2012 Dodge Caliber

Reliable and comfortable with great utility.

By Alan (TX) on Friday, May 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 198,100

Pros: "looks, utility, comfort, options"

Cons: "fit and finish, acceleration, toomuch hard plastic"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought my Caliber new in June of 2006. It now has 198,000 miles on it and runs as well as it did when new. At 6'4" and 260 lbs, I was looking for something with room, and the Caliber has it. It is painfully slow at take-off thanks to the CVT, but gas mileage is respectable and is has good storage in the back - great with the seats folded down. It is comfortable on the highway as well. I live in North Texas and have driven it to the Gulf Coast in summer, the Rocky Mountains in winter, up to Lake Michigan for vacation and a brutal number of miles in Dallas-Fort Worth traffic. It has handles asphalt, snow and sand equally well. If Dodge had not quit making them, I'd buy another. The fit and finish is cheap, I admit. It is also not at all sporty. But it looks great and if utility and comfort are your thing, it's a good choice. Mine has satellite radio, U-Connect hands free Bluetooth, 9 speaker stereo, leather seats and power sun roof. I know not everyone's experience is the same, but after 198K with only predictable upkeep and minor repairs, I'd have to add that it's pretty reliable as well."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Decent Car for the Money

By l6perry (MA) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought my Caliber with 30,000 miles on it and I am now at 130,000. I paid $13,000 for it. I am one of those people that somehow kills every car that I get. And I have to say, aside from some basic maintenence and repairs that are to be expected from driving it so much, it has been a great car. It has a ton of space, cleans easily, and is decent on gas. The interior is all plastic however, it is a low priced car. It is to be expected. But, the plastic has not cracked or chipped and everything functional. Very happy with the investment. The only sad thing is the Kelly Blue Book value is very low."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Cheap in both meanings

By Josh (MN) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 96,000

Pros: "Cheap, ok mileage, novel features"

Cons: "You get what you pay for, plastic, poor quality"

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

"A ok vehicle with no major problems, though lacking in quality. Front-end supsension problems aren't uncommon before the 60k-mile warranty expiration. Also had a power window switch go out just at 96k miles. The vehicle is made primarily of plastic and driver seats arent comfortable beyond an hour long drive (I'm 6', 200lbs)."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Have loved this car

By melvablue (AZ) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

Pros: "comfort,reiabikity, looks, economy"

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

"Have thourougl enjoyed this car since ipurchased new in 2009. Love design, interior setup, comfort, fuel economy,satellite radio,waranty, reiability, power for being 4- cyl with 5 speed manual with overdrive. Got upgraded wheels, spoiler, tint and cargo cover. Have moved so much, love roominess, sturdiness,ease of driving, controls,satellite radio, uts easy for all people to get in and out. Really sad 2012 is last year. Other awesomething like dual glove boxes, chilled shwlf for drinks, lightedcup holders,auxiliaryinput, holders, cargolight that is also flashlight. Love it. Even fabric interior has remained awesome. Lovereclining back seat and fold flat storage. All with 30-35mpg and more room than smaller compacts."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Lots of Trouble :-(

By younglove (IL) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

Pros: "Fun features- great Boston sound system"

Cons: "Numerous major mechanical problems"

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

"This was our first new car purchase, and we definitely wish we could go back and NOT buy this car. Shortly after purchase the control arms, ball joints and tie rods needed to be replaced on the drivers side. We then had about 4 years of creaky rides (the suspension was still awful), lots of check engine lights, and a myriad of other annoyances. In the last six months we have had the following replaced: control arms, ball joints and tie rods on the passenger side, water pump, several pullys including the idler pully, fuel pump and alternator. We have practically had to rebuild this car, and it has not held its value AT ALL. We are planning on getting rid of it ASAP. It seems like this particular year is the most problematic, so other years might have fared better. The interior, sound system, sunroof and other features of the car are great, but are not very useful if the car is inoperable :-("

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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