Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Compact Car
Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious consumers, young drivers, small families seeking versatility.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Chevrolet Cobalt.
Unique Selling Points:
Striking 'cruciform' grille design, practical hatchback-like utility, available all-wheel-drive, competitive pricing.
Design Philosophy:
A blend of compact car practicality with the visual cues and versatility of a small SUV.
Powertrain:
Covers basic operation, fluid checks, and potential minor issues related to engine and transmission. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures.
Chassis:
Details on brakes, steering, suspension operation and checks.
Electrical Systems:
Information on lighting, dashboard indicators, basic electrical features, and fuse locations. No wiring diagrams or diagnostic procedures.
Body And Interior:
Covers operation of doors, windows, seats, climate control, and interior features.
Safety Features:
Explains airbags, seatbelts, child restraint systems, and basic safety precautions.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.
Diy Activities:
Basic user-serviceable items like checking and topping off fluids, changing wiper blades, and simple cleaning procedures.
Towing:
Guidance on proper towing procedures, trailer wiring considerations, and weight limits.
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting related to dashboard warning lights and common operational anomalies. Does not include in-depth diagnostic steps.
Depth:
Owner-level, focusing on safe operation, basic maintenance, and feature explanation. Not a service or repair manual.
Searchable Text:
Typically yes for modern PDF manuals, allowing keyword searches.
Resolution:
High (designed for printing, typically 300 DPI or higher)
Color Content:
Likely includes color diagrams and images for clarity.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Engine Code And Displacement:
GEMA (Global Engine Alliance) 1.8L DOHC 16-valve I4 (RPO code ECN or ECN/M); GEMA 2.0L DOHC 16-valve I4 (RPO code EWA).
Engine Notes:
The 2.4L World Engine (RPO code ESD) was also available on higher trims, offering more power.
Horsepower 1.8L:
156 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
133 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.4L:
172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 octane minimum
Transmission Type 1.8L:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MTX)
Transmission Type 1.8L/2.0L:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with AutoStick (RPO code V9P)
Transmission Type 2.4L:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (41TE)
Cvt Designation:
FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) or AWD (All-Wheel Drive) configurations available, particularly with the 2.4L engine and CVT.
AWD System:
Electronically controlled AWD system available on select models, often paired with the 2.4L engine.
NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:
Good (5 stars for 2007 model)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:
Good (5 stars for 2007 model)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for 2007 model)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (with optional side airbags for 2007 model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on some trims.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags. Optional front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants. LATCH child seat anchor system.
Audio System Options:
Standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Boston Acoustics premium audio system, and Uconnect infotainment system.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors available on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players.
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Annually or every 15,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 1.8L/2.0L engines. Check manual for specific engine.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) - Orange
Transmission Fluid Type Cvt:
Mopar CVTF+4 or equivalent (Chrysler/Dodge specification)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Cvt Reliability:
Some reports of premature CVT failure or judder, particularly in earlier production years. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine mounts leading to vibration, especially during acceleration or idle.
Suspension Noise:
Front suspension components, particularly ball joints and control arm bushings, can wear out, causing clunking noises.
Brake Wear:
Front brake pads and rotors may wear faster than expected on some vehicles.
Parent Company:
Dodge is a division of Chrysler (then part of DaimlerChrysler).
Introduction Year:
The Dodge Caliber was introduced for the 2007 model year, replacing the Dodge Neon.
Platform Origin:
Based on the Chrysler JS platform, shared with other Chrysler and Dodge models like the Avenger and Sebring.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA.
Production Run:
2007-2012 (North America)
Major Awards:
While the Caliber was a sales success, it did not garner significant major automotive awards. Its focus was on affordability and practicality.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports generally provided average to below-average ratings for reliability and performance for this model year.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year.