2009 Dodge Caliber Review
2009 Dodge Caliber Review
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Used Caliber for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Caliber types
- Wagon
- SRT4
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Versatile interior, wide range of engine choices.
Cons
- Sluggish acceleration from CVT-equipped models, low-quality interior materials, unimpressive build quality.
What’s new
For 2009, the Dodge Caliber receives only minor changes. Most significant is the availability of new hard-drive-based music and navigation systems. The Caliber also gains added sound insulation to help reduce road noise. Finally, all-wheel drive, previously available for the R/T trim level, has been dropped completely.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Dodge Caliber is versatile and has some unique features, but a low-quality cabin and underwhelming performance keep this model near the bottom of the small-wagon/hatchback list.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Dodge Caliber SE 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$164/mo for Caliber SE
Caliber SE
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The editors on our staff often get asked what the "bad" cars are these days. The answer is that there isn't really a bad car produced anymore, at least not compared to iconic heaps like the Ford Pinto or the original Hyundai Excel. These days, there's a lot of parity in terms of reliability, power and features. Still, there are certainly cars that qualify as "not as good," and the 2009 Dodge Caliber happens to be one of them.
The Caliber debuted a few years ago as a replacement for the Neon. It's Dodge's most affordable and fuel-efficient car, and it's available only as a four-door hatchback. This body style provides added cargo-carrying versatility, and the Caliber comes with some features you won't find on other small cars, such as liftgate-mounted speakers that flip down for tailgate party entertainment, a chilled glovebox for beverages, and available hard-drive-based audio and navigation systems that can store and play digital music files. Dodge also offers a variety of engine choices, including a thumping 285-horsepower engine in the high-performance Caliber SRT4.
Unfortunately, the Caliber suffers from some obvious faults. Chief among these is acceleration -- the mainstream 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines, when paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) simply don't offer enough get-up-and-go. Calibers fitted with the smaller 1.8-liter engine are more fuel efficient, but they're even slower. The look and feel of the Caliber's interior is another problem, with disappointing build quality and an abundance of hard, low-quality plastics.
While none of the above drawbacks is necessarily a deal breaker on its own, these faults conspire to make the 2009 Dodge Caliber one of the least appealing small hatchbacks or wagons on the market. Competitors like the redesigned Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins, the aged but still highly regarded Mazda 3, the distinctively styled Scion xB and the European-influenced Volkswagen Rabbit are all better choices. The Caliber SRT4 is certainly potent, but its uninspiring handling and lackluster overall execution make it a poor choice compared to hot hatches like the Mazdaspeed 3 or Subaru WRX. Overall, you won't be getting a "bad" car if you buy a Caliber, but you certainly won't be getting a particularly good one, either.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive Caliber offers a wide range of engines. SE and SXT models come standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 148 hp and 125 pound-feet of torque. A 2.0-liter engine is an optional upgrade; it makes 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque. The Caliber R/T comes with a 2.4-liter engine good for 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. The R/T is also the only Caliber that qualifies for super-clean PZEV tailpipe emissions status in California emissions states. The high-performance Caliber SRT4 is front-wheel drive as well and packs a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine good for 285 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of transmissions, the 1.8-liter engine comes paired to a five-speed manual only. For the 2.0-liter engine, a CVT is the only available transmission. The Caliber R/T is offered with either a five-speed manual transmission or the CVT. Dodge equips the SRT4 with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission.
The EPA's fuel economy estimates for a 2009 Dodge Caliber fitted with the 1.8-liter engine are 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. The more common 2.0-liter/CVT and 2.4-liter/CVT combos result in ratings of 23/27/24 mpg and 21/25/23 mpg, respectively. Surprisingly, the SRT4 isn't far behind at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
Safety
Dodge Caliber SE and SXT models have disc brakes in front and drums in the rear. Antilock brakes are a stand-alone option on these trims, but they're included if you order the 2.0-liter engine and CVT. R/T and SRT4 models have four-wheel disc brakes and standard ABS. All Dodge Calibers come standard with head-protecting side curtain airbags for outboard passengers. There's also a standard knee-blocker airbag for the driver. Front-seat side airbags are optional. Stability control is standard on the SRT4 and optional for the SXT and R/T.
In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the 2009 Dodge Caliber scored a perfect five stars in both front- and side-impact tests. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset test, the Caliber earned the top rating of "Good." The side-impact resulted in a second-worst "Marginal" score.
Driving
Dodge likes to bill itself as a purveyor of fun-to-drive vehicles ("Grab life by the horns!"), but the 2009 Dodge Caliber must not have gotten the memo. Driving a run-of-the-mill Caliber is not an especially pleasant experience, even by the standards of budget-priced hatchbacks and wagons. Acceleration is unimpressive whether you stick with the base 1.8-liter or ante up for the 2.4-liter in the R/T model, and all of the engines have an unrefined power delivery that's magnified when the CVT is specified. The Caliber rides smoothly enough on city streets but rarely generates much excitement for the driver, even in R/T trim. The SRT4 offers lots of brute force, but its heavy curb weight and abundant torque steer make it less entertaining than other high-performance choices in this price range.
Interior
Like most hatchbacks, the Dodge Caliber makes it easy to deal with daily tasks. The rear seat can be lowered to create a flat load floor, and the rearmost part of the cargo load area is made of easily cleaned plastic. With the seats lowered, the Caliber can carry up to 48 cubic feet of cargo.
This year's Caliber also boasts the availability of Chrysler's corporate hard-drive-based navigation and audio systems. The Uconnect tunes system features a touchscreen, a USB port and a 30GB hard drive that can be used to store and play digital music. The navigation system utilizes the same unit but adds voice-activated GPS capability. It's impressive technology, to be sure, but the interface isn't as cleanly organized as that of other navigation and audio system units.
Quality is an area where the Caliber really falls behind other affordable hatchbacks. We've found the interior to be lacking in terms of materials and construction. The plastic dash has a textured surface, but it still looks and feels cheap, even for an economy car. "Cheap" is also a good word for the unpadded door panels and center console. When combined with the uncomfortably shaped front headrests, these issues can hamper comfort on longer drives.
2009 Dodge Caliber models
The 2009 Dodge Caliber is a compact four-door hatchback. Buyers have a choice of four trims: SE, SXT, R/T and SRT4. The budget-priced SE is sparsely equipped, with 15-inch wheels and a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack highlighting the standard features list. If you want air-conditioning or power windows and mirrors, you have to get them as options. With the midgrade SXT, the picture improves, as its standard features include 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a 60/40-split rear seat (that folds and reclines), a fold-flat front-passenger seat, satellite radio and a 115-volt outlet. Main options for the SXT include a sunroof, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates ("Uconnect GPS"), heated front seats, Bluetooth and color-keyed instrument panel trim. Dodge also offers upgraded audio choices in the form of a six-CD changer, a hard-drive-based digital music server ("Uconnect tunes") and a special Boston Acoustics MusicGate speaker package.
The Caliber R/T comes with 18-inch alloy wheels as well as heated seats and the MusicGate speakers. The R/T also has a sport-tuned suspension and steering system. Options include leather seats and 18-inch chrome-plated wheels. The performance-oriented SRT4 trim adds a high-output turbocharged engine, a unique hood with an aggressive-looking (and functional) air scoop, 19-inch wheels, sport seating, a lowered suspension, upgraded brakes and a performance metrics display. The hard-drive music server also comes standard. Options on the SRT4 largely mirror the R/T's, although the SRT4 offers an exclusive 13-speaker Kicker audio system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#20 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Caliber from 2008-2022.$393/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.07x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).11.4%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Dodge Caliber.
5 star(63%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(3%)
59 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
a happy ending
randrushka, 06/30/2014
2009 Dodge Caliber R/T 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
We bought a 09 RT caliber from a dealer, cosmetically in mint condition, drove decent, stereo rocked, and got a fair price. Within 2 weeks it left us stranded, engine just shut off and lights on dash went crazy. After a lot of back-and-forth dealer finally found an aftermarket chip in the vehicle and convinced us to give it another try - I'm glad we did. Besides removing the chip, they … upgraded the cars computer software. The acceleration was still marginal, but after I put one bottle of lucas gas treatment and replaced the plugs with bosch platinum +4 it accelerates fine, and we love the car. Now it runs like it just came out of the factory, and we plan on keeping it a while.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Nice Vehicle
queeniepreston, 10/03/2013
2009 Dodge Caliber SXT 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I don't know why so many people are giving bad reviews. I drive the '09 SXT CVT 6 speed & automatic, sunroof, & it had 70,000 ml, ground effects, fog lamps, the seats can fold over & not to mention the cooler, & have driven it to for very long distances, up & down mountains. I only wish that I would've been on top of my game to actually take a look at the brakes, the inner wall of the … tires, & strouts, this summer the 4 of us had a family reunion & we literally packed it up & headed up to Nashville, Tenn. & came back with extra stuff.
It's a very handy vehicle, I can fit a huge brand new trash can without folding seats, guess it depends on how you drive your vehicle. Respect it.
5 out of 5 stars
Review of 2009 after 107K miles
The Baumgardners, 10/27/2016
2009 Dodge Caliber SXT 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
We bought this car new from a dealer in Maryland. My husband used it to commute long distances to work. When it hit 70K, we bought a new car and I used the Caliber for my work commute. We have had NO problems with this car. The car I had before was a Saab, and this Caliber ran so much better. We're getting ready to sell it now as we have 4 vehicles parked out front. I would have no … apprehension about driving this another 50K OR more.
2.63 out of 5 stars
2009 Caliber
sm3230, 05/10/2011
2009 Dodge Caliber SXT 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I bought
this car with 27000 miles on it and now I have just under 52000, and the transmission went. The warranty expired at 36000, so if you are going to buy one of these cars, beware ! How dare they charge you for an extended warranty, when they know that the product they are selling is crap....
2009 Caliber Highlights
Wagon
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,460 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $164/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Caliber include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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