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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  A lot for the money - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By homerkc - November 8 - 12:48 am

  We have 3,500 mi. on our van and it has exceeded many expectations. We took a 2000 mi trip shortly after buying (only 500 break-in miles) and saw 28mpg on the interstate. We can get 20mpg around town (suburban driving) if we watch what were doing. Very comfortable seats and ride, plenty of power, and the flexibility of the stow n go always amazes. For a very reasonable mid-20s price, its a lot of car that can do a lot of things (like haul 2 new exterior doors from Home Depot) without any fuss. Once you have had that capability at your disposal, it would be hard to give it up.

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  warning have your seatbelts checked - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By david smith - November 6 - 8:03 pm

  Ive put 17,400 miles on it over 16,900 just going back and fourth to work alone, my wife used it one night to pick are daughter up a car cut her off and my daughter went flying to the windsheild the seatbelt failed the dealer said dont worry your covered but thats not the point it should have never happen, called Dodge -e-mailed Dodge no answer they dont care! One lady who answered the phone ask me what I want didge to do.... If they dont know then they dont need costumers 1 have it checked by a neutral dealership 2 check the part number find out what factory made it and check there qualty reports 3 go to factory a spot check seatbelts 4 contact engineers

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  Will make excuses to drive somewhere! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Amber - November 6 - 2:06 am

  This is the most fun vehicle I have owned. The Magnum turns heads where ever I go. The Hemi will force you back into your seat and even has kick when already at high speeds. Has lots of room, I fit a willow tree in it! Adults love all the room in the rear seats. Worth every penny I paid for it.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - November 5 - 8:36 pm

  Its been a long two months getting all the problems worked out but I am now enjoying the car very much. I get lots of compliments and looks. The V6 really has more then enough power unless you really want to burn rubber. The V6 will get up and go with no problem.

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  Minor Problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By ray - November 4 - 7:06 pm

  Great handling, good looks, lots of storage, has many of the same features our Chev. Impala had. Gas mileage is around 22 MPG IN THE CITY. WE HAVE TWO PROBLEMS: the air conditioner is making a whistling noise when it reaches 55 mph. Just started making a noise when turning left. so far the dealership has been great to work with.

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  No problems, I like it - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By midcapwarrior - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Have it for 4 years. Bought it used. It was a exec special so the mileage was a little high but it was loaded. No problems other than normal maintenance. I have two kids so the captains chairs are great for getting in and out. Only negative is the weight of the chairs. Not the easiest to remove/replace. Fuel mileage could be better.

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  great ride - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By imaso001 - November 3 - 11:40 am

  The ride on this suv is amazing. The R/T has a performance suspension and it is well worth getting. The suv hugs the corners and stays steady through out and handles rough roads easily. Has a very quiet ride at high speeds as well. The V6 mated to the 6 speed auto works great together. Dont get the 4 it is underpowered The drive train provides plenty of power and the 6 speed shifts up and down smooth. The third row seat came in handy when my nephews rode to town with us. DVD system kept all 4 kids entertained and the sound quality with the infinity system is excellent. I have had the car for a month now and can find nothing negative to say about it. You can do anything with the MYGIG system

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  Jodys review - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Jody68 - November 2 - 9:30 pm

  Just purchased it and I absolutely love it. I love the chilled compartment for your drinks and the gas mileage is great. I got the burnt orange color and I love it. Great car

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Sherry - October 31 - 9:36 pm

  After months of looking and test driving several cars, I found this lovely delight. I would not change anything about this car, it is a great family car and my husband loves to drive it. Dodge did a great thing.

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  A Great Choice - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jhrapp - October 31 - 1:20 am

  So far I cannot find anything to complain about. It has preformed very well and is getting 16,6 City and 25.8 Hiway. The Ride is very good. I travel between Fla and Geo. once a month and drive 10 Hours at a time. It handles very well. As of this time I am very pleased. This is my first CHRY. Product and I think its a great BUY. Thank you Dodge.