2009 Dodge Caliber User Reviews

Pros

Nice ride

Cons

Everything else

Purchased As New

This car started falling apart soon after we got it. Really was disapointed. Now I know why Dodge is having a hard time

Pros

Good gas mileage

Cons

Ride is rough, Not Reliable

Purchased As Used

When I bought this car, I thought it was cute and loved it, but it didn't take long to get turned off! I've taken this car to the shop to get repaired more than 5 times to get something repaired! Since then I've been paying more attention and I've heard very bad things about it...I wish i had done my homework first...My advice is not to get this car... it causes me more stress than I've ever had...I've spent days crying because I have nothing to drive and it just isn't reliable. I mean when I get it fixed a few days later something else happens, I can't wait to trade it in so I can stop breaking my wallet over repairing it! :/...read morehide

Pros

Good mileage, good design inside & out

Cons

Limited visibility when in reverse

Purchased As New

I love this car. For the money you can't beat it (especially when considering the superior warranty). I got the base model...(only Chill Zone A/C package added) to keep payment as low as possible, so I only have the 1.8 L engine with manual transmission. At first, it seemed necessary to "get a run at hill" in order to maintain speed, but since engine is now broken in, it seems to pull the hills better (on interstate driving in WV & western MD) than when it was brand new. I love the fold down seats for cargo space....read morehide

Pros

Lots of power and great looks. Very comfortable ride. Excelent sound system.

Cons

Not as much head room in the back with the seats flolded down as I would like.

Purchased As New

This is one of the best cars I have owned since my Hemi Cuda back in the 60's. Prior to this vehicle I had a PT cruiser that I also liked a lot however because we tow it behind a RV we needed a manual trans. and they quit making the PT with a manual. Now that we have this Caiber I'm kind of glad that they did....read morehide

Pros

Good economy..something different..practical

Cons

dosnt like our british roundabouts!!!..interior plastics not so good!!

Purchased As Used

I bought my Caliber in June '09.It had 6,400 on the clock..I now have 12,000 on the clock..Has anyone found that the engine seems to have come alive around 11,000miles..My car feels much faster..It pulls away at the lights very fast. leaving the Renaults, Fords, Seat and Vauxhall's at the lights.I'm not racing anyone I'm just touching the accelerator!!! I have the SXT trim with the CVT gearbox.I use my Caliber daily..on trips round town..it never fails me..and after owning PT cruiser's and Grand Voyager's..I am very impressed with the Caliber..I had my first service done and it only cost me £170..not sure what that is in US dollars but our local Dodge dealer said they had dropped the prices..which were good to hear!!.The only gripe I have is that the Caliber does not like going around UK roundabouts..on the motorway it has ample power for overtaking and plenty of power for round town and I find it handles well on our "country roads"..I just wish more ppl in the Uk would realise that Dodge is a great brand and that the Ford Focus is not the be all and end all of cars!! Rock on DODGE!!!!...read morehide

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....read morehide

Pros

Good fuel economy

Cons

Ride is rough.

Purchased As Used

I've had the Dodge Caliber for over a year. General performance is good, mileage averages 26 mpg and to deal with the "rough ride" I put a 2" memory foam cushion on the seat and back of the seat on the driver's side. Over all about 8.

Pros

Good "around town" car

Cons

Can't deal with the transmission

Purchased As New

We avg. 23 city and maybe 27 Hwy. which should be better.
Not a car you would want to take on a long trip. The car as no interior padding, which you will notice after driving for a while. I don't get the special belt drive transmission that makes you feel like you have to gun the accelator each time you pull away from a stop. the car also has a fairly rough ride. However,
Most people seem to like the looks of the car and the car has a fair amount of cargo space....read morehide

Pros

Great car for the $$$, better than advertised fuel economy,

Cons

CVT takes some getting used to

Purchased As New

This is really a nice car for the $$$, handles well and has a nice ride. I have the sport appearance package and the 2.0 with the CVT tranny and am satisified with the power it provides. Hwy MPG anywhere from 28-32 with strictly city driving 23-24. Advertised at 23 city, 27 hwy, so I am more than satisfied. Checked out Elantra, Sonata, and Focus, but liked this best. Got a great deal that other manufacturers couldn't match. List around 21K, got it for under $10 with my $3500 cash for clunker rebate....read morehide

Pros

utility, economy,performance, comfort

Cons

none

Purchased As New

love the car, average 30 mpg combined, the 2.0 with the cvt provides effortless performance. Plenty of room for my 4 big dogs,very comfortable even on long trips!!