2009 Dodge Caliber Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
19 -24 City / 25 -30 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
148 -285
Seats
5
Front angle medium view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ryan G
It is very reliable and easy to drive.
I love the mpg and how smooth the ride is. The headrests are terribly designed as well as the sun visors.
accountCircle Yvette Coetsee (South Africa)
Space, safety, comfort reliability & security, especially with all the high jackings and pot holes on our roads.
Love my Dodge Caliber, second one I have! Love the tough look, the CVT functionality. She comfortable and spacious, the reason my husband has never bought a bakkie!!! I am JUST still in LOVE with my 2009 Caliber!!! ?
accountCircle Denise S
The room and comfort of the car
Love the style of the car main reason I purchased it. Very comfortable and roomy. Would purchase another one
accountCircle Elaine P
Reliable, comfy, and roomy!
Vehicle has been steadily reliable for years. My only issue with this vehicle is that the alternator has had to be replaced twice in the time that I have owned it. Other than that, it is roomy and comfortable and all around a great car. I would recommend the Dodge Caliber to anyone.
accountCircle Cynder C
It is a dodge car that has a decent gas mileage.
My vehicle has lasted longer than most other vehicles that I've seen on the road. It has some scrapes and scratches but it still runs and keeps me safe.
accountCircle Cynthia G
Great car that looks like a Minivan
I really love having my dodge caliber. It's like having a Minivan but actually is a car. Not spending that much gas money for my long work trips is a plus for me. The motor has work great during this past 4 yrs. Only tune ups and breaks changes not that many problem as I have heard with other cars. Love the fact that I can have my phone original fast charger connected to it. The sound of the speakers are great with the aux connection. The trunk is really spacious. Really recommend it.
accountCircle Stephanie S
It's a great family car to buy and reliable
My vehicle had to have its transmission changed out about a year ago but other than that the car has worked perfect. It is one of the most reliable cars I've seen. It's comfortable to drive in. The seats aren't leather it's fabric which is great because there's no hot seat to get into. It doesn't have very many amazing features.
accountCircle Denise B
Why I love my dodge caliber!
The dodge caliber is such a versatile size with four doors and a hatchback. With the full back seat in place, it seats five. The back seat can be put flat and then it is open all the way back to the hatch back door giving lots of room for big box store shopping, taking boxes to storage or hitting all the garage sales! You also have the option of just putting the 1/3 side of the back seat or the 2/3 side of the back seat down and still have back seat seating or put the car seat in back while carrying a long piece of lumber or other long item. This vehicle handles well and makes u-turns easily! It fits in compact spaces easily yet it never feels too small. Even with the full back seat in place, there is room for 5 full grocery paper bags in the storage area. I really enjoyed the flexibility of this model. The seat height is just perfect, I do not need to step up into it or bend down to sit. It is very dependable, just routine maintenance. I would buy this again!

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Cassandra M
That transmission needs to go.
Cvt transmissions are terrible! 2nd car I've driven that's had this. Terrible. Its a belt! That's is a terrible transmission idea! It overheats too easy. It's also hard to clean with the fabric that was chosen. It feels closed in. The back also seems to be full of blind spots when looking around, especially when you back out of a driveway.
accountCircle Sherri A
That they are junk!!! They are not worth the money. They are nice looking and have some nice features but the trouble is not worth the money.
It has had too many engine issues and doesn't even have 100,000 miles on it. It has required a new timing chain. Whole new front end suspension and all related parts.
accountCircle Anna S
It has a lot of issues with the engine area.
I hate how cheap it was built. It is too small. I like it is a hatchback and the interior seats are good.
accountCircle Denise
House cleaner
I likethe car it has a lot of space but the moter and electrical issue sucks
accountCircle Megan M
Even with scheduled maintenance, this vehicle is not a reliable one. We have had to replace several major parts.
It is not a long-lasting, dependable vehicle if you are looking to purchase one for the long haul.
accountCircle Joy T
I would not recommend anyone to buy a Dodge Caliber.
I had to replace the front end and the rear end, plus transmission is overheating and it slips. There is no dipstick to check the transmission fluid. After many different attempts I can not get the heat working even the dealership could not figure out the problem.
accountCircle Greg S
It is junk. The frame rusted out of it.
The frame is completely rusted out which it had to be fixed for it to pass pa state inspection which cost a lot of money. Plus the upkeep cost is ridiculously expensive because it is a cheap car. I would never purchase another one. I made a big mistake when I bought it.
accountCircle Kristen M
Excellent 2008 Dodge caliber.
The 2009 Dodge caliber is an excellent small car for a high school or college student. It has great gas mileage, lots of cargo space, and the physical looks are nice. It drives very smoothly, turns excellent and very reliable. On the interior, the seats are very comfy and provides good back support for long drives. The exterior has a great design as well. I really like the trunk area because of the large space.

Dodge Caliber Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
SE
148-158 HP 24-27 MPG 5 Seats
car
SXT
148-158 HP 24-27 MPG 5 Seats
car
R/T
172 HP 23-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
SRT4
285 HP 22 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2009 Dodge Caliber Owner Reviews

3.86
86 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 31%
4 stars 35%
3 stars 26%
2 stars 5%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Ter on October 25, 2021
It’s a good car
Pros: transmission is long lasting. I bought this car new and have had it for 12 years. It came with a cooler, 12volt house plug, great sound system, and the heating and air works great. I’m at 110,000 miles and it’s still going. Just needs new rotors, and new fuel pump. Cons: the time has always been delayed on it and I have to keep resetting it and roof leaks. Some said there wasn’t an oil stick. Mine came with one. Oil has to be changed every 3 months. I have gone a tiny bit longer but it did fine. Does need alignments often. Sometimes is shuts down when I am stopped. This happens usually if I have not drove in a while and start it up then randomly I’ll be at a stop light and it happens. After that it does fine. This is my second dodge. Other than that everything still works.
accountCircle Sydney C on June 27, 2021
It is a very dependable car and is very good on saving money for gas.
I like the style of my vehicle. I dislike the speed, I wish it went faster. I like the interior. I like the gas mileage.
View All Reviews (86) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Lorrie A.

It is in great condition inside & out. It has Air conditioning. Has a good stereo. Not to high on mileage. Has cruise control. Color Red with a nice hatch with back seats lay flat for more storage.

likeFilled Silvia C.

Hatchback door and seats going down are ideal for extra cargo space. There's an outlet inside car that is very useful and convenient. It has sleek and compact design. Automatic mirrors. Good speakers. Access to Sirius radio.

likeFilled Brigette G.

Automatic with slap stick to use without having to use clutch. My car has great gas mileage. Awesome Stereo with 6 speakers. When trunk is opened there is a drop down Audio system with 2 huge speakers.

likeFilled Sydney O.

Acceleration is good for an older model, very spacious, love that I can push the back seats forward to create a large flat surface. Gas mileage is okay. Turning is nimble and I can make sharp turns with no issues.

likeFilled Stacey O.

Reliable, manual car so not as much electrical maintenance, comfortable, great size, even though smaller lots of head room and lots of room to load in the hatchback, easy to repair and find parts, I like the style.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Lorrie A.

Needs electrical work, needs a drum, rotors, brakes shoes, and pads, needs tires, needs a sensor, needs a paint job, wipers, and an oil change. Expensive parts to replace since it is an SXT hard to come by parts for this car.

dislikeFilled Silvia C.

It does not have great gas mileage. No back up camera plus hatchback design makes it difficult to have a clear view when I reverse. No automatic seats. Back passenger seats are small and not spacious. No Bluetooth.

dislikeFilled Brigette G.

I have one complaint with car. The tires have electric tire gauges that bend and or break if air supply not inserted properly. I have had 1 break since ownership and I had it pulled out and replaced with regular valve stem.

dislikeFilled Sydney O.

The tank for my car is relatively small, I have to fill it up frequently. The ac system is not easy to adjust to become comfortable, the sound system has much to be desired, and the brakes are not as sensitive as I would like.

dislikeFilled Stacey O.

Not much engine power, it is great when up to speed but slow to get there, particularly when going up hills. I had to have the transmission replaced in 2019 which admittedly is after 8 years of owning the car and the first big thing that needed to be done but it was costly.

Ranks #18 Compact SUV by Owners

The 2009 Dodge Caliber has an average owner rating of 4.05 out of 5 which ranks it #18 of 25 other Compact SUVs.

1
car
2009 Land Rover LR3
4.67
2
Tie
car
2009 Honda CR-V
4.5
18
Tie
car
2009 Dodge Caliber
3.87

Ranks #5 Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2009 Dodge Caliber has a combined MPG of 28 which ranks it #5 of 25 other Compact SUVs.

1
car
2009 Toyota Matrix
31 MPG
2
car
2009 Nissan cube
30 MPG
5
car
2009 Dodge Caliber
27 MPG

Is The 2009 Dodge Caliber A Good Car?

Yes. It is sturdy and gets good gas mileage. Also the space inside is bigger than it seems. It has not given me many problems.
Quirita B.
Yes. It had the features I was looking for. Gets good gas mileage, which was very important. It has plenty of room to haul things and the back seats fold down to have more space.
Nicole W.
Yes good on gas very reliable parts are not too expensive easy to drive the car is not too expensive neither comfortable to drive.
Joey C.
The 2009 Dodge Caliber is a good vehicle to me and my family. I feel safe with bringing my toddlers on it
Sydney S.
Yes I like the way it drives. it's easy on the eyes. The gas mileage is good. My model has a sunroof which I love.
Christopher V.
Absolutely, I have this car for 10 years and it has been a great car. It is easy to maneuver in traffic and gets good gas mileage.
Jesus M.
Yes, I have only had one larger repair in all of these years. I really like the way it drives and it has plenty of storage room.
Autumn L.
Yes. It has been pretty dependable. The biggest issue I have had was having to get the front end aligned. Basically I keep the oil changed and do not have many problems. Maybe a light blows but that... Read More
Courtney W.

How Reliable Is The 2009 Dodge Caliber?

This car has been very reliable. I make sure to get regular oil changes and have not experienced many issues. I did have to get something done to the front end axle things (can't recall the name) but... Read More
Quirita B.
Yes. It has normal things that wear and tear. Seems to be reliable and am fortunate to have found the car when I did. It does all I need and more.
Nicole W.
Not really nothing out of the ordinary like any car if you take care of it the better off you are I wish mine would have come with fog lights.
Joey C.
I personality never had any problems with my Dodge Caliber. I think the car is Very reliable and great
Lynda M.
There was a factory recall, but other than that I would say no. it does not have any issues that affect the driving and handling of the car.
John S.
No. We have maintained it and make sure to get an oil change when needed and get tires and brakes when need as well.
Emily B.
Yes, very reliable. Only had to replace the alternator. Replaced the battery only once. The seats have remained the same, no tears or rips.
Mand S.
The issues I have read about are the front end tie rods are bad. One did snap on me. Also the wiring with the lights can be iffy. I have had to replace bulbs more that I feel one normally would. All... Read More
Kim D.

Is The 2009 Dodge Caliber A Good Value?

I paid 8000 for mine three years ago. It was a good value for me. It fits my families needs and does not give me many issues.
Quirita B.
Yes. I feel it is a great value for the money. It did not break the budget for me and helped being a reliable vehicle.
Nicole W.
Mine cost around twelve thousand I thought I got a good value for the price I paid for it at the time I bought the car.
Joey C.
I don't remember 100 percent how much I paid for my 2009 Dodge Caliber it’s been a while but it is good value
J P.
I bought the car used . I paid 6000 with the car having 45,000 miles on it so the value for what I paid and what I received has been phenomenal
Arie A.
It was $14,000 and I believe it was a good value. I still have after 10 years and it still runs good.
Erin H.
19,000 yes, it has been a good value. I have not looked at other vehicles to try to replace it. I am very happy with my purchase.
Asher G.
I have had mine for about 5 years. I paid about eight thousand for it. That may have been more of a credit issue. I am not sure. It was one of the only cars that was in my price range and seemed... Read More
Emilie H.

Related Articles for 2009 Dodge Caliber

From the Vehicle History blog

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Dodge Caliber Transmission Problems: Poorly Designed CVT Likely to Fail Before 100,000 Miles
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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2009 Dodge Caliber oil type?

Answer: The 2009 Dodge Caliber oil type is sae 5w-20 synthetic motor oil. When performing an oil change on the car You will first want to make sure that the vehicle has been parked and off for a couple of hours....

What's the 2009 Dodge Caliber life expectancy?

Answer: With proper maintenance You should expect to get over 200,000 miles out of a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The motor in them is pretty solid and should be able to last without any major failures at least that long. The...

What's the 2009 Dodge Caliber fuel filter location?

Answer: The 2009 Dodge Caliber fuel filter location is inside the fuel sending unit, in the fuel tank. Vehicle parts will eventually become ineffective. The fuel filter needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles or so. If...

What are some of the 2009 Dodge Caliber cvt transmission problems?

Answer: If the 2009 Dodge Caliber is having an issue with the gearbox, otherwise called the transmission, then any of these symptoms may be present. You may notice that the gears slip or slam when they are shifting and...

How do i perform the 2009 Dodge Caliber limp mode reset?

Answer: If Your 2009 Dodge Caliber goes in limp mode while driving, find a safe place to stop and restart the engine. Allow the car to stay completely off for at least one minute before You restart it. In many cases,...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety