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2009 Dodge Caliber Quality Review

July 9, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

New sound insulation for a quieter ride
Cars.com

Five-door configuration offers cargo-carrying versatility
Car and Driver

Colors of the plastic panels weren't uniform, further cheapening the interior
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Dodge Caliber is spacious enough to be comfortable, and the seats are adequate, but materials and build quality are on the extremely low end of the spectrum.

Cars.com describes the Dodge Caliber as a "five-seat, four-door hatchback," and while most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com describe it as a compact car, the interior is quite spacious. Edmunds reviewers report that, although the seating capacity is five, "putting three adults in back will likely result in grumbles about lack of comfort for the center passenger." Up front, Car and Driver says "the seating position is high," a notable plus, and ConsumerGuide measures "ample headroom and legroom." Unfortunately, "the cloth seats on non-SRT4 models lack a lumbar adjuster, and thus are short on lower-back support." MyRide.com observes that "the front seats that come standard are comfortable, but far from plush," while the "rear seat is a bench and leg room is somewhat cramped, trailing most competitors."

The Dodge Caliber makes efficient use of its available interior space when it comes to cargo storage, as many reviewers list this as one of the Caliber's stronger attributes. MyRide.com says "cargo capacity is one of the Caliber's big advantages," and notes the rear seats fold down 60/40 to reveal 48.0 cubic feet of cargo room." ConsumerGuide also observes that the "cargo area is larger than that of a typical hatchback" and the Caliber's "removable plastic load floor is easy to clean, but [it] allows objects to slide around." Edmunds simply calls the 2009 Dodge Caliber "pleasantly roomy and functional." Interior storage is aided by "cubbies all over," according to reviewers at The Auto Channel.

The 2009 Dodge Caliber has some redeeming qualities in terms of cabin comfort and overall space, but these are more than mitigated by the poor overall build quality. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the Dodge Caliber has major quality problems, as Edmunds reports the Caliber's interior "lacking in terms of materials and construction." ConsumerGuide is a bit more direct, noting that "low-rent hard plastics cover most parts of the Caliber's cabin," and although the "SRT4 has a slightly dressier cabin with better detail work than other Calibers... it still significantly trails the MazdaSpeed3 and Volkswagen GTI." Car and Driver asserts "the plastic is cheaper than that of most toys," while ConsumerGuide speaks to the build quality by pointing out that "the colors of the plastic panels weren't uniform" on one of their test Dodge Calibers, "further cheapening the interior appearance."

The 2008 version of the Dodge Caliber was known for being quite unrefined and noisy, so to address these complaints Dodge installed several new layers of sound insulation. The results, however, aren't that impressive, as ConsumerGuide still reports "mediocre suppression of road noise." Motor Trend describes the Dodge Caliber as "coarse and crude," and Car and Driver simply notes that "the engine is buzzy."

Conclusion

Cargo space is impressive for this category, but otherwise the 2009 Dodge Caliber falls well behind the pack.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:New sound insulation for a quieter rideCars.comFive-door configuration offers cargo-carrying versatilityCar and DriverColors of the plastic panels weren't uniform, further cheapening the interiorConsumerGuide The 2009 Dodge Caliber is spacious enough to be comfortable, and the seats are adequate, but materials and build quality are on the extremely low end of the spectrum. Cars.com describes the Dodge Caliber as a "five-seat, four-door hatchback," and while most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com describe it as a compact car, the interior is quite spacious. Edmunds reviewers report that, although the seating capacity is five, "putting three adults in back will likely result in grumbles about lack of comfort for the center passenger." Up front, Car and Driver says "the seating position is high," a notable plus, and ConsumerGuide measures "ample headroom and legroom." Unfortunately, "the cloth seats on non-SRT4 models lack a lumbar adjuster, and thus are short on lower-back support." MyRide.com observes that "the front seats that come standard are comfortable, but far from plush," while the "rear seat is a bench and leg room is somewhat cramped, trailing most competitors." The Dodge Caliber makes efficient use of its available interior space when it comes to cargo storage, as many reviewers list this as one of the Caliber's stronger attributes. MyRide.com says "cargo capacity is one of the Caliber's big advantages," and notes the rear seats fold down 60/40 to reveal 48.0 cubic feet of cargo room." ConsumerGuide also observes that the "cargo area is larger than that of a typical hatchback" and the Caliber's "removable plastic load floor is easy to clean, but [it] allows objects to slide around." Edmunds simply calls the 2009 Dodge Caliber "pleasantly roomy and functional." Interior storage is aided by "cubbies all over," according to reviewers at The Auto Channel. The 2009 Dodge Caliber has some redeeming qualities in terms of cabin comfort and overall space, but these are more than mitigated by the poor overall build quality. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the Dodge Caliber has major quality problems, as Edmunds reports the Caliber's interior "lacking in terms of materials and construction." ConsumerGuide is a bit more direct, noting that "low-rent hard plastics cover most parts of the Caliber's cabin," and although the "SRT4 has a slightly dressier cabin with better detail work than other Calibers... it still significantly trails the MazdaSpeed3 and Volkswagen GTI." Car and Driver asserts "the plastic is cheaper than that of most toys," while ConsumerGuide speaks to the build quality by pointing out that "the colors of the plastic panels weren't uniform" on one of their test Dodge Calibers, "further cheapening the interior appearance." The 2008 version of the Dodge Caliber was known for being quite unrefined and noisy, so to address these complaints Dodge installed several new layers of sound insulation. The results, however, aren't that impressive, as ConsumerGuide still reports "mediocre suppression of road noise." Motor Trend describes the Dodge Caliber as "coarse and crude," and Car and Driver simply notes that "the engine is buzzy." ConclusionCargo space is impressive for this category, but otherwise the 2009 Dodge Caliber falls well behind the pack. 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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