What type of car is a Dodge Caliber?
The Dodge Caliber is a compact, five-door hatchback produced by Dodge from 2006 to 2012.
Where it fits in the market
During its production run, the Caliber was marketed as a practical entry in the compact-hatchback segment—a vehicle designed to offer roomy cargo space and everyday usability in a smaller footprint than a traditional SUV. It sat alongside Dodge's sedans and crossovers, aiming to appeal to buyers who wanted basic utility with a distinctive look.
Design and body style
The Caliber is a five-door hatchback with a bold, boxy silhouette and a distinctive grille. Its interior emphasized versatility, with features such as configurable seating and ample cargo space for its size.
Powertrains and drivetrain
Propulsion came from inline-four engines, typically a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter, paired with a manual or automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on select configurations, reflecting its positioning as an economical, practical vehicle rather than a performance model.
Production and legacy
Produced from 2006 through 2012, the Caliber was built on a shared compact-car platform used by Dodge and Jeep models of that era, including the Jeep Compass and Patriot. It helped Dodge transition some buyers toward small crossovers and hatchbacks before being discontinued as the lineup shifted to newer models and crossovers.
Summary
In short, the Dodge Caliber is a compact hatchback—small, versatile, and practical for daily use—produced in the late 2000s to early 2010s as part of Dodge's broader move toward compact crossovers.
What is a Dodge Caliber classified as?
Compact car
| Dodge Caliber | |
|---|---|
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler PM/MK platform |
How much is a 2007 Dodge Caliber worth today?
The value of a 2007 Dodge Caliber typically ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000, though it can be lower depending on its condition, mileage, and trim. Kelley Blue Book lists a resale value of around $2,025 and a trade-in value of $486, while other sources show average listing prices around $5,116.
- Average asking price: Around $5,116, with listings on sites like Autotrader ranging from approximately $1,900 to $9,000.
- Resale and trade-in value: Kelley Blue Book estimates a resale value of about $2,025 and a trade-in value of $486 for a typical 2007 model.
- Value factors: The specific value is highly dependent on the vehicle's condition, mileage, trim level (like SE, SXT, or R/T), and the seller.
- Depreciation: The vehicle has depreciated significantly over time, with the resale value decreasing by about 22% in the last three years.
Is a Dodge Caliber a sedan or SUV?
The Dodge Caliber was a compact hatchback that debuted for 2007 as a replacement for the discontinued Dodge Neon sedan. The Caliber featured an SUV-inspired, wagon-esque design with a tall, boxy profile.
Is a Dodge Caliber a good vehicle?
No, the Dodge Caliber is generally not considered a good car due to its poor build quality, lack of engine power, and common issues like electrical problems and suspension failures. While some owners appreciate its practicality and decent fuel economy, its significant drawbacks and frequent mechanical problems make it a vehicle best avoided for most buyers.
Downsides
- Poor Quality: The interior is often criticized for using cheap, hard plastics.
- Lack of Power: Many reviewers noted a lack of acceleration and a noisy engine.
- Frequent Issues: The Caliber is known for numerous problems, including faulty electrical components, transmission problems, and suspension issues.
- Durability: Some owners report components breaking easily, such as exterior molding and engine bay plastics.
Potential Positives
- Practicality: It offered more utility than its predecessor, the Neon, and has a roomy interior.
- Fuel Economy: Some models and engines provide decent gas mileage, especially with the manual transmission.
- Low Purchase Price: Due to its poor reputation and low resale value, you can find them for very cheap, though this often reflects their poor quality.
Conclusion
The Dodge Caliber's low price reflects its many flaws. It is not considered a good car because the frequent and costly repairs often outweigh any initial cost savings or practical advantages.
