2012 Dodge Caliber

The 2011 Dodge Caliber ranks 7 out of 7 Affordable Compact Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 87 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Caliber, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers say the 2011 Dodge Caliber is a decent commuter car, but beyond that, it falters. It’s overshadowed by competitors that offer better performance, value and utility.

Following up on last year’s interior redo, Dodge has made more changes to its compact Caliber for 2011. Unfortunately, shedding the silly new trim-level names introduced for 2010 was not among the alterations; as a refresher, they are Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat, and Rush.

Changes across the board include the addition of six new paint colors with whimsical names like Mango Tango and Redline 2. Stability control becomes standard on all but the Express trim level, and the optional navigation system gains Sirius traffic information. A new 18-inch chrome wheel design is available for Uptown models.

The Dodge Caliber receives a few updates for the 2011 model year. These include six new exterior colors, a new navigation radio with SIRIUS Travel Link and retuned steering. The Caliber starts at about $17,000, which is pricey when compared to hatchbacks and wagons with better performance, nicer interiors and larger cargo areas.


There are only slight mechanical updates: All models except the Express get revised steering, while the Heat and Rush receive retuned shocks and a thicker rear anti-roll bar. The Caliber’s thrashy, unrefined powertrains are regrettably unchanged. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.4-liter four with 172 hp and 165 lb-ft is standard on Rush and optional on Uptown trims.

The Caliber comes in five trims: Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat and Rush. Express, the base trim, comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five speed manual transmission. Upgrading to the Rush trim gets you a 2.4-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission. This option starts at about $21,000, which is pricey.