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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  Dependable Van many miles to come.... - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Family man - August 4 - 7:16 am

  We purchased this van for vacation & winded up loving it. I drive 2000+ miles a month with my job now and really enjoy the van. Have all the comfort features like leather,dvd, power everything as well. We come from sports cars but like luxury and this van has it all for us. Not the sports car feel but still has power to merge into traffic and get a jump at the stop light if need be w/out any problems. I would buy again & yes, Dodge treats us well. Weve owned 21 vehicles in 12 years and weve had this 1 the longest. Kids really enjoy it as well as they have lots of room. No real problems other then rack & pinion went out. Dealer took car of it. Best mpg 29.8 worst 18, Mobile 1 syn. oil helps.

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  Its Still Early - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Mike - August 3 - 12:14 pm

  I told my wife I wanted a 4-door 300+mph car. I had that in my R/T. Then I test drove the SRT8. I then told my wife I wanted a 4 door 400+mph car. This is an awesome car. This car cradles the driver and because Im still breaking her in, Ive only gone 120mph. I got to that speed with no effort. I love the power. Just starting the car lets you know this car aint no joke. The rumble sounds so nice that Im thinking about leaving the exhaust alone. Any louder and the neighbors will complain. I bought this car knowing the gas mileage wasnt that great but after driving it I stopped caring.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By A Person - August 2 - 11:32 pm

  This was my first dodge. I bought it off a guy who put 130,000 miles on it. He drove on the highway to get to work every day, and he dropped the fluids religiously. The only issue Ive had with this beast is that I had to replace the water pump (expected for mileage). Since Ive got it, Ive abused and pushed it past its limit, and it doesnt stutter. You tell it to do something, itll go. Handles like a car.

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  Great old truck! - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Connie - August 2 - 11:07 pm

  Ive had this truck a long time...and its been great! Fun to drive ...dependable, strong engine, lots of power. I have over 240,000 miles on the original engine and aside from blowing a little smoke from worn rings...it hasnt missed a beat. The paint has always been a problem ...it looks a little rough....but Id never get rid of it, it runs waaaaay to good! It could be better on gas mileage, but with the standard shift....its not too bad. Id recommend one to anyone lucky enough to find one.

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  2009 Avenger - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By fields - August 2 - 8:35 pm

  We bought this 2009 avenger new it had 103 miles on it. It has a 2.7v-6 SXT. We love the outside, the inside and it rides and drives great. Hope I still like it when it has 103,000. :)

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  Great Truck! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Silver - August 2 - 4:24 pm

  I have the Quad Cab 4x4 4.7 v8. It is the best truck I have ever had, I have had no problems, and I can tow anything anywhere, and fit my whole family in it comfortably! It is a wonderful truck, and I would recommend everyone to own one.

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  Happy with the truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Laramie1 - August 2 - 3:27 pm

  After seeing some negative words, I had to jump on and defend this little truck. Im not too demanding on the vehicle, but effortlessly pull my boat with it. Have found this truck to be responsive, easy to maneuver and reliable! Only problem ever encountered is vapor lock with a precocious locking gas cap, it makes the check engine light come on every once in a while after a fill up. Have had since new and am a very pleased owner.

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  The car of my youth is back! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By spoonerock - August 2 - 4:56 am

  This is the car I have been waiting for almost 25 years. My 1st car was the original 1966 model (with the 381 engine). Later, I also owned a 1972. Neither car had the famous Hemi engine (most in fact did not). The Charger was always the car with attitude! A car that each owner could personalize to fit their taste. The 2006 model will do the same. Off the showroom floor it is a "head turner", and a great car to drive. The Charger has evolved as did those of us who drove our "muscle cars" in the 70s. Now we can have our family car and relive our youth at the same time. Its great to able to have your cake & eat it too!

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  SWEET!!! - 2008 Dodge Durango
  By Melimel - August 2 - 3:35 am

  I accompanied my mom to the local dodge dealer to help her pick out her van and saw a Durango staring back at me! Needless to say Im now the proud owner of SUV on Roids! Its easy to drive, handles like a dream, and looks awesome. I love the 3rd row seats - my 13 year old who is 57" fits comfortably and the ability to lay all back seats flat. My Durango in my opinion gets great gas mileage (17 mpg in town)... which is way better than my old Hyundai Santa Fe! I also have the flex fuel option, however the engine tends to sag a bit but the savings are appreciated! I love this car and have recommended it to everyone that asks!!!

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  Love my car - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By BDR - August 1 - 11:05 pm

  Just bought the SXT and love it. Plenty of power, great handling, and fun features make it a joy to drive. Beautiful finish and design. Quality great. This is my first smaller car, and very impressed.