^®

why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

10 Best Road Trip Convertibles

2012 Dodge Caliber

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 49 photos

Want to save money? Check out the 2011 Dodge Caliber

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. see what you should pay

2012 Dodge Caliber Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

When it comes to compact cars, Dodge doesn't exactly rule the roost. In fact, Dodge offers only one model, the 2012 Dodge Caliber, with dimensions that cross into mid-size sedan territory, and interior materials and an overall resale value that are arguably lackluster. It's a shame the cost cutters had their way with this one, because on paper the 2012 Caliber hatchback looks like a winner. It provides good use of interior space, has a versatile hatchback design and delivers good fuel economy. There are also a number of attractive features, such as the Chill Zone cooling storage compartment, removable rechargeable flashlight and articulating fold-down rear speaker bar that's perfect for blasting your favorite tunes at a tailgate party. But, the 2012 Dodge Caliber's execution is nowhere near as refined or buttoned down as that of the Mazda Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf or Subaru Impreza wagon.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need the fuel economy of small compact car, but the room and versatility of larger wagon, the 2012 Dodge Caliber hatchback has you covered.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a compact wagon with 35-plus MPG and a modern, upscale interior, you might find the 2012 Mazda3 or VW Golf TDI a better fit. If all-wheel drive is a must, the 2012 Subaru Impreza wagon makes a good choice.

How It Ranks

#2

out of 5

MPG

#3

out of 5

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

7.3 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Dodge Caliber compact hatchback is offered in three trims: SE, SXT and SXT Plus. More standard equipment is added to the base SE trim, while electronic stability control is made standard on all models.

Driving the Caliber

Driving Impressions While it's clear that the 2012 Dodge Caliber is more practical than performance-oriented, Dodge has still managed to create a car that is fun to drive. In the SXT Plus,...

we found the ride and handling above board, although the tepid performance of the 2.0-liter engine made us long for more power. Still, with the 5-speed manual and Sport suspension, the 2012 Dodge Caliber can be considered a worthy opponent to the VW Golf or Nissan Cube, although its performance is a far cry from the impressive Mazda3 hatchback, which features a much more fluid manual transmission, more horsepower and better fuel economy (Skyactiv model).
However, we are fairly confident that most consumers will probably choose the available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), that offers an Auto Stick "manual-mode" that allows the driver to select any one of six "ratios" and thus hold onto that gearing step if necessary or desired.

Favorite Features

MusicGate Speakers
As part of the 368-watt Boston Acoustics premium audio system, the 2012 Dodge Caliber's rearmost speakers flip down from the open liftgate to project outward for tailgate parties, picnics and other outdoor activities.

CVT2 Auto Stick
While the idea of engineering artificial gearing into the 2012 Dodge Caliber's "gearless" Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) might seem counterproductive, the ability to control the transmission with ultra-responsive manual shifts is very useful.

2012 Dodge Caliber Details

Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

While we find the 2012 Dodge Caliber hatchback to be rather roomy and versatile, we have a hard time warming up to the dated interior design and hard surfaces that make up the Caliber's cabin. A major overhaul last year brought a bit more refinement, but the Caliber's interior is definitely past its prime. If you're not turned off by its look, there is much to like inside the 2012 Dodge Caliber, from the available fold-flat rear and front-passenger seats, to the standard Chill Zone cooling glove box and available articulating rear speaker bar. Front and rear-seat comfort is fairly respectable, with good rear-seat legroom for taller passengers. Unfortunately, leather seats have been removed from the equipment list, leaving only a choice of cloth or premium sport cloth with color inserts.

Exterior

Despite its aging design, the 2012 Dodge Caliber hatchback remains visually appealing, with a tall greenhouse, large fender flares, big headlamp housings and the signature Dodge crosshair grille. Quite a bit a larger than most compact hatchbacks in this class, the 2012 Dodge Caliber hatchback appears almost SUV-like in its stance, yet the big wheel-and-tire combo of the SXT trims hints at a more aggressive driving experience than found with a similarly-priced Nissan Cube or Scion xB.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Along with a 2.0-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission, a Caliber SE features front and rear side-curtain airbags, inflatable knee blocker, heated side mirrors, 1-year subscription service to Sirius Satellite Radio, cruise control, electronic stability control, keyless entry, 115-volt outlet, air conditioning, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) and power windows, mirrors and door locks. The SXT trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, CVT automatic transmission, touring suspension, 60/40-split reclining rear seats, tachometer, fog lamps, fold-flat front-passenger seat and a removable rechargeable flashlight. The SXT Plus adds 18-inch wheels, sport suspension and touch-screen audio with a 40GB hard drive.

Optional Equipment

Most of the 2012 Dodge Caliber hatch's equipment is bundled into packages and includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, 368-watt Boston Acoustic sound system with flip-down articulating liftgate speakers, power sunroof, heated front seats and steering-wheel audio controls. The Security Package adds remote start, security alarm, front side-impact airbags, daytime running lights, engine oil cooler and trailer-tow wiring harness.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Dodge Caliber hatchback offers only one engine choice: A 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine good for 158 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the SE, while the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is standard on the SXT and available on the SXT Plus. The SE can be ordered only with the manual transmission.

2.0-liter inline-4
158 horsepower @6,400 rpm
141 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 (manual), 23/27 (automatic)

Pricing Notes

With a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $18,000, the 2012 Dodge Caliber SE is an attractive prospect. The SXT pushes the price to around $19,500, while the nicely-loaded SXT Plus, which offers more features but a manual transmission, comes in around the same price as the SXT. Our Fair Purchase Price values have reflected real-world transaction prices lower than these sticker prices but, as market fluctuations are ongoing, it's wise to check again before you buy. As for resale value, we expect the 2012 Caliber hatchback to remain on the lower end of the resale spectrum, well behind the Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Subaru Impreza and Mazda3.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

see what you should pay

2012 Dodge Caliber Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.3

Out of 10

Based on 611 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Dodge Caliber models.

Review this car

Value

7.7/10

Quality

7.5/10
Reliability

8.0/10

Performance

7.5/10
Comfort

7.8/10

Styling

8.1/10

Overall an alright vehicle

By Crissy on Wednesday, March 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "looks nice, good price"

Cons: "small backseat, terrible trade in value, power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I just bought this car last summer because I needed a "family car" that still looked sporty and affodable. I found both of those features in this car!! The look and feel of this car is nice, although the backseat could be bigger..my sons car seat takes up almost all the space, and anyone who is tall instantly needs to sit up front or else they wont fit comfortably in the back. Has great trunk space for being a smaller car, and overall the compartments to store things are pretty nice too. The one major complaint I have is that the engine could use alot more power. Altough making this a V6 would make it more expensive to fill up( it costs about $45 to fill up right now which im not complaining about), I would love for my car to have a bit more power."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Quite Pleased

By sabrinak (NC) on Sunday, March 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "comfort and great mileage"

Cons: "blind spots and not enough power for hill"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"It needs more power, especially with a full load of passengers up a steep hill, but the comfort,gas mileage, and cargo space are awesome! There are several blind spots, so you have to be very careful pulling out in traffic. Looks a lot richer than it's cost."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

see all 611 reviews