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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  b-4 you whine and cry, learn the cvt. - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By kevin ayrault - August 31 - 12:33 pm

  At first, after driving old school automatics and sticks, the torque converter type tranny was a bit to get used to. After driving the car awhile and learning the characteristics of the tranny, I have found that I can get really good fuel mileage and the smooth transition through the powerband is really impressive. Also, where I live its very hilly, Im talking 8-9% grades and the power is more than adequate and going downhill the tranny almost acts like a jake brake that the big rigs have. What road noise? awd is great for traction and handling. car looks like a "mini magnum," really cool.

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  6 Speed Transmission Shitfts Early - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Scotty - August 30 - 8:07 pm

  After owning my Dodge Avenger R/T AWD for only 1076 miles (no payments made yet!) my transmission has begun shifting way to early causing a tranny chatter. For example between 40 and 50 miles an hour the transmission has already shifted into 6th gear. Grrr. Instead of down-shifting the tranny "chatters" and shakes. I truly love the car and hope the dealership can repair it quickly without problems. Waited my whole life to buy "new" and its going into the shop before the first payment is due!

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  Nothing but Problems!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Tampa Buyer - August 30 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my 2009 Dodge Journey in Sept of 2008, and have had nothing but problems with it!! Even though I love the design of the car, the QUALITY STINKS!! I had to have my Rack and Pinion Power Steering replaced THREE TIMES, which would have qualified it as a LEMON, but decided to give it another chance after the dealership FINALLY FIXED it! NOW my BRAKES have gone bad already after only 25K miles!! What the heck do they cover for the so called "bumper to bumper" warranty coverage. By advice - DONT BUY THIS CAR!!

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  Better than you know what! - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By El Segundo - August 28 - 1:28 am

  There is simply no logical reason for a mature man to buy a car like this, except for the fact that it always brings a smile to my face each time I drive it. Its a time machine back to the 60s when we liked our cars big & bad. Something Im afraid todays "PC" & "green" crowd, driving their Prius will never understand. However, comparing the 60s muscle cars to this 2008 Challenger is like comparing a manual typewriter to a modern computer. The Challenger is more than muscle. Considering its size & weight, it handles like a dream you always feel like you have total control well, depending on how fast youre going. Its simply fun!

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  Tow Anything (almost) - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Buckeye - August 27 - 4:01 pm

  I have loved my Durango with it 5.7 Hemi. Yeah mpg is not great but what do you expect? 15-16 to and from work and 19-20 on the Hi-way. I towed a 29 7000 lb trailer out west with ease. (I got the optional 3.92 axle). I have used it to haul everything from 6 kids to lumber to bags of mulch. I didnt get the fancy interior because this SUV gets put to use. 57,000 miles and no problems. (brakes @ 41,000) I would definitely look at another one when it is time.

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  Great Truck! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By alex - August 26 - 9:25 pm

  Ive had my Dakota since it was new, and I love it. Ive also customized it so that makes it more fun to drive. Subs, 20" wheels, cold air, flowmaster, you know the whole package. I go big, LOL. I always get compliments on the looks and it drives well. Power can be added though. Even with cold air intake and flowmaster, still have issues. Nonetheless, great truck!

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  Driving Customers Away! - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Blair L. Ritchie - August 26 - 5:43 am

  I have owned two minivans. The first a 96 and now this one. Dodge/Chrysler will never see one penny from me ever again! Both vehicles I owned from them have required repair for items that are clearly a result of poor design. The 96 had the well known transmission problems that so many experienced and now my 02 is having front end problems (sway bar, pwr steering). I can understand that vehicles will have problems. However, why they will never see my money again is that they do not admit to an obvious problem and then stand behind it in terms of repair. It is actually insulting to be treated by a company as if mine is the only one showing these issues yet others share similar stories.

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  Id recommend this for large families - 2001 Dodge Ram Wagon
  By ihavealargevan - August 25 - 2:03 pm

  Bought my van used, and have been happy with it since day one. Only problem Ive had to repair has been a battery cable. Its a tight squeeze in some parking structures, but I have not had any troubles driving it despite its large size.

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  Gas Mileage - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Pep - August 24 - 8:22 pm

  This has been one great truck. Never been in the shop except for tires and rotation.

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  Great American Vehicle - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By D_GC_Owner - August 23 - 6:26 pm

  This is my third Dodge GC (93, 00, 06). Each one has improved over the last. Stow away seating is great, as are electric doors. The rear seats however had to be sized down to be able to store effectively. The cushion in the front seat lacks substance and the edge folds in occasionally as one enters the vehicle. Power is good, fuel economy was as expected-20mpg on average. Added sound absorption adds to the quiet ride ove the 00. The overall ride has improved. The instrumentation is clear. The 4-way flashers are activated whenever the side doors are opened as a safety feature.