Comments on: Review: 2008 Dodge Caliber SE

By: TimTheFoolMan

TimTheFoolMan — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:33:10 +0000

I haven’t driven the SRT-4, but the specs sound fantastic! I’d love to try it out. – Tim

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:04:11 +0000

Great article! I would just like to say this article is so accurate and humorous to read. I can completely relate to what you have described here, as I too have purchased this same exact (identical) vehicle. While there are several (major) inconveniences, I guess it is a matter of adapting to them. However, it just makes me want to save up as much money as possible, and pay off my car loan as quickly as possible. That way there a nicer, more well equipped vehicle will be waiting for me in October of 2016 (or sooner.)

Anyways, great article! I really enjoyed reading it, especially since I can 100% relate to everything mentioned here.

Have you driven an SRT-4 Caliber? I would be thrilled to read a review on that.

~Matt~

By: Mark Phillips

Mark Phillips — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:01:09 +0000

2008 Dodge Caliber…buyer beware !!!!
We purchased this vehicle specifically as a third vehicle to do designated errands, etc and there are only 50,000 (pampered) kilometers on the odometer. JUST returned from our local Chrysler dealership from it’s scheduled oil change/tire rotation (I added a tune up/throttle body service as it has been running so badly of late..stalling and idiling very rough). Approx. an hour after the said vehicle was dropped off, came the dreaded call back from the service department stating that the brakes have basically no wear left (explains the high pitched,intermittant squeals), the right front strut is leaking oil,the right rear shock is leaking oil and the steering gear is leaking oil. Cost to repair these deficiencies is just over $2,500.00 !!
Horrible road noise while on the highway,underpowered,you feel every bump (even the should be insignificant ones) coupled with a CHEAP and lacklustre interior (not to mention a resale value plummeting to almost nil). I have dispatched an e-mail to Chrysler Canada apprising them of this situation (convieniently,for Chrysler the warranty has JUST expired) and demanding they stand behind their “quality claim” and rectify this horrific situation !!!

By: mspoet

mspoet — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:31:28 +0000

Going to go buy a 2008 caliber in a few day and have been reading a lot of bad reviews about the transmission and early repetitive repairs! Yet i have also read a lot of good reviews also. Would like to hear reviews from someone who has had one for a while and what they think about the car. Thanks

By: liz

liz — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:53:58 +0000

We have decided on a 2008 Dodge Caliber SE, but it does come with both power locks and windows. Apparently, many did not – but after hearing that many didn’t have them, we went back and revisited the car.

By: Doris

Doris — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:12:43 +0000

Can you please advised the name of the place where they pu the power lock Thank you

By: W.L.

W.L. — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:11:01 +0000

I bought one in October & so far it seems to be a good little car. Good zhandling, runs well, speed & acceleration is fine. Has some cute features for a basic car. I also found a place locally (Tampa/St. Pete area) that gave me an estimate of $800 to install automatic locks & windows. Not too bad in my opinion. I have not had it done yet because so far crankin a window by hand hasn’t bothered me too much.

By: Michele brown

Michele brown — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:47:49 +0000

I am thinking about get one as well. All I’ve heard is the appearance of the car what about the engine and reliablity? Pls help going to buy in a few days!!

By: W.L.

W.L. — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:19:24 +0000

Thanks for the review. My Car recently died and I find myself suddeny and unexpectedly needing to replace it. I am considering a 2008 Caliber SE for many of the reasons mentioned in the review more specifically; the price. Does anyone know if it is very expensive to have power locks and windos installed on this vehicle?

Thanks in advance.

By: Olle Jonsson

Olle Jonsson — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:06:08 +0000

Hello again Tim,

I have now had my Dodge Claiber in 7 months and will in a week have the second service. I´v driven it about 2500 kilometer under those 7 months. At the next service they will change the brake oil which I think is quite unnecessary, given the short time that I drove the car, I drive mostly on motorway. It has worked well and I am happy with it when I look at what it cost. What I am dissatisfied with is the gearbox. I will have to think in a completely different way and shift down much earlier than with other cars. I compare it to Saab and Volvo. It is much more plastics than the cars that I otherwise tend to drive, but despite this it is worth every dollar. The comfort is very comfortable but the view thrue the windows could have been a little better. What can be experienced as plastics becomes more evident when it closes a door a little too hard, there are not that heavy sound when the door closes. I hope that the Caliber will remain on the market and that FIAT want to keep the model, so I hope they look at the gearbox as I think it is really bad. Would I have bought a Caliber if I have known what I know today – yeas probably but If I was very rich? No that would have been out of the question.

Thank you and excuse that it was late in my reply – better late than never.

Olle Jonsson
* Most of this was writen in Swedish and then translated at Google.