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 car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By kbigweezy - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Wanted a reliable used car that was fun to drive. Found the "Top Banana" and fell in love. Great look. The car is comfortable and fun to drive. The power is what makes me smile every time I get in this car. The sound when you touch the gas the power that you FEEL when you hit the pedal. I debated with my wife about getting a Mustang. I am so glad I listened to her. This is truly a fun car. The attention that it gets from people that pass by isnt bad either.

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  Update to previous rating - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Dale - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Since last review with wiring problems, Ive had my Dakota on two out of state trips, and pull a 2800 lb. boat and trlr. fishing. I now trust my truck. Ill do 72 on highway pulling boat with a/c on. May turn off air on big hills. I can get 19mpg when using cruise, which surprised me since I have a steady foot. Plan on getting 265 tires, from the 245 stocked next spring if its no issue. I also plan on getting another warranty, I have lifetime drivetrain, but will research because know how business can be. Theyd rather tell you to sue, its about money. Dont know any other truck that will fit in garage, with the power, Toyota cant be trusted now. Waiting for wagon etc. with power, mileage.

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  Great car with few problems - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By drachen117 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for 5 and a half years, bought it brand new and put all 110,000 miles on it. first few favorite picks. engine was always a smooth running engine, and very very easy to work on. had to replace coolant lines and replace two sensors which did not require much work. and had to replace brakes which was also an easy task. But installed a performance air intake which was easy and cruise the the car and actually got 38 mpg! but average mileage is 32 - 33! During winter months drops to 28 - 29. So all and all, car had a few early problems and cheap components but was fun and cost efficient past five years!

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  In love - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Dennysgirl09 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned Mini-Vans and we had a Ford Explorer, Never again. I am so in love with this SUV. Yeah gas millage is low but its worth it to me because this is just such a cool and fun SUV to drive. Handles like a dream, rain or shine. I haul kids every where so dependability and room along with comfort are a most and I got all that and then some.

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  Love It! - 2010 Dodge Avenger
  By cj2188 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my brand new R/T Avenger a few weeks ago and I love it! I test drove so many vehicles before this one and nothing else compared to it overall (Mustang, Camry, Altima, Impala, G6 etc.) i also used to have a 300 Touring which i didnt like anywhere as much as I do this car. It drives great, has good inside space, great sound system and touch Screen with all the features that i havent seen in any other cars and it gets great gas mileage. Of course performance-wise your not gonna match a V6 or V8 but if you wanted something fast you wouldnt be considering a 4- cylinder in the first place.

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  Broke Down Already - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By snoop - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I read all the reviews and dismissed the bad ones, well I should of took to heart what was said people dont want to admit they bought 3rd class. Well these cars are a pain. Loud ticking under hood (dealer claims its the injectors, tranny slips, and the car is already rusting underneath low tire pressure light is on no matter what I am sure this review will get a lot of not helpfuls but believe this is typical Dodge quality (junk)

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  Money Pit - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Chris - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I had many problems with my Magnum RT. Wheels started to corrode, transmission leaked, windshield wiper controls had to be replaced (all fixed under warranty). Had to replace factory tires at 31,000 miles, replaced a tie-rod at about 40,000 miles, and the brake rotors warped. Wiper controls were again acting up, and a noise started in the front suspension when I finally decided to trade it off. Loved the power and looks, but it had to go. Build and component quality was awful. This car turned me off of Dodge products.

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  Luv my Maggie - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Ray - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Love the way it drives, very fun vehicle. Comfortable like none Ive ever had.

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  It grows on you - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Marine - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Our Jeep Commander was blown up by a dealership error (we think) and we were offered to opportunity to purchase a replacement vehicle with the dealership absorbing a great deal of the upside down ratio on the Jeep. The Nitro took about 1600 miles to break in, I was getting worried. Now it has settled down. I drive in the mountains of Colorado and the gearing on the Nitro is great for climbing the hills without downshifting. The mileage is awful - my RAM 1500 gets better mileage. The vehicle is cute and pugnacious looking, gets around parking lots well, has a smooth ride on the 17 inch tires (20s were rough). Its growing on me. My buyers remorse is fading away.

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  2009 Challenger - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Kara - October 26 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? I am a 31 year old female care enthusiast. I have had over 30 cars, which include 5 vettes, and 13 camaros and trans ams and a Mustang GT. I fell in love with the styling of the challenger. The ride is excellent. I bought an SE because yes I am going to be buying a 2012 camaro z28. I have been waiting a long time on that car. Anyways I love the challenger. Favorite car I have owned this far. You do not see near as many of them as you do the camaro and mustang. Good build quality, pretty good gas mileage, and a beautiful car. Very happy with it. No issues, quiet ride. Better build than I expected. Highly recommended.