DecodedCars2008 Dodge Caliber
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV FWD Rt, 4dr SUV FWD Se/Sxt, 4dr SUV FWD Srt4
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 24 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,965–3,309 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2008 small station wagon (22.5 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints212 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 45 for similar models — most often about the suspension.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Dodge Caliber is a small station wagon offered with 4 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,309 lb (4dr SUV FWD Rt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 29 highway), 16% better than the 2008 small station wagon average of 22.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Caliber →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV FWD Rt | 173.6 in | 68.9 in | 60.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,309 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Se/Sxt | 173.6 in | 68.9 in | 60.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 2,965 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Srt4 | 173.6 in | 68.9 in | 60.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,190 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +16% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Caliber | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +11% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Caliber | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 24 | +7% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Caliber | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +2% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Caliber AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | -2% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Caliber | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -2% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Dodge Caliber under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Dodge Caliber (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Scion xB | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Pontiac Vibe | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Kia Rondo | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Matrix | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge Caliber.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Dodge Caliber is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Dodge Caliber buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Suspension — 88 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Structure › Body — 55 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 31 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 107,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Caliber. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Caliber years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Caliber | 27 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 40 |
| 2011 Caliber | 27 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 124 |
| 2010 Caliber | 26 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 105 |
| 2009 Caliber | 27 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 163 |
| 2007 Caliber | 26 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 420 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →