2009 Dodge Caliber User Reviews

Pros

Price/Value, Utility, Fuel Economy

Cons

Minor fit problems, less road noise would be nice

Purchased As New

The Dodge Caliber's sister vehicle, the Jeep Compass, was recently rated by a couple car reviewers as the 3rd worst car of the decade. Why? Because of "unremarkable fuel economy, refinement, and crash score tests." Compared to what? It is not as fuel efficient as a compact wagon like the Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix but you ride above most traffic and don't feel like your driving a tube around. The Caliber feels more like your driving a cross between a sedan and a crossover. As far as refinement, yes, if you want to spend several thousands more you can get a more refined vehicle. "Unremarkable crash test scores," maybe compared to vehicles weighing hundreds of pounds more and getting much lower fuel economy. If you are bored with sedans, compact wagons, and small hatchbacks; and don't want to spend the money or burn the gas required by a crossover or SUV, you should consider the Caliber. I love my Caliber. I love riding a little higher than other traffic, the surprisingly stable ride around curves, the sedan-like feel of the interior, the large glove compartment, and loading the rear at waist-level. And, I find the performance of my 1.8L manual transmission more than acceptable (I understand the automatic version takes a little getting use to). I do agree with the reviewers on one point. Chrysler should not have made a Jeep version of this vehicle. Jeep to me means off-road capability and I do not know if the Caliber (Compass) has this. Although, on a recent vacation, I had to drive 10 miles down a gravel road through a national forest to avoid backtracking an hour's drive. My Dodge Caliber handled this detour very well. Chrysler discontinued the Jeep version of the Caliber long before the review was published. Honestly, I think most reviewers don't like this car because its looks stand out. They just have to pick on it because its different. Although if you park it next to a Lincoln MKX or Ford Edge, you will be shocked at the similarities. You'll just be paying $20,000 less.