Dodge Caliber (06-09) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 21 February 2011
The Caliber is a tough-looking hatchback that certainly stands out. It's described as a 'crossover' which means it supposedly combines the practicality and styling of an off-roader with the road-holding of a family hatch. In reality this doesn't quite work. Although the Caliber is spacious and reasonably well-equipped, the interior has a distinctly budget look, it's poor to drive and doesn't feel especially well built. The one strong point is the diesel engine - although this is actually sourced from Volkswagen -aside from that there's little else to recommend the Dodge.
2.5 out of 5

Other Dodge reviews

2.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£12,505 - £16,995

Used price range:

£2,765 - £9,055

View all used prices

Get a Dodge Caliber (06-09) information pack

Next steps

Dodge Caliber cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 26 models like this for sale, starting at £4,490.

Find used Dodge Calibers for sale

Bold styling, practical touches, decent boot, VW-sourced diesel engine

Cheap and naff looking interior, poor handling, lacks refinement

The Caliber is a tough-looking hatchback that certainly stands out. It's described as a 'crossover' which means it supposedly combines the practicality and styling of an off-roader with the road-holding of a family hatch. In reality this doesn't quite work. Although the Caliber is spacious and reasonably well-equipped, the interior has a distinctly budget look, it's poor to drive and doesn't feel especially well built. The one strong point is the diesel engine - although this is actually sourced from Volkswagen -aside from that there's little else to recommend the Dodge.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3 out of 5

    "The Caliber is powered by a choice of three engines. The entry-level is a 1.8-litre petrol with..."

  • Handling

    2.5 out of 5

    "Despite the scaled-down off-roader looks, the Caliber is only a two-wheel drive model and the higher..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "As the tall, wide shape suggests, there is plenty of interior space, plus you get a good level of..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Caliber has plenty of family-friendly features and a generous luggage capacity. The boot is..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "The base model in the line-up is badged S which comes with a CD player and electric windows. The..."

  • Behind the wheel

    2 out of 5

    "Most of the cabin appears as though it has been built to a low budget. The plastics used feel..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2.5 out of 5

    "Fuel consumption is average - the 1.8-litre manages 38mpg, while insurance costs are reasonable with..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "There are no low-emissions models in the range - the greenest engine is the 2.0-litre diesel which..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 out of 5

    "The Dodge was awarded a four-star rating (out of five) for adult occupant safety by Euro NCAP and..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "Dodge is an unknown quantity within the UK although its co-brands - Jeep and Chrysler - don't..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2 out of 5

    "Dodge is a relatively new brand to the UK. However it is sold alongside Jeep and Chrysler, so..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "If you want something different and decent value, then a second hand Caliber could be a good buy."

  • Selling

    1.5 out of 5

    "The easiest way to sell will be part exchange, as it's not a well known model, so very few buyers..."

Gallery

  • Interior Dodge Caliber (06-09)
  • Exterior Dodge Caliber (06-09)
  • Exterior Dodge Caliber (06-09)
  • Exterior Dodge Caliber (06-09)

View full gallery

Owners' reviews