2008 Dodge Caliber Consumer Reviews

Good for what it is

Written by: bigdan on 07/02/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought this vehicle to replace a guzzling ram. My price out the door with tax was $14,700 plus $2.99 gas offer. Although only a $750 rebate is mentioned, the dealer magically pulled an additional $1000 worth of bonus cash out of the air. I am an employee, so I know they were just knocking this off of MSRP. I am not sure why the vehicle gets such nasty reviews. PROS: Roomy, looks ok, good value (read: cheap), more cargo space than I thought. Rides and handles nice. CONS: The 1.8 L is a little weak and the manual is a little stiff. I am not sure why a vehicle this size and with this engine gets only 28 mpg.. should get 35 mpg! Chill zone is kinda lame, doesn't really work.

Favorite Features

Cargo and interior space. Doesn't look wimpy like a Honda Fit or the like. Base stereo not too bad. Car handles nice. 18" wheels (SE Plus package) look nice!

Suggested Improvements

Need better MPG Chrysler.. falling behind the times! The 1.8 L is a little lame, pulling out in traffic can make your rear pucker a little. It's 2008, and I can't have standard power locks, windows, and cruise?

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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call me an srt4 addict

Written by: srt4 addict on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I just traded in my 04 neon srt4 for the 08 caliber srt4. I loved my neon, did plenty of work to it, but it had to finally go. Lots of mileage and much needed extra room for a new baby made me do it. To me and most owners, the srt4 neon is an icon and I did not think srt could do the same for the caliber. I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, I'm not going to take the new car road-racing or autocrossing like I did with the neon because of its size. But I'm looking forward to surprising the same owners of $30,000+ cars while the stare at my rear end, as they did with my neon while at the strip.

Favorite Features

2.4 liter turbo, styling

Suggested Improvements

Looking forward to mopar upgrades as is offered for the neon

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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SRT4

Written by: Adam on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased the srt4 as a daily commuter to replace my 05 civic. To my surprise the first trip I took in it I averaged 38 mpg. and I have a combined average of 26 mpg. I don't have anything negative other than the town I live in only have 91 octane. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for performance and economy if you can use both words in the same sentence.

Favorite Features

I love the seats and the sound of the exhaust.

Suggested Improvements

put drain holes in the hood for the to scoops as they collect water.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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My new caliber

Written by: ray darcusio on 06/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have only had my caliber a short time (1 week) but i love it. Driving it is great.

Favorite Features

The car is loaded and they are all great, I have no favorites.

Suggested Improvements

power seats, more storage like the other products have under the seats.It would also benefit all if it was about 3 to 4 ins. wider.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love It

Written by: J on 06/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Drove a rental for a weekend and fell in love with the red insert seats and chill zone. Ride is very good on the highway and cvt2 trans is not as bad as some of the other people said and the road noise is there but is not bad. Overall a good car

Favorite Features

Chill zone, seat comfort, a/c, fold down rear seats, stereo system, overall look

Suggested Improvements

Nothing!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2008 SXT 2.0 CVT Compared to what?

Written by: LacPac on 06/17/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

If you're like me, you may have dumped your gas guzzler, and find 24-30+ mpg a breath of fresh air. Dropping 1700 lbs comes at a price, I. E. Hard plastic interior, less room, but, compared to other compacts (Versa, Civic), it feels big. How many 6,3" guys can fit in a compact car with a moonroof? Bigger car feel, very comfortable seats, and doesn't look like an "economy" car. Zipping around town, the CVT is very accommodating and with a lifetime powertrain warranty, it's a no-brainer. 700 miles on the car and getting 24.5 city/30 highway (real #'s), driving the speed limit, with k&n air filter. CVT trans actually slows you down more with your foot off the gas, almost like a manual trans.

Favorite Features

Real size 17 inch wheels and tires. Easy access to oil filter and drain plug. U-Connect is better than you think once you start using it. Dash color at night. Heavy duty spare cover in hatch. 7" of ground clearance for winter driving. Rear leg room and underseat room in front.

Suggested Improvements

Needs an I-Pod input on upgraded radio, which is more important than the 6 disc changer it comes with! Like to see aftermarket color keyed rear bumper guards available. Right Knee bumps into sharp edge on middle console - needs to be narrowed. Darker window tinting Rear power outlet.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Exhale please

Written by: Andrew on 06/14/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Wow, I can't believe how much power and performance for the price. I traded in my wifes 07 Caliber R/T AWD for our 08 SRT4. We just wanted a stick and I can't believe what a great car we got. fantastic power, great handling and comfortable. Wish all cars had this power and performance! Just might have to get myself one now! Yup I'll take red.

Favorite Features

Power and performance

Suggested Improvements

Less plastic on the interior.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Dodge Caliber

Written by: Jobs Beno on 06/05/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I took delivery of my 2008 Caliber SXT on 5/24/08 - I ordered it as it was the only way for me to get the 1.8L/5- Sp Manual configuration. The black paint is awesome! I love the car. Ride and handling are great - the 17" wheel/tire combo works well. The manual tranny allows me a great range of driving styles and the 1.8 L I4 has plenty of power as far as I'm concerned. The seats are comfortable and the rear legroom is more than satisfactory. Fit and finish are tops and the car is absolutely solid all the way around. I have no complaints about build materials - it's all top notch! Chicks dig it too.

Favorite Features

Fully adjustable driver's seat, fold flat front passenger seat, the utility of the crossover sport wagon configuration, aggressive styling, and the options I selected: sunroof, heated seats, premium sound, in-dash CD changer, fog lights, and the safety rating.

Suggested Improvements

I think this would be a killer vehicle with the diesel engine available everywhere but North America as an option - fuel mileage would skyrocket! The Sirius radio display doesn't show artist and song title but that may be a price thing. Oh, and a valet key would be nice too.

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Pleasure to Drive

Written by: chefpearman on 06/04/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I was looking to trade my Truck for a fuel efficient car, but I did not want to pay a lot, nor did I want to have an ugly car, so I was pleasantly surprised with the sporty look of my Caliber SE Plus. In Addition it is getting great gas Mileage, I am averaging around 28 to 30 miles per gallon. I strongly recommend this car if you are looking to save money with out sacrificing a fun ride.

Favorite Features

Nice 5 speed, Body design, trunk design

Suggested Improvements

Upgrade dashboard and door interior panels with some fabric

13 out 15 people found this review helpful

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I love this car

Written by: Al on 05/23/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

1st off they don't have the right engine listed. I have the SXT Sport 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine. And I like the zip it has. I picked this up on May 17th after a week search to find the right color and options. I have the Sunburst Orange with matching colored seat inserts and dash. Also have a sunroof. I have a bad back and the front seats are great, very comfortable. Lots of room in front and back. Just as much cargo space as my Jeep Liberty had. I really love this car even thought I have taken some abuse by co-workers for getting the orange color. HAHA

Favorite Features

Color, seat inserts, sunroof, fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Little more storage space in center console, some blind spots.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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