2008 Dodge Caliber Consumer Reviews

2008 Caliber R/T 5 SP

Written by: Kurt on 07/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Caliber R/T 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We were looking for something my 5 year old daughter would be comfortable in, in the back seat, and this filled the bill. We bought our Caliber R/T this past winter. I was worried about the tires in the snow. They did pretty good, though I am planning on snow wheels and tire for this winter. Salt and aluminum wheels don't like each other. I drove a base model with the CVT and didn't like it. So we opted for the R/T with the 2.4L with the 5 speed. I love it, so far. Average fuel mileage is 27 mpg. On the highway, should be able to hit 30 mpg. Well, maybe not. ( : I just needed a car to get around in, and we sold a '94 Eclipse, so this was a car to replace that one.

Favorite Features

Ride, pep, appearance, stereo, headlights(at night), large back seat.

Suggested Improvements

A higher power outlet would be nice.

Report inappropriate post

We love it.

Written by: Jim on 07/10/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This is a great mid-size car. It handles very well and I really like the way it corners. It handles better then I thought it would. I know that I gave up some mileage, but it has good power and the AWD will be for the winter weather here in Missouri. The transmission takes a little getting used to. It has a slight delay in pickup speed when you floor it, but it has a very smooth transfer up to speed. The cab forward is a little hard to get used to. Also, the way the front end slopes down makes is a little tough project where the front corners are until you driven it a while. Mostly made in USA. Foreign cars in this price range feel cheap. This car has a big car feel.

Favorite Features

I really like the way it handles. It gives you the small car handling with a mid-size car ride. I also am amazed at the power. I got it for highway driving and it has performed very well in passing. The seating is also more comfortable then I thought it would be. They are heated (5 star safety)

Suggested Improvements

Not much I can think of. I like smooth body lines. I'll get used to that I'm sure. I'm not real impressed with the dash. This could use some improvement. Also, if you do tailgate, the hatchback is a little with the speakers down.

Report inappropriate post

Would buy all over again

Written by: Happy Owner on 07/06/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This is a great family vehicle. Reliable, comfortable, safe, and economical. The gas mileage is great and it handles well. Highly recommend the 2008 Dodge Caliber.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post

Very pleased and so is my son

Written by: vlyntr on 07/05/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We were looking for a vehicle that has great mpg for our youngest son to go to college-At this time he is driving a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4X4 and his sister drives a 2005 Dodge Ram-we checked out the Scion, the Smartfor2, the KiaRio5 and many others, test drove and checked the prices. Today, we bought a Brilliant Black SXT, many options, he is so on cloud nine and very pleased and happy. He fits in it and going to college on football scholarship, he thinks it is a very cool vehicle, good on the mpg and it fits what he needs. My husband also drove it, I sat in it. I liked all the amenities and wouldn't have bought it if we didn't think it was a great buy. And 5 star crash rating!! Go Caliber!

Favorite Features

5 star crash rating-nice to look at-in and out-Sporty and utilitarian. Plastic is okay at 20K, roomy interior for driver and passenger and love cargo-SXT best. Drives well and great mpg-low cost to maintain. If you want a Lexus or Ferrari buy one or a bike-that too-this is the best deal. Thank you Dodge

Suggested Improvements

Make this low cost vehicle as great as it is and compete,the underdog wins. Standard GPS, tow package(my other 4 cyl can)

Report inappropriate post

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?

14 out 15 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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

Report inappropriate post

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!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post