Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Hatchback
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue.
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, affordability, and a distinctive American styling approach. Offered a more car-like driving experience than traditional SUVs.
Target Demographic:
Young families, urban dwellers, and budget-conscious buyers seeking versatile transportation.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, powertrain control module (PCM).
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems, including clutch, gear selection, hydraulics, and electronic controls.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS), wheels, and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Antilock Brake System (ABS) module.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, airbags.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, diagnostic procedures, system adjustments, component testing.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical schematics with pinpoint tests.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications, measurement data.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics for all major vehicle systems, including powertrain, chassis, and body electronics.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including component disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
Electrical Schematics:
Comprehensive electrical diagrams for all circuits, facilitating diagnosis and repair of electrical faults.
Engine Code Base:
GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance)
Engine Displacement Base:
2.0 L (1998 cc)
Engine Configuration Base:
Inline 4-cylinder (I4)
Engine Horsepower Base:
156 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine Torque Base:
141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Optional Engine Displacement:
2.4 L (2360 cc)
Optional Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (I4)
Optional Engine Horsepower:
172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Optional Engine Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Performance Variant Engine:
2.0L Turbocharged (SRT-4) - 2.4 L (2378 cc)
Performance Variant Horsepower:
285 hp @ 5200 rpm
Performance Variant Torque:
265 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for 2.0L and 2.4L naturally aspirated. Sequential electronic fuel injection for SRT-4.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for 2.0L/2.4L, premium recommended for SRT-4)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag Getrag 235/12, also known as 'B-series' or 'C-series' in some contexts).
Optional Transmission Type:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - Jatco JF011E (marketed as 'CVT2' or 'CVT').
Automatic Transmission Type Specific:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (MD750) - Available on select 2.4L models.
AWD Availability:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system available on certain 2.4L CVT models.
Length:
174.7 inches (4437 mm)
Width:
67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height:
62.8 inches (1595 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.7 inches (2634 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
19.3 cubic feet (547 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
52.7 cubic feet (1492 liters)
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 3100 lbs (1406 kg) for 2.0L manual FWD.
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 3500 lbs (1588 kg) for 2.4L AWD CVT.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-star (2007 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star (2007 model year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front Test:
Good (2007 model year)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good (2007 model year)
Standard Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - optional on most trims, Traction Control (TCS) - often integrated with ESC.
Standard Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side-curtain airbags (optional on some trims), front seat-mounted side airbags (optional on some trims).
Audio System Options:
Base AM/FM/CD player, optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system with subwoofer, Uconnect hands-free communication (optional).
Navigation System:
Not commonly available or integrated from factory on most 2007 models. Aftermarket solutions or portable navigation devices were typical.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Not available.
Backup Camera:
Not available from factory.
Bluetooth:
Available as part of the Uconnect system on higher trims or as an option.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe duty: 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.0L/2.4L: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Iridium spark plugs. SRT-4: Consult manual, typically sooner with performance plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years. Subsequent changes every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.0L and 2.4L engines.
Transmission Fluid Type Cvt:
Mopar CVTF (Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid) or equivalent. Refer to specific fluid type for Jatco JF011E.
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) for 4-speed automatic.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT - Organic Acid Technology), HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent - typically orange or pink.
Common Complaint Cvtx:
CVT belt slippage, shuddering, or failure. Issues often related to overheating and fluid degradation. Requires proper fluid and filter changes.
Common Complaint Engine:
Oil consumption on some 2.4L engines, potential for intake manifold runner issues.
Common Complaint Suspension:
Front suspension noises, worn control arm bushings, premature strut failure reported by some owners.
Common Complaint Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues, minor electrical gremlins.
Dodge Brand Context:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, historically known for performance and muscle cars, diversified into more mainstream segments with models like the Caliber.
Caliber Introduction Year:
Introduced for the 2007 model year, replacing the Dodge Neon as the compact offering.
Design Inspiration:
Based on the DCS (Dodge Caliber Concept) and MD (Mini Dualis) concepts. Positioned as a unique blend of hatchback, sedan, and SUV.
Assembly Plant:
Rocking, Illinois, USA (Belvidere Assembly Plant)
Production Years:
2006-2012
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Received mixed reviews. Praised for its practicality and unique styling by some, criticized for ride quality and interior materials by others.
Safety Awards:
Achieved good crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its model year, indicating structural integrity.