Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking practicality and versatility
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue
Design:
Distinctive Dodge styling, inspired by the Dodge Nitro
Interior Versatility:
Fold-flat rear seats, optional front passenger fold-flat seat for extended cargo space
Powertrain Options:
Variety of efficient 4-cylinder engines and CVT
Value Proposition:
Affordable price point for a compact SUV with a decent feature set
Engine:
Yes, comprehensive coverage for all gasoline engines
Transmission:
Yes, including manual and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Drivetrain:
Yes, including front-wheel drive (FWD) systems
Brakes:
Yes, including ABS and standard braking systems
Suspension:
Yes, front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link
Steering:
Yes, including power steering systems
Electrical:
Yes, including wiring diagrams, circuits, and components
HVAC:
Yes, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Bodywork:
Yes, interior and exterior components, trim, and panels
Chassis:
Yes, body and frame structures
Restraints:
Yes, airbags and seatbelt systems
Maintenance:
Yes, routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Diagnostics:
Yes, troubleshooting procedures, fault codes, and diagnostic strategies
Repair:
Yes, detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Disassembly Reassembly:
Yes, complete guides for component removal and installation
Overhaul:
Yes, likely covers major component overhauls
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all service and repair jobs
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting
Repair Level:
Complete repair procedures from minor adjustments to major component replacement
Engine 1:
2.0L World Gasoline Engine (4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, MPI)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1998 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
156 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Engine 2:
2.4L World Gasoline Engine (4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, MPI)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2360 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 3:
1.8L World Gasoline Engine (4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, MPI) - Less common in North America
Engine 3 Displacement:
1798 cc
Engine 3 Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6500 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Acceleration 0 60:
Approx. 9.5 - 11.0 seconds (Varies by engine and transmission)
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (Refer to owner's manual for specific engine requirements)
Transmission 1:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission 2:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - "AutoStick" with simulated gear changes
Cv Gear Ratios:
Variable (Specific ratios not applicable to CVT)
Fluid Type Manual:
MS-9224 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Fluid Type Cvt:
NS-2 (CVT Fluid - Chrysler/Dodge Specification)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
NHTSA Side Driver:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
NHTSA Rollover:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Available on some trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on some trims
Airbags Front:
Standard: Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard: Front side curtain airbags
Airbags Rollover:
Standard: Side curtain airbags with rollover protection
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system available on higher trims.
Connectivity:
Optional Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity available on some models. Auxiliary audio input standard.
Backup Camera:
Not available as a factory option during this period.
Parking Sensors:
Not available as a factory option.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for conventional oil; 7,500 miles or 6 months for synthetic oil (Refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (recommend 30,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (for Iridium spark plugs, standard on most engines)
Transmission Fluid Cv T:
Inspect periodically, change at approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (CVT fluid is critical and often requires specific procedures)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Change at approximately 80,000-100,000 miles
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer)
Coolant:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) HOAT or HOAT type coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for specific requirements)
Power Steering Fluid:
MS-5910 (Power Steering Fluid)
Cv T Reliability:
Some owners report premature failure or issues with the CVT transmission, especially regarding fluid degradation and cooling.
Suspension Noise:
Front suspension components (struts, ball joints, sway bar links) can wear and develop knocking or clunking noises.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks can occur.
Electrical Gremlins:
Various minor electrical issues can arise, often related to switches or sensors.
Brake Wear:
Brake pads and rotors may wear faster than average on some units.
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing trucks, muscle cars, and family vehicles.
Calibers Introduction:
Introduced in 2007 as Dodge's entry into the compact crossover/hatchback segment.
Platform:
Built on the Chrysler JS platform, shared with other Dodge and Chrysler models like the Avenger and Sebring/200.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
Received a minor refresh for the 2009 model year, with updated styling and interior enhancements.
Production Years:
2007-2011
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Discontinuation:
Production ended in 2011, replaced by the Dodge Dart (which was a sedan, not a direct crossover replacement).