2007 Dodge Caliber Review

What reviews like:
One of the major bright spots is the 2007 Dodge Caliber's size. It is one of the largest new compact cars on the market, with a lot of storage space for the money. Seats are comfortable, handling and ride are solid and predictable, and there are some interesting options (like a spot in the glove compartment that can keep a beverage cold).

What reviews don't like:

Almost every review is critical of the 2007 Dodge Caliber's base engine, a 1.8-liter 148-horsepower 4-cylinder. The vehicle is said to be bulky and to feel more cumbersome than some competitors. Fit and finish are criticized in some reviews. Altogether, this inexpensive hatchback falls short of the competition, including the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 23 to 28 mpg/city, 26 to 32 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Dodge Caliber review highlights

When compared bumper-to-bumper with the competition, the 2007 Dodge Caliber falls short of the Honda Fit (*est. $13,850 to $15,170), Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250), Nissan Versa (*est. $12,550 to $15,550) and other compact hatchbacks. Although one of the largest and most powerful compact economy cars, reviews say the Dodge Caliber lacks punch. Handling is called average, as is fuel economy. The ride and handling are generally called good, but engine noise can be an issue. Overall, the Dodge Caliber isn't one of the more exceptional compact cars.

The best review for the new 2007 Dodge Caliber (which replaces the Neon in the Dodge lineup) is found in Car and Driver magazine, where the Caliber is tested head-to-head with six other entry-level cars. We found further reviews for the '07 Caliber at Consumer Guide, Edmunds.com, Consumer Reports and CarCritic.com, but the Car and Driver review is more helpful, mainly because it compares the Dodge Caliber to its competition, including the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent (all of which finish ahead of the 2007 Caliber).

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
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$15,000 Cheap Skates
John Phillips and Aaron Kiley
May 2006

In a match-up of seven inexpensive compact cars, the 2007 Dodge Caliber SE comes in sixth place (the Honda Fit took first). According to the review, the Caliber is the biggest and most powerful of the vehicles tested -- at least on paper. But instead of feeling aggressive, it feels bulky and lumbering. In addition, the seats are low and the windows are high, resulting in a strange feeling while driving the Dodge. The drive quality is also a low point, but the vehicle gets some accolades for having excellent available features.

2. Edmunds.com
Ex-Neon, New-Caliber
Brent Romans
Feb. 2006

Edmunds.com offers up a review of the Caliber that is promising and disheartening in the same breath. The 2007 Dodge Caliber is applauded for its interior room and comfort, along with some unique features (such as a place in the glove compartment to keep drinks cold). Ride quality is also a highlight. However, the performance of the engine is lambasted. In the end, the review notes that the 2007 Dodge Caliber has potential, but it currently lacks a sense of fun.

3. Automotive.com
2007 Dodge Caliber Review
Editors of Automotive.com

This six-page review of the 2007 Dodge Caliber is excellent because it really examines the finer points of the car, but overall, the Dodge Caliber is merely average. It does many things well, but none exceptionally well. Editors seem to like the exterior design, comparing it favorably to the Dodge Magnum.

4. AutoChannel.com
2007 Dodge Caliber SE Review
John Heilig

AutoChannel.com's review of the Dodge Caliber is refreshingly direct, and reviewer John Heilig isn't pulling any punches. He says the base engine is poor, the handling is mediocre, and the transmission is sub-par. Also, the lack of automatic door locks is a disappointment. What saves the Caliber in the opinion of John Heilig is its great cargo space and front console setup. The fuel-efficiency is okay, and the seats are comfortable.

5. Consumer Reports
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2007 Dodge Caliber review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests pretty much every car on the market, including the 2007 Dodge Caliber. Editors road-test each car and include ratings on safety, reliability and fuel economy, in addition to driving impressions. You must be a subscriber to read Consumer Reports' reviews.

6. CarCritic.com
2007 Dodge Caliber
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com takes an interesting approach to car reviews. Editor Don Vorderman says that there are plenty of places buyers can find specification and features information, so he focuses on information that's harder to find, such as long-term reliability information. He says the Dodge Caliber is likeable, but with "iffy" reliability.

7. AssociatedContent.com
2007 Dodge Caliber SE, SXT and RT
Morgan Summerfield
May 2006

Exterior design, fuel economy and available options are said to be high points for the 2007 Dodge Caliber. Performance, however, isn't its strong suit, and fit/finish is called into question.

Also see full report: Economy Cars