2010 Dodge Caliber Review
2010 Dodge Caliber Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Practical interior, some useful features not available in competitors.
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration, some important safety features aren't standard.
What’s new
For 2010, the Dodge Caliber is offered in five new "lifestyle" trim levels ranging from the value-oriented Express base model to the sporty top-of-the-line Rush. All models get an upgraded interior that includes a padded center armrest, padded door trim panels and active front head restraints. The high-performance SRT4 model has been dropped from the lineup.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Dodge Caliber is versatile and has some unique features, but underwhelming performance keeps this model near the bottom of the small-wagon/hatchback list.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Express 4dr Wagon (2.0L 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 Express
Caliber Express
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
First, the good news: As a whole, the quality of new vehicles sold in the U.S. has improved dramatically in recent years. Now the bad: There are still a handful of models out there -- like the 2010 Dodge Caliber, for example -- that don't measure up to the leaders in their respective categories.
Don't get us wrong: This compact four-door hatchback that replaced the brand's entry-level Neon sedan back in 2007 has some strong points, including almost 50 cubic feet of cargo space plus several unique bells and whistles like a chilled glovebox beverage cooler, a built-in rechargeable LED flashlight and a premium stereo with rear speakers that can be flipped down and pointed outside the open liftgate. The problem is, the Caliber has a number of competitors that are noticeably better in ways that really matter.
The Caliber's two available four-cylinder engines are a good case in point. Both offer passable performance and good fuel economy, but they feel downright sluggish compared to what's under the hood of rival models. Safety feature content is also disappointing, as is interior quality, though the latter is better than it has been. For 2010, Dodge's designers replaced many of the cheap-feeling plastics with better-quality materials. Unfortunately, the 2010 Dodge Caliber is still at an overall disadvantage in this highly competitive segment.
Though none of these issues is a deal breaker by itself, we suggest that buyers in the market for a small four-door hatchback or wagon test-drive a few competitive models before making up their minds. Even a quick spin in category leaders like the Hyundai Elantra Touring, Mazda 3, Scion xB, Toyota Matrix and Volkswagen Golf will reveal that the Caliber is down on performance, handling and interior quality. While it's true that there aren't any really "bad" cars anymore in the traditional sense, the Caliber continues to qualify as "not as good."
Performance & mpg
Under the hood, the front-wheel-drive Caliber can be had with one of two different four-cylinder engines. A 2.0-liter engine rated at 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque is standard on all trim levels except the Rush. The Rush gets a 2.4-liter that puts out 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. This engine is optional on the Uptown. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), depending on the trim level.
Fuel economy is relatively good across the board, though mileage suffers a bit with the CVT. The 2.0-liter engine returns EPA estimates of 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 23/27/25 mpg with the CVT. The larger 2.4-liter engine is nearly as good, with EPA ratings of 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined for manual-transmission-equipped models and 21/25/23 for versions fitted with the CVT.
Safety
Standard safety features include a driver-side knee airbag, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and antilock brakes (rear drums for the Express and Mainstreet, four-wheel discs for the other trims). Front-seat side airbags and stability control aren't available on the Express but are optional on the remaining trim levels.
The Caliber earned perfect scores in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, including five stars in both frontal and side impacts. Results were mixed in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, however, with a top "Good" rating in the frontal-offset tests and a next-to-lowest "Marginal" rating in side-impact tests.
Driving
As with the rest of the car, there's nothing really wrong with the way the 2010 Dodge Caliber drives. The problem is that there's just not that much to recommend it either.
Acceleration is lackluster with the smaller 2.0-liter engine, and only slightly better with the larger 2.4-liter. The performance of both motors suffers noticeably when fitted with the CVT.
The suspension delivers a decent ride quality, though the sport-tuned suspension underpinning Heat and Rush models may be a little too firm for some folks' tastes. Handling is adequate enough for daily driving, but buyers looking for a sporty driving experience will want to look elsewhere.
Interior
The fact that the 2010 Dodge Caliber has been given an interior makeover is welcome news. While not much has changed in terms of the overall layout or dimensions, the addition of soft-touch materials in key areas like door panels and the sliding center-console armrest have helped address our previous chief complaint about the cabin. Both front and rear seat passengers enjoy a decent amount of head- and legroom. Outward visibility is good, the gauges are easy to read and most controls operate intuitively.
When it's time to haul cargo instead of people, the Caliber makes it easy thanks to 60/40-split rear seatbacks that fold down to create a nice flat load floor that's covered in easy-to-clean plastic. The upper trim levels also include a fold-flat front passenger seat that makes it possible to shoehorn in longer items like surfboards and still close the rear liftgate. Maximum cargo capacity is 48 cubic feet, which is about the same as other small wagons like the Mazda 3 but falls well short of compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V.
2010 Dodge Caliber models
The 2010 Dodge Caliber is a compact four-door hatchback that's offered in five new "lifestyle" trim levels. The entry-level Express model comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth connectivity and an AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite radio.
Step up to the Mainstreet trim level and you'll get 17-inch alloy wheels, a "touring" suspension and foglights. Interior upgrades include a tachometer, fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seatbacks.
Springing for the Uptown model gets you rear disc brakes (versus drums), automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats and a premium nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls and flip-down speakers in the liftgate.
The sporty Caliber Heat takes the Mainstreet model's equipment list and adds 18-inch polished alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, rear disc brakes (versus drums) and specialized interior trim. Building on the Caliber Heat is the Rush, which adds a larger 2.4-liter engine, 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Inside, the Rush also gets a few more creature comforts including automatic climate control and a premium audio system with a touchscreen interface and 30-gigabyte hard drive.
Many of the options found on the upper trim levels are offered as options on the lower trims. A sunroof and a navigation system are also available.
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 2010 Dodge Caliber.
5 star(60%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(5%)
82 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
it ended to soon.
Anthony, 01/04/2016
2010 Dodge Caliber SE Fleet 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
There is a problem that causes these to shut off while you are driving on the hwy., my niece had the same problem, something about a cooling sensor keeping the transmission from overheating. And this should have been a recall issue.
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Dodge Caliber, so we've included reviews for other years of the Caliber since its last redesign.
2010 Caliber Highlights
Express
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,880 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $164/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Caliber include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
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 RestraintGood
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