Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking a versatile and practical vehicle for urban and light-duty use.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet HHR
Vehicle Features:
Practicality, spacious interior for its class, available AWD, and a distinctive styling that leaned towards a crossover/hatchback blend.
Advantage:
Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information, replacing expensive OEM CD-ROMs and offering greater accessibility.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L, 2.4L, 1.8L), Transmission (CVT, 5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Emission Control Systems
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear Discs/Drums), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules)
Comfort And Convenience:
Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Body (Interior & Exterior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Bumpers)
Maintenance:
Lubrication and Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid), Filter Replacements, Inspections
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair/Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, HVAC System Service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Component Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.0L (1998 cc)
Engine 1 Type:
4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve (World Engine)
Engine 1 Power:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Engine 1 Torque:
136 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.4L (2360 cc)
Engine 2 Type:
4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve (World Engine)
Engine 2 Power:
172 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Engine 2 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Engine 3 Displacement:
1.8L (1798 cc)
Engine 3 Type:
4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve (4A92 World Engine variant)
Engine 3 Power:
148 hp @ 6500 rpm (approximate, European spec)
Engine 3 Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approximate, European spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission 1 Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag NV1500/NV3500 series)
Transmission 2 Type:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (JF011E Jatco)
Transmission 3 Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (MD6, specific to certain engines/markets)
AWD Availability:
Available on certain trims and engine configurations, typically with the 2.4L engine and CVT.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Acceptable
Brakes Standard:
Front Disc / Rear Drum (standard on most trims); Front & Rear Disc on higher trims/options
ABS Standard:
Standard on most trims
Airbags Standard:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags.
Audio System Options:
Available with AM/FM/CD/MP3 players, Boston Acoustics premium audio system option.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack was common; Bluetooth and Uconnect hands-free communication were available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Traction Control:
Available on some models, often linked with AWD or higher trim levels.
HVAC Features:
Manual climate control standard; automatic climate control available on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (using conventional oil) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (using synthetic oil), whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific engine/oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (Mopar OAT - Organic Additive Technology) for the GEMA engines.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified). Refer to manual for specific engine and climate requirements.
Transmission Fluid Cvt:
Mopar CVTF NS-2 or equivalent (Jatco JF011E specified fluid)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Mopar ATF+4 (for MD6 automatic transmission)
Coolant Spec:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Cvt Failures:
Some CVT transmissions, particularly the Jatco JF011E, have been known to experience premature failure or require solenoid replacements due to wear or fluid breakdown.
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components, such as control arm bushings and ball joints, may exhibit premature wear on higher-mileage vehicles.
Power Steering Issues:
Reports of power steering pump or rack leaks and noise exist, particularly with higher mileage.
Engine Mounts:
Engine mounts can deteriorate over time, leading to increased vibration felt in the cabin.
Dodge History:
Dodge has a long history of producing performance vehicles, trucks, and SUVs, known for bold styling and a focus on value.
Caliber Introduction:
The Dodge Caliber was introduced for the 2007 model year as a successor to the Dodge Neon and SRT-4, aiming to capture the growing compact crossover market.
Caliber Development:
Co-developed with Mitsubishi Motors, utilizing the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) engines and sharing platform components.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
2007 - 2012
