-seat side airbags are optional on all models but the base Express trim. Side airbags are standard equipment on most competing models.

The 2011 Caliber comes with a good powertrain warranty of five years/100,000 miles, but the basic warranty is short at just three years/36,000 miles. Like the rest of the Caliber's quantifiable qualities, reliability has been average according to a respected consumer resource.

Summing up the 2011 Dodge Caliber

The 2011 Dodge Caliber excels in versatility and cabin space but falls short on nearly every other scale. Competitors such as the Mazda3 and Ford Focus have the hatchback versatility but also better fuel efficiency, interior quality and driving characteristics. Beyond these competitors, there are many small SUVs and station wagons that are better vehicles according to reviewers.