2008 Dodge Caliber Consumer Reviews Page 2

Absolutely a must NOT buy

Written by: Allen on 05/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber SXT 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased, much to my present chagrin, a 2008 Dodge Caliber SXT. And I must say, I hate it. I bought it because I got it cheap and needed to get out of my 97 Tahoe, but I'd of rather bought a used Gremlin now. First off: no anti lock brakes, thats an optional extra. But you do get a chintzy glove box that cools drinks (when the AC is on) and illuminated cup holders. Really? That's my consolation, I get an icebox in a car and some lights instead of anti-lock brakes? Second: the engine and transmission fail me all the time. Apparently some former SUV owners like them here on the reviews, but real car people are used to better than this. The engine has no drive, and the transmission whine...

Favorite Features

The blind spots behind me and the plastic seats that are sold as "beneficial." Apparently, driving into a pole is a good thing, or so the blind spots say. And it tells oodles of what Chrysler thinks of young buyers that they include the plastic seats.

Suggested Improvements

Start over? Give up? There is no reason for this car to be on the road. A Mazda3 costs not to much more, and a Hyundai Elantra, now a mid-size by EPA reckonings, is cheaper and has standard features like a car should in 2008. Ditch the gimmick ice box and cup holders and build a real car Dodge!

16 out 38 people found this review helpful

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Love 2008

Written by: mike2327 on 05/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber SE 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Back in January I purchased a used 2007 sxt with 36,000 km. Three weeks later I had an accident and it was written off. I received a payout from insurance and then decided to go new. I was not really happy with the cvt trans so I went to manual. My new 2008 is the best vehicle I have owned ever. Having driven a 98 std neon for 10 years it's a dream compared to that little car. I would highly recommend that standard trans Caliber. The mileage improvement over the 2007 is much better. I just love the 2008 totally .

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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In the shop

Written by: tinkerbell83 on 05/07/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I have owned this car for less than 5 months. I would have to say that it is reliable for a now considering that I just drive to and from work. Recently, I had to take it in for the interior shaking and at 2500 rpms it sounds like it is going to blow. Poor blind spots. Very roomy though.

Favorite Features

Cirrus radio, light in the cup holders, phone holder plug in for home charger refridge

Suggested Improvements

Eliminate blindspots

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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trouble starting

Written by: sean on 05/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber SXT 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought an 08 Dodge caliber sept. 07 and ever since it's been nothing but trouble! I have had shorts in my speakers and problems starting the car, it's been in the shop several times for this problem and now Dodge is avoiding me because they don't want to deal with the problems they sold to me. Is there anyone else having this problem or any suggestions on what to do I'm so frustrated and don't know what to do anymore! If you're looking to get a caliber they're nice but I strongly recommend you do not get one and look into something else

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Dodge honor their warranties and fix my car or take it back!!!

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Dodge Caliber

Written by: John on 04/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber SXT 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I just bought my 2008 Dodge Caliber April 28,2008 and I will tell you this car is the smoothest car I have ever driven in. Seating is very comfortable I drove 40 miles and my gas needle didn't budge at all wow! This car is great very roomy in the front kind of tight in the back but hey I'm happy with it though.

Favorite Features

Cooler on top of dashboard, ride quality, great stereo system, excellent gas mileage!

Suggested Improvements

Needs Avenger v6 as a option. rear seat room!

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Cheap car for daily driver

Written by: Kris on 04/24/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber R/T 4dr Wagon AWD (2.4L 4cyl CVT)

Review

This car is ok for a daily commuter car or first car for a new driver. It's poky to say the least, and the CVT is probably the worst drivetrain combo. It will rev to 3-4k and feel like you're crawling to cruising speed. Just don't plan on spinning the 18" tires anytime. The interior is cheap and hard. Extremely hard plastic is everywhere, but the car remains quiet so far. The radio and air work well, but the air cabin cleaner does little if anything noticeable. One major problem is the styling on the exterior, trying to keep it clean. The fender flares look aggressive but do little more than make the doors a magnet for road tar, grime, and rock nicks. Good car with a great warrant

Favorite Features

Interior lighting, cooler in glove box.

Suggested Improvements

New tranny ASAP, better interior plastic, remove shifting box notch that rubs knee, better design of wheel flares to protect body.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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my new caliber

Written by: dee on 04/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber SE 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I like my caliber very much. Lots of room in the front, back has as much room as larger cars. Firm secure ride-- takes bumps well, seats are comfortable, and sit high. great gas mileage, good pick-up. Would buy this car again-no problem.

Favorite Features

Looks, radio, seat comfort, easy to reach controls, head room, steering.

Suggested Improvements

Faster pick-up, little bit more room in hatchback

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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R/T Pushes Through

Written by: Jackster on 04/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber R/T 4dr Wagon AWD (2.4L 4cyl CVT)

Review

I read the reviews AFTER I decided to buy the R/T AWD. I love my Caliber. It has a lot of zip, is extremely comfortable, and I enjoy driving it. I traded my second vehicle, a Corvette, in on this economical one. I average 23-25 around town and 24-25 on the highway. I have the Pebble/Sand interior and Inferno Red ext, with sun roof, Boston sound and Sirius. For about $21k, I am impressed! Adding the upgrades and going to the 2.4L AWD probably made a big difference on the other ratings. The lifetime warranty on the drivetrain is also a big plus. I'm still learning about the car. Oh, the back seat is larger than my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo!!

Favorite Features

Interior color, Sirius, sound system, sunroof, heated seats, comfort with driving.

Suggested Improvements

Telescopic steering wheel; needed better packing in sides of vehicle to handle subwoofer and sound system. I get a little vibration on the driver's side from the interior door trim, during high base songs.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Great Value/Design

Written by: Patrick Schafer on 04/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber SXT 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We looked at several hatchback models, and for the price, none can compare. VERY SATISFIED!!!

Favorite Features

Interior Comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Might put a mini-hemi in it. Would make it perform to design. Very fun to drive and OWN!!!!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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We like this car so much, we bought 2!

Written by: Caliber Couple on 04/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber SE 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I originally drove a Mazda 3i Touring and then I test drove an 08' HHR. My Mazda was a light car and the HHR had no oomph. We by chance test drove the Caliber and fell in love with this car. The dealership gave me an excellent trade deal and they also gave my girlfriend and awesome trade on her car. So we bought to. The actually got the SE PLUS version. Power everything, Keyless entry, 17" rims and much much more. Overall this car handles great and I don't have any blind spots with this car. Though other reviews said they had blinds pots. The motor is great because you don't feel it shift. We love our Calibers.

Favorite Features

Illuminated Cup Holders, Chill Zone, Instrument Cluster, SIRIUS Radio (free one year), space

Suggested Improvements

The only thing we didn't see in the Caliber is roof handles for passengers and front roof lights. You have to turn the front and rear light on with the light cluster stick located on the steering module.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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