There are many more good hatchback entries on the market today than when the Caliber first launched five years ago.
The Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3 have a little less passenger space, but they're more exciting to drive and better in most other respects.
The 2012 Mazda3 can now also be had with new SkyActiv powertrains that allow up to 40 mpg.
Another alternative is the new Ford Focus, which is offered in a four-door hatchback and is very stylish inside and out, as well as appointed with breakthrough features such as MyFord Touch.
The Toyota Matrix is a taller hatchback alternative, and while it offers a lot of versatility and cargo-friendliness, its back seat space is tight.
Finally, one other all-new model, and one that's perhaps closest to the Caliber in concept, is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport; like the Caliber, the Outlander Sport has a roomy interior, gas mileage that's unremarkable, and a CVT that's not an ideal companion; however, the Mitsubishi has somewhat more impressive interior materials and handles a bit better.
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 2012 Dodge CaliberBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2012 Mitsubishi Outlander SportBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota MatrixBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Volkswagen GolfBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2012 Dodge Caliber offers a good deal in terms of space, versatility, and features for the money, but you might not find much else to like. |
With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows that small cars don't have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better-equipped. |
With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one. |
If you do most of your driving in the city, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a pleasant, nimble runabout that offers strong value for the money. |
The 2012 Toyota Matrix combines the frugality of the best-selling Corolla with a little more sportiness and versatility--but it still comes up a bit short in features. |
The 2012 Volkswagen Golf feels like a premium vehicle, and it's priced like one too, especially its fuel-efficient TDI edition. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $17,380 | $16,500 | $15,200 | $18,795 | $18,845 | $17,995 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 23 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I5 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small Station Wagon | Compact | Compact | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Small Station Wagon | Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door HB SE | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 2WD 4-Door Manual ES | 5-Door Wagon Manual L FWD (Natl) | 2-Door HB Manual PZEV |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Hatchback | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sport Utility | 5 Door Wagon | 2 Door HB |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Dodge Caliber vs. 2012 Ford Focus | 2012 Dodge Caliber vs. 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2012 Dodge Caliber vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 2012 Dodge Caliber vs. 2012 Toyota Matrix | 2012 Dodge Caliber vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
