2008 Dodge Caliber Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$13,925 to $22,435

Original MSRP

5.8
of 10

expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(39 reviews)
5.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
5/10
Performance
6/10
Safety
5/10
Form & function
6/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
2008 Dodge Caliber Test Drive Review summaryImage

The Dodge Caliber has an attractive price tag, but it falls short elsewhere.

The Caliber joined Dodge’s lineup last year as a practical successor to the Neon and started winning a few hearts with its reasonable price tag and comfortable interior. Optional all-wheel-drive makes the Caliber a viable crossover alternative for buyers living in places where the weather gets nasty, but the specs may not be enough.

Useful hatchbacks are a rare breed on the market today, as many buyers are opting for SUVs from Jeep, Hyundai, and Honda, so the Caliber enjoys somewhat limited competition. The Toyota Matrix and Nissan Versa are closest to going toe-to-toe with the Caliber, but it’s the Toyota that dominates the segment. The Caliber is less refined and less efficient than the Matrix, but the price will be much better for many buyers’ budgets.

7/10

If you’re a fan of Dodge’s “crosshairs” grille, you’ll be a fan of the Caliber. It’s most prominent feature is that grille, which is flanked by large headlights and bulging fender flares. Higher trims get foglights and light chrome trim, but it all boils down to that face. In true hatchback fashion, the Caliber’s roof rises gently before swooping down to accommodate the cargo hold under the rear hatch.

Though the Caliber’s grille is its most prominent feature, the rear end is definitely its busiest. The number of shapes and angles is a little much at times, and large taillights make what would be a large cargo opening much smaller than it should be. A high-mounted rear window is wide, but too narrow to be truly useful, and is further obstructed by a rear wiper blade.

The story inside is much the same, as there’s not much to note, other than dated electronics and flat but supportive seats. All of the Caliber’s controls are tucked neatly into the center stack, and the rest of the cabin is remarkably devoid of almost anything else.

Chris Teague
Published May 25, 2021 by Chris Teague
Chris is an automotive journalist covering new vehicle reveals, news, and technology. He loves digging into the details to tell entertaining and informative stories.

User reviews for 2008 Dodge Caliber

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User rating:
by Matthew W
Jan 26, 2025
Manual transmission model seems very reliable so far, decent fuel economy hovering 28-30mpg at highway speeds. Trunk space is adequate for most errands, I picked up 10 moving boxes and 4 50 lb bags of salt and still had room available. The ride is acceptable though it doesn’t match the ride comfort of a Buick or similar. For an everyday dependable ride (with manual transmission) I find this vehicle meets all my needsJan 26, 2025
by Heather F
Feb 25, 2015
I like the color on the seats and console and cooler in glove box. I like the mp3 holder in center console, but smart phone won't fit. I don't like the power of the engine and it wears tires too often.Feb 25, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 25, 2013
I bought this car used with about 10,000 miles on it. For the first few years, it was great. Since I hit about 80,000 mile it is nickle and diming me to death. I have had to replace wheel bearings (front end twice), ball joints, struts, and control arms. After needing new tires, again, I was told that they call them "tire eaters" because it doesn't seem to matter what type of tire you buy, put it on a Caliber, and you will get about 40,000 miles out of them.Oct 25, 2013

2008 Dodge Caliber Pricing

Original MSRP
$13,925 to $22,435
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning delete: heater only · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Beverage cooler: cooled storage compartment · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless/illuminated entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.12

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 525 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Locks

Power door locks: speed sensitive central locking

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.12

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 525 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 1.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.12

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 1.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 6.12

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 525 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand Speakers: Kicker · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brake width: 1.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.96

Exterior Features

License plate bracket: front · Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (5)