An excellent idea marred by low Caliber execution
By Thom Blackett
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October 25, 2006
What We Drove
Dodge Caliber – Review: Foresight may be one of the most valuable qualities to have in any business, but especially the automotive business. While some companies were working feverishly on large SUVs and trucks, others were focused on small and efficient cars, or a blend of both. Among the latter was Dodge, ready to strike back against gas price hikes with its Neon replacement, the five-door 2007 Caliber, available with front- or all-wheel drive, between 148 and 172 horses, and a price ranging from $13,985 (SE) to $19,985 (R/T AWD), including a $560 destination charge.
Why We Drove It
Spurred primarily if not completely by rising gas prices, the small and midsize car markets are once again booming as buyers reevaluate their needs and budgets. Hence, we’ve seen increased interest in family sedans, crossovers, and relatively diminutive rides like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa. The 2007 Dodge Caliber also exists in that bunch, adding its own bold style, relatively powerful engines, and available all-wheel drive, all for a competitive base sticker price. We wanted to see if the Caliber was up to snuff, and found that execution fell short of expectations.
Performance
This is a prime example of horsepower ratings not meaning squat. The Caliber R/T’s 172 ponies may look respectable on paper, but they fail to translate to any thrill behind the throttle. Maybe it’s curb weight, maybe it’s a lack of power, or maybe it’s a combination of those plus a miserable CVT transmission that robs the Caliber or any real spirit. Off-the-line response is lacking, and even highway passes require some forethought. The CVT can be manipulated manually to extract just a hint of liveliness from the powertrain, but it can only do so much. Best to wait for the boosted SRT version.
Handling
There’s one point that drivers of the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T will recognize quickly – the car is heavy, and feels it. As a result, like the powertrain, the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T’s handling characteristics offer little to write home about. Steering is too vague with little concern for road feel, and there’s notable, if not terribly excessive, body roll, while the Firestone Firehawk GTA 215/55R18 tires do their best to maintain grip. When pushed along twisty back roads this little Dodge actually feels fairly well buttoned down, aided no doubt by the all-wheel-drive system. But the car’s weight, disconnected steering feel, and lackluster powertrain seriously limit the fun factor.
Visibility
On the plus side, 2007 Dodge Caliber provides ample side mirrors for a decent rearward view, and the side glass, while limited in height by the high beltline, affords plenty of side viewing area forward of the cargo area. However, there are limitations, such as rear three-quarter visibility hampered by a sloping roof line and wide pillar (small rear side windows serve to offset this a bit); a small rear window that takes a hit from large outboard headrests that don’t retract; and thick B-pillars which limit over-the-shoulder views when merging.
Fun to Drive
It may be labeled as bold, stylish, and versatile, but don’t buy into claims that the 2007 Dodge Caliber is a fun ride. Unless, of course, wishy-washy steering, a heavy feel, and a power train wholly unsuited for a car wearing an R/T badge fall under your definition of fun. Remedies are available, many of which we hope to see in the upcoming SRT version, namely added power, less body roll, responsive steering, and hell, toss in a manual transmission that doesn’t totally squander available ponies like, say, a continuously-variable automatic.
Front Comfort
They may be short of Barcaloungers, but the front chairs in the 2007 Dodge Caliber are ample for a small car. The bottom cushions are plenty long, with soft yet supportive cushions, though the side bolsters are rather insubstantial and give way easily on curvy roads. Adjustable headrests are plastic and not leather-wrapped like the rest of the seat. With a height adjustable seat and a tilt steering wheel, drivers can find a suitable position, though they won’t want to rest their limbs on hard armrests window sills for any long periods. Despite a tall dash that proves confining for legs, overall front passenger room is adequate.
Rear Comfort
Rear seat passengers in the 2007 Dodge Caliber enjoy gobs of foot room, but because of intrusive seat mounts, the foot well is narrow. Shorter riders should have enough legroom, but taller riders may rub their knees against the hard front seatbacks, and while there’s sufficient head room, the angled roof line makes for a confining feel. Hard sills and armrests make the door panels rather inhospitable, though they’re the only respite for tired arms as there’s no center fold-down armrest. Integrated rear outboard headrests are large and non-adjustable, sitting atop a flat, reclining bench seat devoid of bolsters.
Interior Noise
This puppy is loud. Fairly unrefined engine noise is always constant, made especially evident when running the continuously-variable transmission through its paces. Hammer the throttle and the CVT pulls the engine up past 6,000 rpm to redline where it hovers for some time, which when combined with a relative dearth of power, gets loud and annoying. Road noise is also intrusive, as poor sound insulation forces Caliber occupants to hear everything on the roadway. Wind noise may be a problem, though it’s too hard to tell with all of the racket in the cabin. Finally, the collection of plastics clunk and thunk over bumps.
Loading Cargo
Versatile looks aside, the 2007 Dodge Caliber is less cargo-friendly that it appears. Pluses for an average load height, dual pull-down handles on the trunk lid, a wide cargo area, and a portable flashlight incorporated into the overhead light. We also like the removable cargo cover and split seatback. Less desirable are struts stiff enough to make pulling down the trunk lid a chore, an optional Boston Acoustics subwoofer occupying valuable real estate, excessive use of durable but low-budget plastics, the absence of a paint-protection bumper pad, and steeply-raked glass that limits overall cargo capacity.
Build Quality
We’ve taken quality champ Toyota to task in recent reviews, but the brand can rest assured that it still outdoes models like the 2007 Dodge Caliber by a wide margin. On our particular R/T AWD example the plastic cargo floor was misaligned, countless interior plastic pieces rough edges from manufacturing, and various instrument panel parts didn’t line up correctly. Plus, the squeaky interior conjured up thoughts of a lifeless rental car rather than one with few miles on the clock. That being said, most interior fixings felt tightly secured, even if they didn’t necessarily look the part.
Materials Quality
Forget real estate, blue chip stocks, and your 401k – the real money is in hard plastic. As long as the 2007 Dodge Caliber sells, you’re guaranteed to be deep in the black. The little Dodge plays host to plastics of various textures – one on the dash cap and door inserts, another on the steering wheel, and yet another most everywhere else. Most feel substantial enough to stand the test of time, provided an owner can put up with the utter lack of soft-touch surfaces. Optional leather upholstery is better than seen in some other low-end cars, and a mesh headliner imparts a slight sense of quality.
Styling
Inside, the driver almost gets a feeling of driving a truck or minivan. The dash is tall and deep, the height adjustable driver’s seat provides a good view of the road, and the hard, utilitarian plastics impart a rugged feel (call that a positive spin on too many hard plastics). The Caliber offers pleasant greenish-blue backlighting at night, even on the front center cupholders rings, which gives the cabin a comfortable glow, while large white-faced gauges impart some sportiness. Exterior design is this car’s strongest point, offering a unique, attractive shape with the pronounced Dodge family front end with cross-haired grille and optional chrome rims.
Storage
There’s one cool (pun intended) feature the 2007 Dodge Caliber offers, and that’s the refrigerated lower glovebox, good for holding a few road sodas. An iPod holder folds out from the sliding armrest cover – a good idea except that it necessitates hanging a wire to the input jack in the instrument panel. Other storage-related goodies include tiny front door pockets and four cupholders for all passengers. Unfortunately, rear occupants get hosed, as designers chose to leave the back seat devoid of door pockets, seatback pockets, a fold-down armrest, or any other storage provisions to speak of. Kids with stuff should love it.
Infotainment Controls
Someone, anyone, please explain how placing radio buttons on the back of the steering wheel, where they’re found by chance and are obviously unlabeled, was ever seen as a good idea. True, the driver will memorize their functions after some use, but it’s not hard to forget after driving a different vehicle for awhile, and new drivers will always face the same problem. It’s much better to use the large dash-mounted dials for volume and tuning, or the small buttons for seek and scan, and the auxiliary jack is a good idea, even if the holder on the center armrest is not.
Climate Controls
As simpletons, our editors are fond of climate controls like those found in the 2007 Dodge Caliber. Three clear dials for mode, fan speed, and temperature make quick of work directing cool or heated air to its desired location. It may not be a terribly sophisticated system, but it allows you to get comfortable while that BMW driver tries to stop boiling the blood in his feet. However, the Caliber’s hvac controls are less than perfect thanks to small and somewhat obscure buttons for a/c, recirculation, and defrost. On a final positive note, optional seat heaters operate quickly and effectively.
Secondary Controls
Chances are most drivers will find the 2007 Dodge Caliber’s controls to be logical and intuitive. Exceptions include radio controls on the back of the steering wheel and sunroof controls. Overhead, what look like three related buttons sit next to the sunroof, while in actuality those are Homelink controls; the sunroof buttons are far forward, closer to the windshield. That minor placement issue aside, the Caliber driver will find door locks, windows, and mirrors controls on the door switch panel as expected. Turning on the fog lights takes a second to figure out, as you’ve got to pull out the end of the left stalk instead of turning it.
Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD
Price of Test Vehicle: $23,885
Engine Size and Type: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 172 at 6,000 rpm
Engine Torque: 165 lb.-ft. 4,400 rpm
Transmission: Continuously-variable automatic
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 23/26 mpg
Competitors: Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus Wagon
Honda Element, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra GT, Jeep Compass, Kia Spectra5, Mazda 3 5-door, Nissan Versa, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xB, Subaru Impreza Wagon, Toyota Matrix, Volkswagen Rabbit
2nd Opinion -- Chee
Dodge Caliber – Brian Chee’s Opinion:
As much as there is to like about the 2007 Caliber, there is more to dislike. The cooler section in the glovebox is very useful, and the flip out cell iPod holder is a nice idea. The hard and rough plastics, however, aren’t up to the job of executing these great ideas. On the road, weight of the all-wheel-drive system and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that chokes whatever power is there makes for a sluggish driving experience. You may also want to forget about the R/T, and move on down to the SXT. Trust me, there’s no need to buy up for luxury OR power.
2nd Opinion -- Perry
Dodge Caliber – Ron Perry’s Opinion:
Everything inside the Caliber is hard plastic, the excessive use of which cheapens the look and feel of the Caliber and our model, the R/T AWD, had a sticker just south of $24,000. Making matters worse is the lack of reasonable power. I constantly had my foot mated to the floorboard trying to pull one last horsepower, no doubt reducing the fuel economy two-fold. There are some redeeming qualities like the glovebox for keeping things cold in the dash and the fold-down speakers in the tailgate, but they don’t override the negative aspects of the Caliber.
2nd Opinion -- Wardlaw
Dodge Caliber – Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion:
Our fully loaded Caliber R/T AWD, with a sticker price of nearly $24,000, did not strike me as a good value. I don’t like the poor visibility, tight rear leg room, excessive hard plastic, road noise, droning CVT and four-cylinder engine, and body roll. I like the tall seating position, excellent ergonomics, handsome gauge cluster, five-door hatchback utility, all-wheel-drive system, unique storage solutions. Clearly, I’m not overwhelmed by this new car from Dodge. At a lower price, perhaps it makes a better case for itself. At this price, it doesn’t.
Spurred primarily if not completely by rising gas prices, the small and midsize car markets are once again booming as buyers reevaluate their needs and budgets. Hence, we’ve seen increased interest in family sedans, crossovers, and relatively diminutive rides like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa. The 2007 Dodge Caliber also exists in that bunch, adding its own bold style, relatively powerful engines, and available all-wheel drive, all for a competitive base sticker price. We wanted to see if the Caliber was up to snuff, and found that execution fell short of expectations.
Performance
This is a prime example of horsepower ratings not meaning squat. The Caliber R/T’s 172 ponies may look respectable on paper, but they fail to translate to any thrill behind the throttle. Maybe it’s curb weight, maybe it’s a lack of power, or maybe it’s a combination of those plus a miserable CVT transmission that robs the Caliber or any real spirit. Off-the-line response is lacking, and even highway passes require some forethought. The CVT can be manipulated manually to extract just a hint of liveliness from the powertrain, but it can only do so much. Best to wait for the boosted SRT version.
Handling
There’s one point that drivers of the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T will recognize quickly – the car is heavy, and feels it. As a result, like the powertrain, the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T’s handling characteristics offer little to write home about. Steering is too vague with little concern for road feel, and there’s notable, if not terribly excessive, body roll, while the Firestone Firehawk GTA 215/55R18 tires do their best to maintain grip. When pushed along twisty back roads this little Dodge actually feels fairly well buttoned down, aided no doubt by the all-wheel-drive system. But the car’s weight, disconnected steering feel, and lackluster powertrain seriously limit the fun factor.
Visibility
On the plus side, 2007 Dodge Caliber provides ample side mirrors for a decent rearward view, and the side glass, while limited in height by the high beltline, affords plenty of side viewing area forward of the cargo area. However, there are limitations, such as rear three-quarter visibility hampered by a sloping roof line and wide pillar (small rear side windows serve to offset this a bit); a small rear window that takes a hit from large outboard headrests that don’t retract; and thick B-pillars which limit over-the-shoulder views when merging.
Fun to Drive
It may be labeled as bold, stylish, and versatile, but don’t buy into claims that the 2007 Dodge Caliber is a fun ride. Unless, of course, wishy-washy steering, a heavy feel, and a power train wholly unsuited for a car wearing an R/T badge fall under your definition of fun. Remedies are available, many of which we hope to see in the upcoming SRT version, namely added power, less body roll, responsive steering, and hell, toss in a manual transmission that doesn’t totally squander available ponies like, say, a continuously-variable automatic.
Front Comfort
They may be short of Barcaloungers, but the front chairs in the 2007 Dodge Caliber are ample for a small car. The bottom cushions are plenty long, with soft yet supportive cushions, though the side bolsters are rather insubstantial and give way easily on curvy roads. Adjustable headrests are plastic and not leather-wrapped like the rest of the seat. With a height adjustable seat and a tilt steering wheel, drivers can find a suitable position, though they won’t want to rest their limbs on hard armrests window sills for any long periods. Despite a tall dash that proves confining for legs, overall front passenger room is adequate.
Rear Comfort
Rear seat passengers in the 2007 Dodge Caliber enjoy gobs of foot room, but because of intrusive seat mounts, the foot well is narrow. Shorter riders should have enough legroom, but taller riders may rub their knees against the hard front seatbacks, and while there’s sufficient head room, the angled roof line makes for a confining feel. Hard sills and armrests make the door panels rather inhospitable, though they’re the only respite for tired arms as there’s no center fold-down armrest. Integrated rear outboard headrests are large and non-adjustable, sitting atop a flat, reclining bench seat devoid of bolsters.
Interior Noise
This puppy is loud. Fairly unrefined engine noise is always constant, made especially evident when running the continuously-variable transmission through its paces. Hammer the throttle and the CVT pulls the engine up past 6,000 rpm to redline where it hovers for some time, which when combined with a relative dearth of power, gets loud and annoying. Road noise is also intrusive, as poor sound insulation forces Caliber occupants to hear everything on the roadway. Wind noise may be a problem, though it’s too hard to tell with all of the racket in the cabin. Finally, the collection of plastics clunk and thunk over bumps.
Loading Cargo
Versatile looks aside, the 2007 Dodge Caliber is less cargo-friendly that it appears. Pluses for an average load height, dual pull-down handles on the trunk lid, a wide cargo area, and a portable flashlight incorporated into the overhead light. We also like the removable cargo cover and split seatback. Less desirable are struts stiff enough to make pulling down the trunk lid a chore, an optional Boston Acoustics subwoofer occupying valuable real estate, excessive use of durable but low-budget plastics, the absence of a paint-protection bumper pad, and steeply-raked glass that limits overall cargo capacity.
Build Quality
We’ve taken quality champ Toyota to task in recent reviews, but the brand can rest assured that it still outdoes models like the 2007 Dodge Caliber by a wide margin. On our particular R/T AWD example the plastic cargo floor was misaligned, countless interior plastic pieces rough edges from manufacturing, and various instrument panel parts didn’t line up correctly. Plus, the squeaky interior conjured up thoughts of a lifeless rental car rather than one with few miles on the clock. That being said, most interior fixings felt tightly secured, even if they didn’t necessarily look the part.
Materials Quality
Forget real estate, blue chip stocks, and your 401k – the real money is in hard plastic. As long as the 2007 Dodge Caliber sells, you’re guaranteed to be deep in the black. The little Dodge plays host to plastics of various textures – one on the dash cap and door inserts, another on the steering wheel, and yet another most everywhere else. Most feel substantial enough to stand the test of time, provided an owner can put up with the utter lack of soft-touch surfaces. Optional leather upholstery is better than seen in some other low-end cars, and a mesh headliner imparts a slight sense of quality.
Styling
Inside, the driver almost gets a feeling of driving a truck or minivan. The dash is tall and deep, the height adjustable driver’s seat provides a good view of the road, and the hard, utilitarian plastics impart a rugged feel (call that a positive spin on too many hard plastics). The Caliber offers pleasant greenish-blue backlighting at night, even on the front center cupholders rings, which gives the cabin a comfortable glow, while large white-faced gauges impart some sportiness. Exterior design is this car’s strongest point, offering a unique, attractive shape with the pronounced Dodge family front end with cross-haired grille and optional chrome rims.
Storage
There’s one cool (pun intended) feature the 2007 Dodge Caliber offers, and that’s the refrigerated lower glovebox, good for holding a few road sodas. An iPod holder folds out from the sliding armrest cover – a good idea except that it necessitates hanging a wire to the input jack in the instrument panel. Other storage-related goodies include tiny front door pockets and four cupholders for all passengers. Unfortunately, rear occupants get hosed, as designers chose to leave the back seat devoid of door pockets, seatback pockets, a fold-down armrest, or any other storage provisions to speak of. Kids with stuff should love it.
Infotainment Controls
Someone, anyone, please explain how placing radio buttons on the back of the steering wheel, where they’re found by chance and are obviously unlabeled, was ever seen as a good idea. True, the driver will memorize their functions after some use, but it’s not hard to forget after driving a different vehicle for awhile, and new drivers will always face the same problem. It’s much better to use the large dash-mounted dials for volume and tuning, or the small buttons for seek and scan, and the auxiliary jack is a good idea, even if the holder on the center armrest is not.
Climate Controls
As simpletons, our editors are fond of climate controls like those found in the 2007 Dodge Caliber. Three clear dials for mode, fan speed, and temperature make quick of work directing cool or heated air to its desired location. It may not be a terribly sophisticated system, but it allows you to get comfortable while that BMW driver tries to stop boiling the blood in his feet. However, the Caliber’s hvac controls are less than perfect thanks to small and somewhat obscure buttons for a/c, recirculation, and defrost. On a final positive note, optional seat heaters operate quickly and effectively.
Secondary Controls
Chances are most drivers will find the 2007 Dodge Caliber’s controls to be logical and intuitive. Exceptions include radio controls on the back of the steering wheel and sunroof controls. Overhead, what look like three related buttons sit next to the sunroof, while in actuality those are Homelink controls; the sunroof buttons are far forward, closer to the windshield. That minor placement issue aside, the Caliber driver will find door locks, windows, and mirrors controls on the door switch panel as expected. Turning on the fog lights takes a second to figure out, as you’ve got to pull out the end of the left stalk instead of turning it.
Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD
Price of Test Vehicle: $23,885
Engine Size and Type: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 172 at 6,000 rpm
Engine Torque: 165 lb.-ft. 4,400 rpm
Transmission: Continuously-variable automatic
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 23/26 mpg
Competitors: Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus Wagon
Honda Element, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra GT, Jeep Compass, Kia Spectra5, Mazda 3 5-door, Nissan Versa, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xB, Subaru Impreza Wagon, Toyota Matrix, Volkswagen Rabbit
2nd Opinion -- Chee
Dodge Caliber – Brian Chee’s Opinion:
As much as there is to like about the 2007 Caliber, there is more to dislike. The cooler section in the glovebox is very useful, and the flip out cell iPod holder is a nice idea. The hard and rough plastics, however, aren’t up to the job of executing these great ideas. On the road, weight of the all-wheel-drive system and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that chokes whatever power is there makes for a sluggish driving experience. You may also want to forget about the R/T, and move on down to the SXT. Trust me, there’s no need to buy up for luxury OR power.
2nd Opinion -- Perry
Dodge Caliber – Ron Perry’s Opinion:
Everything inside the Caliber is hard plastic, the excessive use of which cheapens the look and feel of the Caliber and our model, the R/T AWD, had a sticker just south of $24,000. Making matters worse is the lack of reasonable power. I constantly had my foot mated to the floorboard trying to pull one last horsepower, no doubt reducing the fuel economy two-fold. There are some redeeming qualities like the glovebox for keeping things cold in the dash and the fold-down speakers in the tailgate, but they don’t override the negative aspects of the Caliber.
2nd Opinion -- Wardlaw
Dodge Caliber – Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion:
Our fully loaded Caliber R/T AWD, with a sticker price of nearly $24,000, did not strike me as a good value. I don’t like the poor visibility, tight rear leg room, excessive hard plastic, road noise, droning CVT and four-cylinder engine, and body roll. I like the tall seating position, excellent ergonomics, handsome gauge cluster, five-door hatchback utility, all-wheel-drive system, unique storage solutions. Clearly, I’m not overwhelmed by this new car from Dodge. At a lower price, perhaps it makes a better case for itself. At this price, it doesn’t.
Photos by Ron Perry