Dodge
Caliber
Honda
Fit
Dodge Caliber vs Honda Fit: 2008 Comparison
Specs side by side
What owners say
Caliber
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports. The vehicle is widely characterized as unreliable, poorly built, and a poor value proposition, even at very low purchase prices. Positive feedback is extremely rare and isolated, typically from owners who report no issues with diligent, frequent maintenance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is recommended.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission failure: Complete loss of power, failure to engage gears, overheating, whining noise at highway speeds, throwing P0700 diagnostic codes. Described as a very common point of catastrophic failure. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Major electrical system failures: Erratic dashboard behavior (lights illuminating, gauges spinning), vehicle entering limp mode, repeated failure of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), numerous communication error codes (U0100, U0141, etc…
- ⚠General mechanical unreliability: Serpentine belt failures, premature failure of water pumps, alternators, and other accessory components. Engine noises suggesting internal valvetrain problems. Frequency: very frequent.
Fit
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional practicality, reliability, and low cost of ownership. The vehicle is consistently praised for its "magic seat" interior configuration, offering surprising cargo space and passenger room that rivals larger vehicles, all within a compact, easy-to-park footprint. Owners report high satisfaction with fuel economy (real-world reports of 36 MPG highway), simple and inexpensive maintenance, and a fun, tossable driving character, particularly with the manual transmission.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (late model, ~2009-2014): Specifically cited for its traditional Multi-Point Injection (MPI) engine and conventional automatic transmission ("Hondamatic"), which owners associate with extreme long-term reliability and simpler, cheaper maintenance. This generation is highlighted as having a drivetrain capable of lasting "half a million miles." The manual transmission variant (6-speed) is highly recommended across all generations for driving enjoyment and perceived durability.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission concerns: Potential long-term reliability questions, especially if fluid service intervals are neglected; some reports of a "weird" feel compared to conventional automatics. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Direct Injection (GDI) engine carbon buildup: Mentioned as a known issue for third-generation (2015+) models with Gasoline Direct Injection, requiring potential cleaning. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Firm/uncomfortable ride quality: Noted as harsh over bumps and potholes, with inadequate damping. Frequency: recurrent.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Dodge Caliber or the Honda Fit?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Dodge Caliber and the Honda Fit. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Dodge Caliber or the Honda Fit?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Dodge Caliber or the Honda Fit?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Dodge Caliber or the Honda Fit?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Honda Fit than the Dodge Caliber. See the known issues comparison above.