2009 Dodge Caliber Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$16,460 to $24,840

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.0

avg user rating

(23 reviews)
2009 Dodge Caliber Preview summaryImage

One fairly significant and one minor change define the 2009 Dodge Caliber hatchback. Gone are the R/T AWD, the SE Plus, and the SXT Sport trims. Newly available for 2009, at least in the pricier trims, is the Uconnect hands-free communications system. The Caliber, which replaced the Dodge Neon in '07, is still offered in four trim levels for '09: base SE, midrange SXT, higher-range R/T, and the high-performance SRT-4. Its 5-speed manual transmission, standard on all trims except the SRT-4, is a saving grace vis-a-vis fuel economy.

Caliber’s base SE trim, which is basic indeed, features a less-than-powerful but reasonably fuel efficient 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve inline four that puts out 148 hp with the 5-speed manual. The standard single-CD, 4-speaker stereo, outside temperature sensor, and rear spoiler do little to offset the SE’s 15-inch wheels - deemed noisy in corners - and a lack of ABS. An EPA estimated 24/29 mpg city/highway might make up some for the SE’s lack of pizazz. Caliber’s ’09 SXT trim also comes standard with the 1.8-liter I4 and 5-peed stick shift, but offers a few more features, like 17-inch wheels, Satellite radio, air-conditioning with the popular Chill Zone glovebox drink cooler, power windows, and front disc ABS. A 2.0-liter, 158-hp I4 with a constant-velocity transaxle (CVT) that gets 23/27 mpg, is optional for both SE and SXT trims. Further options for the SE include front disc ABS and a 6-CD/MP3 system. For the SXT trim, options include the Musicgate Power Sound system, a sunroof, 4-wheel ABS with brake assist, and Dodge’s electronic stability program (ESP).

With the R/T and SRT-4 trim levels, the 2009 Caliber begins to approach true comfort and convenience. The R/T features a 172-hp, DOHC, 2.4-liter I4 and 5-speed manual (or optional CVT) that claims 23/29 mpg (the CVT is rated at 21/25). The R/T also comes with such standard offerings as 4-wheel ABS with brake assist, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a sport suspension, performance steering, heated cloth front seats, and Boston Acoustic speakers. Options for the R/T include a sunroof, leather, ESP, Uconnect, and the MyGig infotainment system. The ’09 SRT-4 is equipped with a turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter I4. Coupled with the solely offered Getrag 6-speed stick shift, the 286-hp turbo has earned raves from owners of ’08 SRT-4s. The turbo is rated 19/27 mpg. The SRT-4 also features 4-wheel ABS with brake assist, 19-inch aluminum wheels, performance steering, and a high-performance suspension. Options include ESP, MyGig, and a 13-speaker Kicker sound system powered by a 322-watt amp and 200-watt subwoofer.

With 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space, its much-vaunted roominess, and Dodge’s always-cutting-edge exterior styling, ’08 Caliber owners praised its looks and functionality. Owners were less enthusiastic, however, about the lower-than-advertised fuel economy from all Caliber trims and the poor acceleration of the 1.8-liter I4. Caliber’s standard safety features range from merely front and side curtain and supplemental airbags in the ’09 base SE to front-wheel disc ABS in the SXT to 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist in the R/T and SRT-4. The Dodge Caliber won NHTSA 5-star crash test ratings again for ’09.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Dodge Caliber

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 28, 2022
No problem with car, competes with any other make in the market.Dec 28, 2022
by Cayleigh C
Feb 10, 2022
I like it. I love it. I want it! Feb 10, 2022
by Janet T
Feb 10, 2021
I like the style looked good in the pictures.Id buy it .youFeb 10, 2021

2009 Dodge Caliber Pricing

Original MSRP
$16,460 to $24,840
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 · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single 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 Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless/illuminated entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · 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 · 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

Headlights: HID

Locks

Power door locks: speed sensitive central locking

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

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: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

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 · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 30GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

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

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · 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

Axle ratio: 4.12

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 525 CCA · Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · 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 · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

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): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

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 · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 30GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · 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 · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · 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 · 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: maintenance reminder

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

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

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

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 · Auxiliary audio input: jack · CD changer: 6 · Hard Drive: 30GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand Speakers: Kicker · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

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 · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · 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

Engine

Battery: 525 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: body-color · 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: maintenance reminder

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · 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): front

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (4)