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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  All-around Cute and Practical - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Kim in Iowa/Illinois - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Everyone is impressed with the look of my Caliber but I always add how well the MPG is on it. The safety is high too hopefully I wont have to test that. I love the room I have fit 2 adults bikes in the back with no problem. Except for changing the dealer tires at 35K, I have not had an issue at all.

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  Excellent car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By love my charger - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned a Dodge product prior to this, was always a Chevy guy. This car takes the cake. A rear drive, powerful, affordable car! I had a small transmission fluid leak at approx 29,000, but that was a seal. Fuel mileage is very respectable for a car with almost 400 hp. Seats are quite comfortable. Took the car on a 4000 mile road trip with my then 13 yr tall son and dad. Everyone stayed comfortable. I have not seen the tire problems listed w what seem to be the SE Chargers. Stereo very nice. I have a K&N filter, and a part of flowmasters for exhaust (so its not quiet any more). Paint has held up very well. In snow this is a little tricky to drive. All in all I love this car.

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  Love My Silver Bullet! - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Bandwagon - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Got my 07 Magnum R/T in Sept. 10 with only 11,700 miles on it...NICE! Like a brand-new car flawless in and out. Runs like a scalded dog when I hop on the gas, and cruises nicely at both low and high speeds. Love it on the highway, love it on the country roads I drive 55 miles one way to work each day. Looks killer, nice rumble coming out of the pipes. I scored with a low-mileage car that had a great option package. The stereo is fantastic. Not as much space to haul my drums as my Buick LeSabre had, but I make do. My last three GM cars went over 255,000 miles, lets see how long this Dodge lasts. Wish it had a stick shift! This car is definitely a Big Dog even with an automatic. Lovin it!

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  Get a Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By JD - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had SUVs for years and this is my favorite. I researched and drove a lot of SUVs before purchasing and overall, the Nitro just fits what I like perfectly. It looks great inside and out, its unique, functional, its comfortable, and fun to be in and drive. Mine is fully loaded, which makes it even better.

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  Love my Dodge Nitro Shock 2011 - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By KKR - October 9 - 2:00 am

  While gas mileage is not great, driving it is! I feel safe and secure. I have owned my Nitro Shock for about a month and have no complaints so far. I love the hands free phone, the touch screen radio, and the power sunroof. The leather is nice and the seats are very comfortable. Spacious and nicely designed. Power is everything I need, cant wait til winter to try out the 4 wheel drive capabilities! The Dodge Nitro looks like a cross between a jeep, range rover, and a hummer. Love it! It is elegant but tough!

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  Very "ticked off!" - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Annette Lysmer - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned My Charger now for 4 1/2 yrs, and almost have it paid off. this is the first car Ive ever bought brand new. I have never had any problems with this car until the basic warranty ran out. I only have 41,000 miles on it, and developed a "ticking" sound coming form the drivers side of the engine. I brought it in to the dealership, had a diagnostic, and was told that The "rocker arms" on both Left & right sides need to be replaced, with a cost of $800.00 for parts and $1000.00 for labor, AND the "tension struts" needed to be replaced as well! for another $1300.00!!! after reading some of these other consumer reviews, many others have had this problem as well, at low mileage! Recall!

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  on the fence - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By marie - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car because of the affordability and HOT look. The body of the car is so great and the interior is quite nice, too. For a V6 its a great car, a super commuter. The trunk size is one of the best features. at 24,000 miles I had to replace the K-2 clutches because they went haywire and the RMS would almost redline randomly, at 40,000 I was informed I have a leak at the rack and pinion, a $1,000.00 repair. So as much as I love my car, the look and the power, I feel let down with the repairs I need that arent under warranty. Maybe a good car for a year of fun, then trade it in for something more reliable. Definitely on the fence!

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  Absolute Junk - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Josh - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Hmm where do I begin? Roof Racks were ripped from the sheet metal in the car wash. Stereo has completely failed. Passenger Window has stopped working. Gets about 10-15 mpg even on the highway. 4x4 works occasionally in the winter time. Interior is cheap and uncomfortable.

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  Best first car - 1990 Dodge Spirit
  By Owen - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for a while now and it has been great to me. when you have a light foot, you can get 25 mpg in the city and over 35 mpg on the highway. the 2.5 is a great little motor. only have a 3 speed auto. ac still works and blows 50 degree air into the car. it also has a great ride to it. it irons out a lot of the bumps on the road. i am 6 foot 1 and i can fit any where and be comfortable, even with the front seats as far back as possible and sitting in the back. the big trunk in it is also great to have because i always carry around my tools and i still have a lot of space to fit a kart full of groceries in it at the same time.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By Bob - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with the car tight steering smooth shifting 5 speed manual comfortable ride handles the road well a pleasure to drive.