Overview & Reviews

One of America's most storied automotive brands, Dodge has been around since the early days of the auto industry. In the past couple of decades, it has revitalized itself to be a producer of aggressively styled and performance-oriented vehicles.

Two brothers, Horace and John Dodge, began the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company in 1914, after having worked as manufacturers of bicycles and automotive parts. Their first vehicle was a touring car that proved a fast favorite with car buyers; it was soon joined by a roadster and a four-door sedan. By 1917, the company's model line had grown to include trucks. Dodge cars and trucks were used as staff vehicles and ambulances in World War I.

Dodge was briefly owned by a banking firm and subsequently sold by its new owner to the Chrysler Corporation in 1928. From there, the brand slowly evolved into the division responsible for trucks and performance-oriented cars. Post WWII, Dodge introduced vehicles like the military-inspired Power Wagon truck, Hemi-powered Coronet and the Royal Lancer; in addition, the manufacturer began offering dealer-installed air-conditioning.

Vehicles like the Dodge Dart and the Coronet kept the manufacturer in American driveways throughout the 1960s. That decade also saw the launch of one of Dodge's most iconic vehicles, the Charger. Dodge's muscle car was based on the Coronet platform, and featured a fastback roof line, hidden headlamps and a full-width taillamp panel. Best of all, the Charger could pack one heck of a wallop under the hood. A 318-cubic-inch V8 was standard, but buyers seeking maximum brawn could upgrade to a 426-cubic-inch, 425-hp Hemi V8. The company also introduced a Mustang-fighting pony car, called the Challenger, in 1970.

As with other American auto manufacturers, Dodge's fortunes started to slip in the '70s due to changing tastes and increased competition. The company was saved from extinction in the early '80s thanks to government loans and the sales success of its Omni and Aries economy cars (the former an attempted copy of the VW Rabbit). But 1984 was when Dodge made its mark in the history books with the introduction of the wildly popular Caravan. Ideal for families and able to seat up to seven, the space-efficient Caravan started a whole new vehicle segment -- the minivan.

The early '90s saw the company wow the public with the V10-powered Viper roadster and an all-new Ram pickup that set a new standard for big-rig-like styling. A few years later, Dodge came to be part of DaimlerChrysler, a result of the merger of the German company Daimler (owner of Mercedes-Benz) and Chrysler.

The merger never really worked, however, and Daimler sold Chrysler and Dodge to a private equity firm in 2007. Soon after, America's economy slid into recession. Due to poor sales and debt, Chrysler had to declare bankruptcy. The federal government intervened and eventually Dodge came under control of Fiat, a European automaker known for its small cars, an area where Dodge's entries had been roundly criticized for mediocre build quality and unrefined performance.

More recent years have seen Dodge concentrate on the more practical vehicles in its lineup, making notable improvements to the performance and overall quality of its midsize Avenger sedan and Journey SUV entries. Dodge also spun off its truck line, making it a separate Ram brand. But make no mistake; Dodge is still considered Chrysler's performance division thanks to cars like the Challenger and Charger. Time will tell how successful Dodge's latest makeover is.

User Reviews:

• 

  2012 dodge journey rt - 2014 Dodge Journey
  By Don Stafford - March 10 - 8:24 pm

  will buy another.Love this vehicle 8.4 inch screen with Nav is so easy to use . Other vehicles I tried had too mant buttons ride is great and leather finish are top of the line quality

• 

  Best car ive ever owned - 2014 Dodge Dart
  By webb429 - March 10 - 8:43 am

  I bought a 2014 dart rally in august 2014. at 13000 miles No problems at all. Runs great gas mileage around 38 to 40. plenty of leg room. I enjoy driving this car. Chrysler has been never ending on the emails to make sure Im happy with the dart. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  First Dodge product, overall we love it! - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By Mary Samler - February 26 - 12:42 pm

  My wife and I purchased this 2014 Durango R/T in Nov 2014. We absolutely love this vehicle so far. We wanted a 3 row SUV and deemed this best in class. The 3rd row is actually usable by adults unlike some competitors. We have had 1 issue so far, which is currently ongoing, the SD card reader sometimes wont recognize the card is in there and I have to do a soft reset of the Uconnect to get it to work. This has happened twice for no apparent reason. Other than that, all is good. I have mostly owned Toyotas of all kinds in my life so it takes a lot to impress me and I am impressed so far. If this vehicle remains reliable in the long run, I will consider another Dodge again.

• 

  Almost 14 years and counting - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Paul J Tabone - February 23 - 9:41 am

  My truck is a 3.9 with an A/T. Mileage has never been that great but I knew that going in. Ive always been a Mopar guy and this truck doesnt disappoint. I admit that I dont drive it often In nearly 14 years I barely have 60K on it, but those miles have been good ones. I use it for work and play. It has hauled heavy loads distances or taken me on vacations in all kinds of weather and has always been a comfortable vehicle. The only thing it may be lacking is a few extra horses for the hilly bits, but for the most part the V6 has been adequate for my uses. I am happy with the way the truck handles on the open road and well as how it takes the twisty bits, and that with Goodyear Wranglers.

• 

  Dart Limited - 2014 Dodge Dart
  By horsey55 - February 6 - 11:32 pm

  The Limited model is the one to go to if you have any reservations about this car comparing to the luxo Euro entry models.It offers all of the amenities of many of the higher end compacts, at a lower price point,and is a joy to drive.

• 

  Fun and reliable great priced car - 2013 Dodge Avenger
  By av8tore71 - January 31 - 6:02 pm

  Fast fun and a delight to drive

• 

  Enjoyable car to drive - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By charger8 - January 26 - 11:59 am

  Traded my Honda Accord in for the 2015 Charger SXT, Redline, Rally, 8.5 media, navigation, 20 in wheels. Liked what I saw on dealer lot but fell in love with it during the test drive. In fact, I drove it a second time to my home to see how it would fit in my garage and there was plenty of room even with a second car. The car is exciting to drive and the 300HP is more than enough for both city and highway driving. Acceleration is great, but the car would be super with a turbo. Handling is very nice, seats are comfortable, there is plenty of room, visibility is very good, and media center is outstanding.

• 

  Good value for price - 2013 Dodge Avenger
  By deanhudgins - January 19 - 7:17 am

  I have the basic se model with the 3.6 engine. I did look at a few other cars but was able to get this one in my price with the v6 vs others that only had a 4 cylinder. The v6 is nice and much better than the 4 cylinder in the avenger. I also did not give up much in MPG vs the 4. The ride is not bad at all and the seat are just find for my wife and I. MY son likes the pull down cup holders in the back seat. The Avenger is only a little smaller than some of the cars in its class but its because of this that I liked it. It makes it much easier in parking lots and tight spaces. Be careful backing up because of the blind spot which is bigger than most cars. Overall I really enjoy this car.

• 

  Dependable and Reliable and Economical - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By jesse45 - January 9 - 2:46 pm

  Purchaced a 1997 Stratus ES, 2.0, 5 speed manual off ebay for $700. Supposedly needed a fuel pump at 160k. Car had been previously well cared for and was in excellent condition. Had it shipped from Toledo, Oh to Arkansas. When it arrived, the engine was locked up due to someone pouring 2 gallons of water in the gas tank. Long story short, broke the engine free without taking it apart, replaced fuel pump, due to the water, and have put another 40k+ trouble free miles on it. I use it for my beater car, haul engines and parts, and drive long distances back and forth to work weekly. It can sit for months, fire right up, and drive 3-8 hours. Gets 34mpg or better, rides and drives great!

• 

  Great Car! but disappointing customer service - 2013 Dodge Charger
  By motormann2 - December 31 - 1:42 pm

  Own a 2013 Dodge Charger SE V6 with Sports Appearance Package. To noe it s been a great car,comfortable, great handling, surprising amount pf power, gets many compliment, but was disappointed to recently receive a recall involving faulty alternator which could potentially compromise my safety. Been a month now and Chrysler still has no alternator replacements, and doesnt know when they will! Meanwhile Im paying for a car i m afraid to drive! Very poor service on Chryslers part! Because of this I dont think I would buy another! Beware recall involves 2012,2013,2014 Charger, Challenger, 300, Durango , Cherokee/V6