Dodge Caliber (06-09) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on 10 May 2006

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

Running costs

Fuel consumption is average - the 1.8-litre manages 38mpg, while insurance costs are reasonable with the highest a group 8. Dodge servicing isn't the cheapest around while the intervals between maintenance are short (9000 miles for the diesel) compared to other family hatchbacks.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year
Unleaded	£1,615 - £1,805 *
Diesel	£1,364 - £1,393 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs
Servicing period	Petrol: 8000 miles, diesel: 9000 miles.
Warranty	Three years/60,000 miles.
Road tax (12 months)	£170.00 - £250.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO₂ emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO₂ emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2.5 out of 5