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2009 Dodge Caliber Review

July 9, 2009

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Tricks the eye into seeing a lower, sleeker shape
Cars.com

Do yourself a favor and spring for the Sport Appearance package
Car and Driver

Large, simple audio and climate controls are within easy reach
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Dodge Caliber, with its bold, upright styling, stands out on the road as a truly American take on the hatchback design. The interior, however, could use a little European refinement or Japanese quality control.

The 2009 Dodge Caliber is the third model year for Dodge's small car, and once again it is available in four trims. Edmunds reports that "SE, SXT, R/T and SRT4" versions of the Dodge Caliber are on dealer lots, and there won't be any mistaking the SE for the SRT4. Car and Driver says "the look, echoed by Dodge's 'anything but cute' advertising tagline, is a purposeful departure from the Caliber's predecessor, the bug-eyed Neon." Road & Track calls the system "a two-box design a la Toyota Matrix," while reviewers from The Los Angeles Times contend that it draws from "the bruised-knuckle machismo of the Durango and Magnum station wagon." The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is even more impressive, as Cars.com remarks that it "has been turned into a serious-looking muscle machine, carrying itself with a swagger that even some of the bigger SRT models, like the 300C SRT8, would be hard-pressed to match." For those looking for even more visual effect, Edmunds asserts "available 18- and 19-inch wheels only add to the Caliber's swagger."

The 2009 Dodge Caliber boasts a strong, look-at-me exterior, but the interior styling isn't quite as catchy. Cars.com says the interior "loses points for its lack of uniform graining on the dash plastic and unremarkable fit-and-finish," while also noting that "one SRT-specific cue is a turbo-boost gauge on the left side of the steering wheel that looks pretty cool, but it isn't optimally positioned." ConsumerGuide reports that "the transmission shifter can partially block access to the climate dials," but some aspects of the layout deserve mention. ConsumerGuide points out that the "large gauges are easy to read," and MyRide.com remarks that "the center console is well laid out and within easy reach."

Conclusion

The 2009 Dodge Caliber looks good from the outside, but the interior styling is disappointing.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Tricks the eye into seeing a lower, sleeker shapeCars.comDo yourself a favor and spring for the Sport Appearance packageCar and DriverLarge, simple audio and climate controls are within easy reachConsumerGuide The 2009 Dodge Caliber, with its bold, upright styling, stands out on the road as a truly American take on the hatchback design. The interior, however, could use a little European refinement or Japanese quality control. The 2009 Dodge Caliber is the third model year for Dodge's small car, and once again it is available in four trims. Edmunds reports that "SE, SXT, R/T and SRT4" versions of the Dodge Caliber are on dealer lots, and there won't be any mistaking the SE for the SRT4. Car and Driver says "the look, echoed by Dodge's 'anything but cute' advertising tagline, is a purposeful departure from the Caliber's predecessor, the bug-eyed Neon." Road & Track calls the system "a two-box design a la Toyota Matrix," while reviewers from The Los Angeles Times contend that it draws from "the bruised-knuckle machismo of the Durango and Magnum station wagon." The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is even more impressive, as Cars.com remarks that it "has been turned into a serious-looking muscle machine, carrying itself with a swagger that even some of the bigger SRT models, like the 300C SRT8, would be hard-pressed to match." For those looking for even more visual effect, Edmunds asserts "available 18- and 19-inch wheels only add to the Caliber's swagger." The 2009 Dodge Caliber boasts a strong, look-at-me exterior, but the interior styling isn't quite as catchy. Cars.com says the interior "loses points for its lack of uniform graining on the dash plastic and unremarkable fit-and-finish," while also noting that "one SRT-specific cue is a turbo-boost gauge on the left side of the steering wheel that looks pretty cool, but it isn't optimally positioned." ConsumerGuide reports that "the transmission shifter can partially block access to the climate dials," but some aspects of the layout deserve mention. ConsumerGuide points out that the "large gauges are easy to read," and MyRide.com remarks that "the center console is well laid out and within easy reach." ConclusionThe 2009 Dodge Caliber looks good from the outside, but the interior styling is disappointing. 2009 DODGE CALIBER STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "Tricks the eye into seeing a lower, sleeker shape" Car and Driver: "Do yourself a favor and spring for the Sport Appearance package" ConsumerGuide: "Large, simple audio and climate controls are within easy reach" The 2009 Dodge ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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