The Dodge Caliber is scheduled to end production on November 23rd, as a new Fiat-based compact will soon take its place. The Caliber's replacement is said to get around 40mpg thanks in part to the government requirement for taking bailout money. Fuel economy was a major factor and large complaint among Caliber owners. It was never really a popular seller in the market and faced stiff competition across the board. As sales decreased, it became nothing more than a rental car.

The Caliber made its debut in 2006 as a 2007 model, and was the successor to the Dodge Neon, which had been a very popular car when it launched in 1994. It was even on the waiting lists of many dealers. Early Neon's had numerous quality issues due to cost-cutting, but was dealt with in 1998, but was late in the game to eventually receive a four-speed automatic transmission in 2000. The Caliber's interior was never well received and was restyled in 2010. Despite the upgrades and its glove box beverage cooler, the Caliber simply did not meet expectations with buyers.

A new Dodge compact is expected to arrive something in 2012. It will have a choice of a turbocharged Fiat 1.4-liter, the current 2.0-liter four, or the 2.4-liter four. The CVT will likely get dropped in place of a choice between a stick shift, conventional automatic and a Fiat automated-manual transmission.