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:

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2011 Dodge Durango
  By lisa247 - June 28 - 7:04 pm

  I just bought the Durango about a month ago and truly love this vehicle!! I have been leasing a Honda Odyssey for the past three years and thought that was a fantastic vehicle for my two kids. When it comes to functionality you just cant beat the minivan. I was having a hard time trying to find a vehicle that gave me all of the things I loved about the van, but didnt look like a van. The Durango was perfect! I test drove the Ford Exlporer, Mazda CX-9, and the Chevy Traverse. Out of the four choices that gave me the third row seating, I was able to get the most amount of features for the dollar with the Durango.

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  Do not purchase this vehicle - 2009 - 4 Cyclinder Model - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By barry_72 - June 27 - 10:37 am

  Brakes are horrible. Just after 12k miles, front brakes had to be replaced. I replaced with Autozone pads (lifetime warranty) and those lasted for another 20k miles better than the mopars. Im on my 3rd set of brakes using Autozone pads which offer free replacements. Rear brakes had to be replaced at 38k miles. Ive never had a car in which the rear brakes had to be addressed before 100k miles. Dont let Chrysler touch your brakes. $30 for your first pair of Autozone brand and they last longer with LIFETIME warranty even with normal wear. Chrysler will just put the same sub standard parts on your car for replacement that youll have to pay dearly to replace.

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  I would highly recommend this car - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By mattman6 - June 24 - 2:10 pm

  We have had this car since April (put on about 3,000 miles) and have taken several trips with it. The seats provide excellent support for extended trips, the ride is feels solid with out being overly soft or to harsh. The car is extremely quiet, and the biggest surprise is the fuel economy. Daily driving is short trips around town we average between 20-21, on the highway we have averaged 28-30 at highway speeds of 70-75 with 5 people, gear through the hills of PA. We havent had any issue with it. The transmission is a little sluggish at times shifting but overall its a solid car. Fit and finish are excellent.

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  2001 Dodge Caravan Sport~289,000 Miles and Still Going! - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By rosehavenfarm1 - June 23 - 9:05 pm

  Bought this van as a second owner. Previous owner put 200,000 highway miles on it. We bought it for a song and havent looked back. Other than tires, oil change and a waterpump, the "Puddle Jumper" hasnt let me down. She is wonderful. Planning on taking it to Colorado this fall. Its 1,289 miles from home one way! Shes going in the garage to get a "look over" within a month. My van is wonderful. Going to get handed down to my 16 yr old son after he gets his license.

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  My 1st 98 was better than the 2nd 98 YES I bought a 2nd one for my dogs and this one east money like a pig. - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By pianomann - June 23 - 5:34 am

  I have been pumping $300-500 a month in repairs and replacement parts since Christmas Eve 2010,,,it has 98 800 it us going to get paid off in 1 lump hopefully and it is going to another Charity supporter I have HAD IT with Chrysler and wouldnt take another 1 if it was FREE !!

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  Weaknessses in the Standard 3.7 L V6 4 Speed Auto - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By badger377 - June 21 - 7:44 pm

  I recently rented a 2011 Dodge Nitro in a 10 day trip from Las Vegas and up into the mountains of Utah. The good - the car did not overheat, it was reasonbaly comfortable and roomy. Gas mileage was about what is rated. The bad includes the following: Under the load of two adults, two kids and two suitcases, the engine stuggled each time the air conditioning was turned on. The temperature conditions were between 70 - 100 F. Each time the AC unit was turned on under any load you would get a studdering similar to an alternator going out. I found thid quite annoying and would try the larger engine model before buying this. Try before you buy!

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  My first brand new vehicle what a bust - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By pearlmelodey - June 21 - 4:55 pm

  I am shocked that the issues with this vehicle has not been recalled for safety and public relations. My locks have gone out twice now, i replaced them only to have them go out again, door openers broke on both front doors. and air conditioning quit. locks and a/c are both electrical problems. Live in Texas can we say heat exhaustion in June...triple digit temps and I have no air. This is unacceptable. These are clearly factory defects that should be replaced at no cost to the owner. Did i mention I cant even open my hatch because there is only one key lock on truck. Im livid with the vehicle the company and the local dealership could care less..just that almighty dollar. B.S.

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  What a SCARE - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By mhcpc - June 17 - 7:41 pm

  I have 5800 miles on my Journey. The other day, I was on the interstate, in the left lane with no traffic in front of me. All of a sudden, my engine light and traction control light comes on and the car starts loosing power and shaking violently. The car slowed to 30mph within seconds. I managed to get it to the side of the interstate and had it towed to the dealership. They claim I hit the gas and brake at the same time causing the traction control to lock and the engine light to come on. A mechanic tells me this is not true! Also, my foot wont hit both at the same time. I tried it after they told me. They did say they found a problem with the brake rotors and replaced them.

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  Best Reliability You can ever get - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By sammym1 - June 17 - 4:59 am

  i bought this car from the US and took with me to Russia, it had 90k miles and ive been using it for 3 years, it has been SUPER PERFECT CAR i abuse the car by not changing the oil or the brakes n not warming the engine when its -30 degree and still the car never stopped or had any problems i just change the oil every 8 month and thts it, i never spent any money on it maybe because it has no options other than the CD and Airbags i want to change the car but im afraid that if i bought something else it wont be as reliable as this one

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  1st new car, worst car I ever owned - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By sharky65 - June 16 - 1:39 pm

  This car was built cheaply. Here is all the things that have gone wrong with it in the 8 years and 89,000 miles. year 2 new brakes and rotors year 3 drivers side window came off the track $300 year 4 new brakes and rotors, gas gauge stopped working causing $300 bill to replace gas pump, heater fan will only work on high year 5 engine blew up, I had oil change every 3 months, it was under warranty year 6 new brakes and rotors, all windows rattle inside doors year 7 transmission had to be rebuilt year 8 rear strut mounts totally disintergrated because they were made out of cheap aluminum, new brakes and rotors I can finally get rid of it this year. My wife and I alternate buying cars.