2008 Dodge Caliber Review: A Bad Year For The Small Crossover With A Lot Of Mechanical Issues

Jul 22, 2022

The 2008 Dodge Caliber only lasts around 150,000 miles with many serious suspension and computer problems. At $4,108 to $7,818, it’s cheap, and not worth the money to buy a vehicle that breaks down all the time.

The Good

Interior space is good for a car of its size, the SRT4 model is very powerful and the all wheel drive system works well.

The Bad

The base engine is underpowered, there are not many safety features and the interior & exterior build quality is below average.

Is the 2008 Dodge Caliber a Good Used SUV?

No, 2008 is a bad year for the Caliber. Owner reviews complain about poor build quality, mechanical breakdowns, and high parts costs.
Interior quality is poor even for an economy vehicle with a lot of cheap hard plastic used throughout the cabin. Technology is also very basic compared to rivals.
Reliability ratings are below average. Avoid models from 2007-2008, and go with a 2009 or newer which have fewer mechanical issues.
Performance is weak from the base engine, but the turbo motor offers excellent power compared to other crossovers on the market.
The Caliber is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests, and getting 4-stars in the rollover risk rating, which is good for a crossover.
Fuel economy is good, at up to 26 MPG combined, which places it among the most efficient compact SUVs for 2008.

Positive Owner Reviews

Tania M

I would like them to know its good on gas.

I like my car because its good on gas. I also like that it lets me know when the tire pressure is low. I don't like how the car is kind of small.

Tanya R

It does have trouble with the front end.

I like the body style of the car. As well as the color, interior, and that it is a 5 speed manual. I do not like that it is only a 4 cylinder.

Maura C

It has good gas mileage, perfect for road trips.

My vehicle is the perfect size and is very good with using gas! I have owned it for 10 years with no major issues. It gets me where I need to go and has enough room for my 2 children in the backseat.

A Jordan M

Dodge Caliber: a very reliable first car.

My 2008 Dodge Caliber is a very reliable vehicle. It has been in the family for 10 years, starting as our only family car and now it is mine personally. I cannot complain with this vehicle. The upkeep is relatively easy and no major repairs or modifications have had to be made, aside from regular maintenance. It is not the most spacious car, but it is perfect for me to go about my everyday life. Also, the hatchback style makes it stand out slightly, though not too much, from most other common sedans. This is a very dependable car that I will continue to use until it will drive no more.

Kelli M

I've had the vehicle four years and have had very little issues. Heated seat feature is great! If you keep up with your maintenance of your vehicle, you will have no major issues. I've had brakes replaced once as well as the battery replaced once.

One important thing others should know about my car is that even with the older model such as mine (2008) as long as it's taken care of, will last a long time.

Darlene A

I have a cooler and a 110 outlet in the car.

I really love this car, it gets really good gas mileage, but the only complaint I have are the seats are a little uncomfortable. The stereo system is great and I have speakers that drop down when you open the tailgate, great for parties. I also have a cooler in the glove box, it holds up to six cans of pop.

Lindy R

It has great gas mileage.

I love my car, it's not big but yet it's not to tiny. It runs great but what people need to understand is that for a car to run great you got to keep the maintenance up to date or else it's not going to perform well. My car has air conditioner and the windows are manual which is great because it don't get frozen stuck in the winter, it has nice roomy hatchback trunk which comes in handy

Robert H

You should know that it has a transmission that is smoother than other cars, so you don't always feel the automatic shift. That's something you'll have to get used to.

I love that my car is a hatchback, which I like as a style. It allows me to put the seats down and transport more stuff. I like that it is in relatively good shape, considering how many miles are on it. It's just a solid vehicle, from top to bottom. I just wish it had an usb port as well, for my phone and the stereo.

Negative Owner Reviews

Tracy S

Great car if you never leave the driveway.

This is a very cute car and is perfect if you live in northern Canada, Alaska or any location where the temperature never tops 70 degrees. It runs great all winter but as soon as it gets warm, the transmission overheats. This car is built with a contained transmission system and has a transmission cooler that is part of the a/c system. We replaced the transmission cooler twice and the transmission once. Nothing helps. We were finally told that the car was badly designed. In the summer the transmission overheats and you hear a whining noise and the car basically shuts down. I have been stranded along the highway more times than I care to count. After 30 minutes of "rest" you can drive it again. This happens if you drive it over 70 mph, over 70 degree temp or over 1 hour in duration. I am paying a huge monthly payment on a car I can barely drive.

Lucinda A

My vehicle is very dependable and good on gas.

No problems at the moment just want to have a newer car but no major problems with the car yet. I drive to work everyday and it is very dependable and good on gas. I would really recommend this car to anyone who wants a good car that is good on gas and parts are very cheap.

Christian P

Total Waste of Money Dont Buy

I really hate my car I have no clue why it just gets on my nerves so much biggest waste of money ever.

Stephanie B

Most of the parts have been replaced.

I really don't like small cars. No room for hauling stuff. Hard take dogs, they are mastiffs. Car is to small for them. The Only thing that is good about it is engine, I believe, 4 cylinder and it is awesome on gas.

Rusty n

It has been somewhat dependable.

It's getting old and there have been many parts to be replaced.

Sharon L

Honda is very reliable and works great for families.

It is a lemon and has a lot of transmission trouble. I like the size of it and the hatchback makes it easy to transport items.

Tyler B

Dodge Caliber - The Middle Of the Pack

The car is quite small for me as I am a taller man. The transmission is also not great and acts up a lot. It gets good gas mileage and has a good speaker system though. The sound the engine makes is not great either once you get past 65,000 miles. There is adequate trunk space. The car also does not have very many modern components to it (no Bluetooth or digital panel).

Brandy M

The Crosstrek has wonderful gas mileage.

The computer box quit for headlight. The switch for passenger window stopped working. The brake light keeps turning on and off..

What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Caliber?

Consumer Reports says the caliber lacks any refinement, and has lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Caliber a 4.1/5, praising the available engine choices, but doesn’t like the unimpressive build quality.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Caliber at 3.9/5 and enjoy the performance of the SRT4 model, but owners don’t like the rough ride.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Dodge Caliber Have?

Problems found on the 2008 Caliber are serious and include suspension failures, computer issues, and worn-out transmissions. Overall, these are very serious problems compared to more reliable SUVs on the market.

Suspension failures are the most widespread issue on the 2008 Caliber, showing up at around 78,000 miles. The front suspension breaks down fast and replacing the subframe, struts, tie rods, and shocks costs around $1,800.

Computer issues with the totally integrated power module (TIPM) are another problem reported by owners at around 100,000 miles. The TIPM is a known weak-spot across Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles, which costs around $1,000 to replace when it fails.

Transmission failures show up on some Caliber models at around 80,000 miles. The components in the transmission wear out quickly, and replacing the entire transmission costs about $2,000.

There are no recalls on the Caliber, which is lower than most other cars on the market from 2008. Although there are serious faults with the Caliber, recalls are usually only issued for safety items.

How Long Will the 2008 Dodge Caliber Last?

A well-maintained 2008 Dodge Caliber may last around 150,000 miles before being mechanically totaled, which is 100,000 miles less than rivals like the Subaru Forester. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals at $483 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Since most 2008 Caliber models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the engine oil pan for $450, radiator hoses costing $300, and the fuel injectors which cost $300.

Susana C

No problems arose until after reaching 100,000 miles. There were never any safety issues with it, and it has never broke down. The car has only needed typical maintenance.

Cherron M

Just recently the transmission died, but it has been awesome up until then. I have probably put less then $2000 of repairs since I bought the car.

Sierra R

I wouldn't say to many problems I have had it for almost 2 years and it was used in I am just now having problems with the starter.

Jennifer J

I love my Caliber because it’s been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. At over 200,000 miles, there is zero oil consumption or leaks. Cooling system performs flawless even in Phoenix summer heat .

Ron O

I have not experienced any major problems as of today. I have had the car for about three years and it is nice.

Margaret M

No it does not have any problems and is reliable just not for trips to the mountains where I live due to it being a 4 cylinder

Elizabeth R

It is a pretty reliable car. The only issues that I had with this car were related to me purchasing it used and having to do some repairs to get it up to par

Mark P

Yes it is reliable, the only problem I had is when a part by the wheel rusted faster than normal but Chrysler reimbursed me for the part & labor.

How Much Is the 2008 Dodge Caliber Worth?

Blue book values range from $4,108 to $7,818, making it thousands of dollars cheaper than other compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. When new, the price range was $14,965 to $23,350. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Dodge Caliber?

There are four models of the Dodge Caliber offered for 2008. Technology was last updated in 2006, with a new infotainment system added in 2010.

SE is the entry-level model with:

15-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
AM/FM/CD Stereo With 4 Speakers

SXT is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Keyless Entry
Power Windows

R/T adds features including:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Sport Suspension
Boston Acoustics 6-Speaker Stereo System

SRT4 is the high performance model and adds:

19-Inch Alloy Wheels
Unique Exterior Styling & Hood
Lowered Suspension
Performance Brake Kit

148-158 HP 25-27 MPG

View Details

SXT

148-158 HP 25-27 MPG

View Details

R/T

172 HP 23-23 MPG

View Details

SRT4

285 HP 23-23 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Dodge Caliber?

The base engine is a weak 1.8L 4-cylinder which makes 148 horsepower and gets up to 26 MPG combined.
An available upgrade is the slightly more powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder making 158 horsepower, which gets up to 24 MPG combined.
A step up from there is the more potent 2.4L 4-cylinder which produces 172 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG combined.
The flagship engine found on the SRT4 model is the very powerful 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder making 285 horsepower, while getting up to 22 MPG combined. Performance is excellent, taking 5.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Dodge Caliber Come In?

How Big Is the Dodge Caliber?

The 2008 Dodge Caliber is an average compact crossover, smaller than SUVs like the Ford Escape but bigger than hatchbacks including the Honda Fit. Passenger space is above average throughout the cabin, but the seats are not very comfortable.

Cargo space is a bit lower than rivals, offering 18.5 cubic feet of room behind the seats and up to 48 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. That’s enough space to fit 4-5 suitcases with the seats up.

How Does the Dodge Caliber Compare to the Competition?

The Honda CR-V is a slightly larger competitor costing about $3,000 more. Passenger space and technology are better in the Honda CR-V, but the Caliber offers more powerful engines. We recommend the Honda CR-V since they last longer and don’t have widespread mechanical problems.

The Jeep Liberty is another rival, which costs about $1,000 more. Off-road performance is much better in the Jeep Liberty, but the Caliber offers a more responsive steering feel. We do not recommend the Honda CR-V or Jeep Liberty for the 2008 model year since they both have a lot of complaints.

Ranks #18 Compact SUV by Owners

2008 Subaru Forester

2008 Honda Element

4.54

2008 Dodge Caliber

3.86

Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Caliber?

Susana C

Yes, it is a very easy car to drive and a good choice for a first car. It has held up very well after putting over 100,000 miles on it.

Cherron M

Yes, but recently there are some transmission problems. Up until the 10 birthday of the vehicle I have had minimum repairs.

Sierra R

Yes it is very good on gas mileage. It is very spacious has a lot of room for large families or wanting to go on trips very smooth driving.

Liz P

Yes. I have the R/T 2.4 manual. I love it. Never leaks a drop of oil. 210,000 miles and still going strong.

Kris L

Yes I think it is a pretty decent vehicle. I haven't had any major issues and hopefully I will not have any major issues moving forward.

Daniel D

Yes. It is good on gas and does not require a lot of maintenance. I also think that this car is very spacious which is useful when there are kids in the car

Michelle T

Yes very, it is easy on gas very little problems, good to put groceries in the back, plenty of room for passengers, easy to see when driving.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Barbara C on May 1, 2021

I love my little blue Caliper

It's fun and easy to drive. Has fold down seats and a hatchback so you can fit a lot of things inside. It's very comfortable to drive and ride in. Have driven across it across the US, several times, with two adults, four little dogs, and enough luggage for 3 months.

Lindy R on May 1, 2021

It has great gas mileage.

Brandy M on March 23, 2021

The Crosstrek has wonderful gas mileage.

The computer box quit for headlight. The switch for passenger window stopped working. The brake light keeps turning on and off..

Amanda M on March 6, 2021

Something is wrong with the engine.

It has motor problems that don't allow me to drive it farther than about two hours away from home. Rev's the rpms and makes the motor overheat when driving normally after driving 2+ hours. It is an extremely comfortable car to drive and I would continue to keep this car if it didn't have the engine issues that it has. The hood of the car also shakes a good bit while waiting at stop lights and such because of the messed up engine.

Lee L on March 3, 2021

My inexpensive but dependable dodge caliber.

My 2008 dodge caliber has been almost completely trouble free all the years I have owned it. I have put slightly more than 123,000 miles on it and have not had to make any major repairs to it. I have changed the tires on it a couple of times and have had to replace the battery once. I take it in for an oil change every 3,000 miles and have all the fluids checked and replaced, if necessary. The paint on it is still good. It is a metallic silvery blue color. I make sure it is washed regularly. The interior is also in very good condition. Of course, the only people who ride in it most of the time are my wife and myself. Every once in a while, we have someone else ride with us but that is a rarity. When we go on a road trip, we get fairly good mileage - right around 30 miles per gallon. It is comfortable to ride on the highway. It is a bit unstable in the snow, but that is not an issue since we do not drive much now that we are both retired. All in all, I recommend the dodge caliber to anyone who is looking for an inexpensive but dependable automobile.

Raymond P on February 20, 2021

Car works excellent so far and I am very happy you have it.

Squeaks a lot buys the cars 11 years old so that is probably why. Other then that the vehicles really good no problems so far. Takes me to work and back fine. Gas is only $22 to fill up the tank so that's good. Has a lot of room for family and moving boxes and other stuff that is not furniture.

Markus W on February 17, 2021

Very good for long hauls, is roomier than it looks, great gas mileage.

Just needs an oil change, and some new tires, runs well, maybe a hit of freon for the ac, other then that very strong reliable vehicle.

Jason T on February 6, 2021

It is a great car. Small but gets the job done

Nice and easy worked well. No complaints.

Brittany M on February 2, 2021

Great starter car for with room for friends or family.

Within a few months of buying my vehicle I had to get a new belt and have had issues with my tires and brakes as well. My windows also have a funny tint to them. However it is an awesome car! I have a lot of room for friends to ride with me and a great trunk to store much of my personal/recreational items. My car always looks clean with the Interior and looks sleek on the inside.

Yelena R on January 28, 2021

Rides smooth and gets good mileage on gas. It's quite roomy although it appears to be a small car!

The biggest issue with my car, which seems to be common in this year and model, is that I have a leak in my sunroof that travels along the door and onto the floorboard. However, I do enjoy the outlet, cooler (when the air conditioner is on), and the aux input.

Jackie E on January 28, 2021

My amazing car that I love.

My car is great. Small to some, but great to me! 4 door, and I think it is the best fit for my son. It is really comfortable. I have no problems with it. Even though it is a much older car, it does not seem like it at all. I would recommend my car to anyone to get one.

Beth L on January 28, 2021

If you push or pull on the drive stick it will shift into 1st gear

I like the style. I like the hatchback. I like that the seats fold down. I do not like the large blockage on the sides of the front window.

Kathy L on January 15, 2021

It doesn't have a lot of power and hard to get speed going up hills.

I dislike that it is small and not much leg room. I don't like that the way it's made it has blind spots that makes it difficult in seeing at the sides of the windshield. The only thing I like it drives fairly good unless the sway bars are wearing out and then it's hard to steer.

Tracey O on January 7, 2021

The most important thing people should know about my car is that it constantly needs repairs so it drives right.

I do not like how small my car is, or that it needs repaired often. The repairs seem to be more expensive than not, and the car is 10 years old. I have had it for almost 2 years and the first day I had it I repaired it. It is functional, but small.

Alicia K on December 28, 2020

2008 Dodge Caliber - good car

My car is reliable. It gets point a to point b. It sometimes has trouble with performance in the rain. We have had trouble with engine mounts and the AC. It's comfortable for 5 people. It has a car charger as well as a regular electric plug, standard radio, no included Bluetooth capability.

Ronald S on December 25, 2020

Even after 10 years of usage the car still runs as good as when I brought it. Only have to do regular maintenance and replace parts whenever they go bad.

For like, it has space, an AC port along with a cigar port, a good engine that had last with minor issues, and pretty good with the fuel mileage. For bad, it is only a 4-cylinder engine so speed is a little slow, the plastic covering on top of the car are wearing out and I need to either replace or use glue to not sheer from the car.

Kimberly W on December 18, 2020

Wide wheel base, so good stability.

It's a smooth somewhat quiet ride. Access to hatchback is so easy. There is no lip that you have to lift over. Best thing? Its reliable and looks nice good in snow.

Laura L on December 2, 2020

4 door hatchback crossover, I guess with decent gas mileage and longevity.

Purchased the dodge caliber when our van was no longer necessary. Four door hatchback worked well for the family local traveling that needed to be done..School drop off and pick up, groceries, swim practice, etc. For a small car we were and still are able to get 3-4 kids in the back seat along, so I consider it to be a little larger than other vehicles in this category. Gold in color which works great in the southern heat. Neutral tone interior which is not kind to any spills or accidents that have occurred over the years. The one and only issue has been with the type of transmission this car has. I am not able to technically discuss the exact issue, but once the car dealer fiddled with it over the course of 2 weeks time, it seemed to be fixed but occasionally rears its ugly head and seems to come and go without intervention. There is a way to 'reset' by turning off the car, holding down the gas, counting to 10 and then turn the car back on without stepping on the gas. This has not happened in years, so maybe the issue is no longer an issue. Have had to get air boosted a few times but other than normal wear and tear it has been a great 'mom' car (so say the kids) youngest is getting ready to drive and thinking about letting her take over the car so mom can get something she has always wanted.

Samantha S on November 27, 2020

The best thing about my car is it gets amazing gas mileage!

Not enough room. Never had any issues with it. The vehicle just isn't big enough for my family. It runs smoothly and maintenance is cheap. I just need a bigger vehicle to accommodate my family. The seats are comfortable and the A/C works great. I get amazing gas mileage.

Erika B on November 23, 2020

Don't feel like I'm on the ground

4 cylinder engine, for a car that size should have a 6 to move up mountains more and with ease. Not enough cup holders. And middle Back seat would be nice to have foldable armrest/ cup holder. The size is good, and height off the ground is good too. The comfort of the seats are decent.

Patricia S on November 21, 2020

Not gas hog, comfortable seats great storage, seats high enough to see to drive.

I love my car because its easy on gas, it has plenty of room to put my groceries in the hatchback. I like it because I am short and I sit up great able to see wonderfully where I am driving. It's not a tiny car & I feel safe in it. I really do not have any issues with my car so far to tell about.

Elayna M on November 16, 2020

I bought this vehicle because of its size. I really liked that it was bigger than a typical sedan, but smaller than a van. Years later, it still runs well and I rarely have engine problems.,, However now I am experiencing body issues.

The doors on each side have become unusable at some point. Both were able to get fixed, but I was told this was a common issue for this model.

Christian S on November 6, 2020

Reliable car, good mileage, comfortable.

The caliber was one of Dodge's first modern offerings in Europe and in Asian markets such as japan and Singapore, as it established new distribution channels there. It was also introduced in china in 2008 as Dodge's second modern vehicle offering in that market. Dodge vehicles were last officially sold in china during the world war ii era. The introduction of the caliber had marked the return of the Dodge brand to Australia since the early 1970s.

Jessica P on October 2, 2020

Compact 4 cylinder with good pick up & gas mileage.

I love my car. It is a compact crossover. I love that it is a little car but sits high up off the ground, gets good gas mileage. Downside is the continuously variable transmission as once there an issue entire thing has to be replaced. They are not rebuildable.

Gregory G on October 1, 2020

205,000 miles and still running fine. Lifetime powertrain warranty still going strong.

I put 205,000 miles on the car. Bought it new, and other than general maintenance.. I had no major issues with it. I am happy with this choice of purchase, and the car performed perfectly over quite a few years. Car drives very well on snow and ice.

Christian P on September 27, 2020

Total Waste of Money Dont Buy

I really hate my car I have no clue why it just gets on my nerves so much biggest waste of money ever.

kelley s on September 16, 2020

My favorite part about my car is how much storage space it has.

I have had my Dodge Caliber for 10 years and in that time it's been extremely reliable. The car itself is mid-sized not too big or small. You can move with it if you need to. It handles easily and was a reliable and safe first car.

Beth B on September 5, 2020

Very easy on gas and very dependable just love it.

I got my car used it runs wonderful very dependable easy on gas. Very roomy inside comfortable to ride in I would recommend this car to anybody

Linda B on August 29, 2020

The AC does not work, however the heat is still functioning. The windshield is cracked but that was only due to the winter storm

I have a 2008 dodge caliber. It is a light blue color. It is a great car and gets me where I need to go.It is good on gas, but the a/c has gone out.

Jay D on August 28, 2020

It has lots of extra space but only in the front seat.

I like how roomy it is. I think there's some wasted space in the front seat though. A 4 cylinder is too small for as large as it is. I find the driver seat uncomfortable.

Christopher W on August 22, 2020

The Dodge Caliber has a surprising amount of room in the hatch and with the seats down.

My caliber has generally been a solid car. The largest issue I have had is the suspension is poor. I have had to replace the shocks twice. The gas mileage is average and maintenance is fairly easy to do myself. I use this vehicle for work and it does that job well.

Patrick R on August 19, 2020

Good gas mileage. Plenty of space. Seats 5. Easy to repair

Runs well. Occasional Transmission issues. Decent gas mileage. Plenty of space for a family of 4. Few structural issues

Cindy R on August 18, 2020

Perfect sized vehicle to give your dogs a ride.

This vehicle is easy to operate. Gets good gas mileage and the rear seats fold down and the hatchback makes shopping a breeze.

Maria P on August 5, 2020

Dodge caliber style very sporty has a lot of power great sounding stalked system.

My caliber is automatic but also standard which is a plus especially when it comes to gas mileage. The bad thing about it is your transmission can go out faster. Also to even check your tranny fluid you have to go to a dealership to get done. This vehicle was basically built to be taken into a dealership and spend bunch of bucks if anything goes wrong. The drive of the car is great but also can be bad if for any reason tires are low or you hit the curb it throws your whole balance off. Which then you will go through tires like the Indy 500. The system is great especially stalked speakers and then it also has speakers in the trunk that flips out for like a tailgate party. Very spacious also has a cooler in the glove box that keeps all your goodies cold.

Bruce L on July 20, 2020

Nice car lots of room in side of car drives good and it's ok

Had for 10 years not to much went bad with car nice to drive

Keith K on July 12, 2020

This car works very well as a utilitarian vehicle. It has many uses

My Dodge Caliber has a nicely designed interior and is a very roomy car. I like the exterior design. I don't like the way that the suspension is designed

Edward N on July 10, 2020

It gets great gas mileage and that it had very low miles for what year it is.

The car is paid off. It is an older car, so I will have a harder time treating it in. It get great gas mileage

Diane C on July 9, 2020

Very good gas mileage, as I live in the country.

Love the way it handles.. Very good gas mileage.. Easy to read instrument panel.. Gas door stays open a little.

Virginia C on July 6, 2020

It's a small but reliable family car. Convenient hatchback style

Bare bones model, manual everything. Great car for many years. I've owned it since it was new.

Courtney R on July 3, 2020

Dodge Caliber: glove box cooler is not useful.

The car is a fine vehicle. It performs well, I have taken it out on back roads that were in bad condition. It did very well. The cooler in the glove box is kind of obsolete. I do not use it very much. I would rather have heated or cooled cup holders. I think that would be more useful. I also wish I had the seat warmer, because I live in a cold climate.

Gen V on June 29, 2020

This car is pretty good on gas

It's a nice, comfortable car but it's always given us a lot of problems. One of the problems it had, is pretty common in calibers, which is having to replace the intake manifold.

Cassie R on June 17, 2020

It is great on gas and very reliable.

I absolutely love my car. It is small, yet roomy. Good on gas and very reliable. It has power windows and a great sound system. I love it!

Maya F on June 11, 2020

Standard 2008 Dodge Caliber

Right now just needs an oil change and tune up. Great on gas. Easy to drive. Handles great. Pretty good on wheels. I have had to fix the intake manifold and get 3 cracks in the transmission repaired. Since then haven't really had any problems with the car.

Becky M on May 24, 2020

Loving my Dodge Caliber and the way it loves me back.

I really cannot say I have had any major problems with my car. I basically had wanted this make and model for quite some time. Finally I got one and really enjoy driving it. I have had this car for a few years now and have gotten tires, brakes and oil changes. The car is very comfortable and forms my back well. My son picks on me saying how ugly it is, but I think I defend my car well. It is lightweight so getting up snow filled driveways and hills can and are challenging. I have hit a deer with the front end and the deer ran off and I just needed a new radiator. I truly do not have any major complaints. I enjoy driving my car.

Darlene A on May 19, 2020

I have a cooler and a 110 outlet in the car.

Angela G on May 18, 2020

I enjoy driving it and I love the electric blue color of my car.

Enjoyable to drive. Comfortable seating. Good mid sized vehicle.

Amy F on May 10, 2020

10 Years and still going strong for a caliber.

Couple of issues runs rough but nothing wrong and tries to die in winter time. Had to change battery cables new belt leaky back light fills up with water in winter live the seats it has worn well 10 years is older for a car but she does great. Not to much other that oil changes and time ups brakes took a while for them to get right squeaked a lot.

Karen m on April 21, 2020

Lots of repairs to be expected.

It's a pretty good car. I've had several mechanical issues and had to spend a lot of money on repairs in the last 2-3 years but I still like it. Unfortunately, it doesn't have automatic windows or locks so I really don't like that.

Zack B on April 21, 2020

Short Dodge Caliber Review

The car is not very good on gas, and the transmission is a bit jumpy even shifting out of first great in my automatic. The struts are not very durable, and have begun to fall apart on me on these Michigan roads. On a positive note, keeping the engine and transmission maintained properly with timely oil changes and fluid top-offs, has kept it performing well and reliably.

Ashley S on April 3, 2020

The sunroof and sound makes for a perfect road trip vehicle.

This car is a perfect size. Not as big as an SUV but for a bigger car it's perfect. The speakers and sound system are my favorite. It has a built in subwoofer which gives you just enough bass. It also has pull down speakers in the rear hatch to entertain. It has actual rims not hubcaps and has a drink cooler in the glove compartment.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.