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2009 Dodge Caliber Bottom Line

July 9, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

Editors at TheCarConnection.com have driven the 2009 Dodge Caliber and offer their expert opinions on how the Caliber compares to other vehicles. TheCarConnection.com has also researched the latest reviews on the Caliber in order to bring you this conclusive report.

Likes:

  • Roomy interior with impressive flexibility
  • Good seats
  • Awesome, innovative options

Dislikes:

  • Tepid acceleration in SE and SXT
  • Engine noise with CVT automatic
  • Subpar interior materials
  • Sharp edges of center stack

Buying Tips:


If you like the packaging of the Dodge Caliber but want a little bit of SUV-like ruggedness, check out the Jeep Compass.

The Dodge Caliber debuted in 2007 as Dodge's replacement for the Neon small sedan. The Dodge Caliber is available exclusively as a rather sleek five-door hatchback, though it comes in three different models, each featuring a different engine; 1.8-, 2.0-, and 2.4-liter four-cylinders are available on the 2009 Dodge Caliber lineup. While the Dodge Caliber previously offered an especially fuel-sucking all-wheel-drive R/T trim, that option has been discontinued for 2009. The top-end Dodge Caliber SRT4 packs a 285-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine under the hood and includes a bevy of high-performance equipment and styling changes.

Most shoppers will have a positive initial impression of the Dodge Caliber, which is understandable considering it is packed with clever features, such as a beverage cooler, an easy-clean cargo floor, and a setup that includes rear-facing speakers for tailgating. The cabin is also comfortable, featuring supportive seats and a surprisingly large interior that affords plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. Unfortunately, a closer inspection reveals questionable interior materials, including rough plastics and poor finish throughout the interior.

Despite its aggressive appearance, the Dodge Caliber is decidedly docile on the road. An available continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 2.0- and 2.4-liter engines is underpowered and noisy with either engine, while overall handling performance is disappointing. The SRT-4 isn't as comfortable or as fun to drive as its 285 hp might suggest, due to a hard, unforgiving suspension that's out of place on rough roads. Fuel economy isn't what you might hope for a small car, with the SRT4 getting as little as 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. TheCarConnection.com has seen figures in the low 20s in SXT and R/T models.

The Dodge Caliber certainly isn't atop the heap when it comes to safety either, as it fails to offer all of the standard features that some competitors do. For example, while anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags are standard, side impact airbags will cost you extra. NHTSA does rate the Caliber a perfect five stars for both front and side-impact protection, but the IIHS gives the Caliber a second-worst rating of "marginal" in side impact tests.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Dodge Caliber, also consider:

Reason Why:

If you're looking for an economical hatchback, the Nissan Versa and Kia Spectra5 should also be on the shopping list. The Versa in particular is very roomy inside, yet costs a bit less—at least in terms of sticker price—than the Caliber. The Spectra5 is more fun to drive than the Caliber, and either of these vehicles is more refined than the Dodge. The Vibe and Matrix are mechanically identical to each other; between the two, we like the styling of the Vibe a bit more. Most of this field fails to achieve top marks in safety across the board, though you might also consider the slightly smaller and more expensive Honda Fit; it's surprisingly roomy inside.

The Bottom Line:

The Caliber has a very practical layout and truly innovative features to get excited about, but it's lacking in driving enjoyment or refinement—even compared to its low-priced competition.

Editors at TheCarConnection.com have driven the 2009 Dodge Caliber and offer their expert opinions on how the Caliber compares to other vehicles. TheCarConnection.com has also researched the latest reviews on the Caliber in order to bring you this conclusive report. Likes:Roomy interior with impressive flexibilityGood seatsAwesome, innovative optionsDislikes:Tepid acceleration in SE and SXTEngine noise with CVT automaticSubpar interior materialsSharp edges of center stackBuying Tips: If you like the packaging of the Dodge Caliber but want a little bit of SUV-like ruggedness, check out the Jeep Compass. The Dodge Caliber debuted in 2007 as Dodge's replacement for the Neon small sedan. The Dodge Caliber is available exclusively as a rather sleek five-door hatchback, though it comes in three different models, each featuring a different engine; 1.8-, 2.0-, and 2.4-liter four-cylinders are available on the 2009 Dodge Caliber lineup. While the Dodge Caliber previously offered an especially fuel-sucking all-wheel-drive R/T trim, that option has been discontinued for 2009. The top-end Dodge Caliber SRT4 packs a 285-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine under the hood and includes a bevy of high-performance equipment and styling changes. Most shoppers will have a positive initial impression of the Dodge Caliber, which is understandable considering it is packed with clever features, such as a beverage cooler, an easy-clean cargo floor, and a setup that includes rear-facing speakers for tailgating. The cabin is also comfortable, featuring supportive seats and a surprisingly large interior that affords plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. Unfortunately, a closer inspection reveals questionable interior materials, including rough plastics and poor finish throughout the interior. Despite its aggressive appearance, the Dodge Caliber is decidedly docile on the road. An available continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 2.0- and 2.4-liter engines is underpowered and noisy with either engine, while overall handling performance is disappointing. The SRT-4 isn't as comfortable or as fun to drive as its 285 hp might suggest, due to a hard, unforgiving suspension that's out of place on rough roads. Fuel economy isn't what you might hope for a small car, with the SRT4 getting as little as 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. TheCarConnection.com has seen figures in the low 20s in SXT and R/T models. The Dodge Caliber certainly isn't atop the heap when it comes to safety either, as it fails to offer all of the standard features that some competitors do. For example, while anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags are standard, side impact airbags will cost you extra. NHTSA does rate the Caliber a perfect five stars for both front and side-impact protection, but the IIHS gives the Caliber a second-worst rating of "marginal" in side impact tests. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Dodge Caliber, also consider:Nissan VersaKia Spectra5Pontiac VibeToyota MatrixHonda FitReason Why:If you're looking for an economical hatchback, the Nissan Versa and Kia Spectra5 should also be on the shopping list. The Versa in particular is very roomy inside, yet costs a bit less—at least in terms of sticker price—than the Caliber. The Spectra5 is more fun to drive than the Caliber, and either of these vehicles is more refined than the Dodge. The Vibe and Matrix are mechanically identical to each other; between the two, we like the styling of the Vibe a bit more. Most of this field fails to achieve top marks in safety across the board, though you might also consider the slightly smaller and more expensive Honda Fit; it's surprisingly roomy inside. The Bottom Line:The Caliber has a very practical layout and truly innovative features to get excited about, but it's lacking in driving enjoyment or refinement—even compared to its low-priced competition. Editors at TheCarConnection.com have driven the 2009 Dodge Caliber and offer their expert opinions on how the Caliber compares to other vehicles. TheCarConnection.com has also researched the latest reviews on the Caliber in order to bring you this conclusive report. Likes Roomy interior ...

Other Choices:

If you're looking for an economical hatchback, the Nissan Versa and Kia Spectra5 should also be on the shopping list. The Versa in particular is very roomy inside, yet costs a bit less—at least in terms of sticker price—than the Caliber. The Spectra5 is more fun to drive than the Caliber, and either of these vehicles is more refined than the Dodge. The Vibe and Matrix are mechanically identical to each other; between the two, we like the styling of the Vibe a bit more. Most of this field fails to achieve top marks in safety across the board, though you might also consider the slightly smaller and more expensive Honda Fit; it's surprisingly roomy inside.

Next Steps:

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See the Dodge Caliber in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (4 total)

  1. By Tom #1, Posted: 7/27/2009

    My wife and I have owned a new 2009 Caliber SXT with the 2.0L engine and CVT for 7 months now, and our experience has been just the opposite of yours. Most of your comments are so false it makes me angry. OUR engine/CVT accelerate so rapidly and quietly that I have to check the speedometer to avoid speeding. The engine is plenty powerful. The steering is quick, the handling precise, and zipping around in heavy traffic or down twisting back roads is a joy. OUR Caliber is a lot of fun to drive. We have consistently been getting over 27 mpg in mostly city driving, and on a recent long trip got 29.6 with the A/C on. "Poor finish"? "Subpar materials"? Not in OUR Caliber! The fit'n'finish in ours is impeccable. Yes, there is plastic (it's not a Rolls Royce), but it's thick, strong, and attractive. The whole car seems solid and well-made. And it sure looks better than those cars to which you compare it!

  2. By Jack #2, Posted: 7/29/2009

    These writers are all full of baloney. I bought a new 09 Claiber SXT and love it to death. The 2.0L and CVT are a pleasure. Power is right there and strong. Handling on windy, twisty roads is pretty good, too.
    It comes with dual anti-sway bars and 17 inch Firestones.
    I own/owned a lot of cars and motorcycles in my day, and this Caliber is one of the most FUN to drive cars I have owned.
    I test drove Kia Spectra, Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt. The Dodge wins hands down for interior space and comfort. The Dodge wins for styling. The dodge wins for safety features. It puts AMERICANS to work vs. Koreans with the Kia.
    It is the only one to offer a lifetime drivetrain warranty.
    I'm a Chevy fan that has been converted to a Dodge Boy now.

  3. By Bob Grimes #3, Posted: 8/6/2009

    We have the 2007 Caliber and it is great! Most reviewers talk about stuff like "fun" to drive that has no real meaning, or "cheap plastic" interiors. The interior is fine, easy to clean and of high quality. Don't read car reviewers, they are used to driving sports/imports. Let the have their "fun" while Caliber owners have great gas mileage(26-33) with a/c and stoutly built bodies and interiors.

  4. By jim #4, Posted: 9/6/2009

    I bought a 2009 caliber sxt 5 months ago ,nothing but trouble the rotors and pads have been replace,there is a rattle in the steering the transmission got it's own mind .i paid 24,995.00 i went to trade it in most dealers offered me 14,000.gm dont want to take her on a trade ,chrysler don't really want to take it as a trade. worst car i have ever owned.

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