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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  Best car for the money! - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By Jack Bagala - September 20 - 8:53 pm

  It is lightning fast and very comfortable. Technology is excellent as well.

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  Problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Yadi - September 20 - 2:08 pm

  I had to replace tie rod and ball joints. Again, Im replacing the ball joints. I put in new alternator and a battery. Right now it has 102k miles. But it used with 70k miles. I dont recommend a dodge caliber to anyone. Money pit car

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  Beauty runs skin deep - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By Wayne Wease - September 19 - 9:51 pm

  I bought this car used from a local dealer,Ive had nothing but problems with the way the transmission downshifts.I found out that the transmission was replaced a few thousand miles before i puchased it.It had 35,380,dealer never told me nothing .It feels like the engine is trying to run at higher rpms and the brakes dont want to stop correctly.I got no satisfaction from the dealer and tried another,they downloaded new software and told me it was not covered under warranty or any extended warranty that i purchased seperatly.I paid the amount and it still did not take care of problem,service told me to give it time to learn my driving habits,it never got better.Since then my big screen that controls everything has locked up twice,they had to do updates on.I had problems with drivers side window and i could go on and on.Iam very disappointed in this vehical and have only had it for 10 monthes.It does run down the highway nice and is a good looking car.I wish i had some help in resolving these issues.I would look over other sedans if i were you.I will probably trade it after the new year.

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  35000 Miles at 308 whp and 328 torque!! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Singh - September 18 - 1:01 am

  A really strong engine. They are dynoed at 220 whp-230 whp stock. (They make about 250 hp at the crank). There is no need to build the stock engine with forged internals. I am now looking to go e85 with a big wheel stock turbo soon and according to my tuner I should be over 340 whp and over 400 lb ft torque.The srt-4 engine can handle 400 whp all day in stock form. At 110,000 miles the only thing I had replaced on the engine was the cam sensor, magnet and coil pack. Total cost of about $160. I have had no problem with the transmission. However I had many suspension related problem but this is typical with the any high mileage vehicle (especially american made) .

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  Wholly unsafe vehicle. - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By Derek Schwartz - September 17 - 5:42 pm

  This vehicle is another example of an "American" (owned by Italians, Fiat) company putting out a substandard product that should not be on the market. I own a 2013, Dodge Dart Rallye 1.4l, manual transmission. The hydraulic system for the clutch has failed not once, not twice but three times and the vehicle barely has 37000 miles!!! The second time we were traveling through the Smokey mountains, thankfully we were able to coast to the next exit and get the vehicle working again. When I say that this vehicle has endangered the lives of my family, it is no exaggeration. As you can read in any of the other posts, this vehicle is plagued with an assortment of other issues. (P.S. The vehicle is still sitting at the dealership for the third instance of the clutch going out). Vehicle aside, Chrysler customer service is run by what seems to be children who have no grasp on the real issues that their customers are experiencing. The second time this happened I was in the middle of moving to a new base and was unable to retrieve the vehicle for sometime. This was of no import to the people of Chrysler Case management, I had to request two different case managers due to their unwillingness to return phone calls. Finally after sitting at a dealership in Tennessee for 2 months they returned my vehicle, less than a week after I received it, the clutch failed again! All beware who buy this vehicle, it is not economical, and it is certainly not safe!

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  One word RECALL! - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By John E - September 16 - 11:58 pm

  Ok so for starters this car wasnt my first choice. I previously owned a 2008 V6 Ford Mustang and it was great while it lasted but unfortunately it was its time with over 140,000 + miles on it. I was in need of a car because that was my only transportation at the time. I ended up buying the base model Dodge dart with the black top package. In my opinion it definitely has the looks its a great looking car and a good size not too big or small. Especially how everything is black on black and also has tint so it looks awesome. But I was kind of bummed that I didnt receive the black rims instead I received the charcoal colored wheels. The interior is nice, good materials nothing really cheap looking it looks good inside and out. But now the bad parts! Well first the control stick was frustrating when I test drove it I didnt pay any attention to the fact that their is only one control stick on the left side of the wheel. It was annoying but I eventually got used to it. The biggest problem the TRANSMISSION! Wow the transmission is awful but I should have known coming from Chrysler that this would be an issue. The car jerks at times when I slow down or excellerate. It shakes pretty bad right in between the process of stopping and excelleration. When I start the car it shakes when Parked. And the dealers answer for this was that the car is "warming up". Very very poor excelleration but once it gets to a certain rpm its decent. It has this horrible lag when you try to speed up. And the answer I received for this and the shaking and jerking was "the computer is trying to learn your driving habits" thats bull dodge! I have had transmission issues with my mustang before so I know exactly what a bad transmission feels like. And now Im proven right. Just recently saw articles saying 2013,14, and 15 models are being recalled for faulty transmission surprise surprise! And the gas mileage for being a 4 cylinder isnt all that great definitely not what they promise anyways. I regret getting this car but Im stuck with it at least for a bit. I would avoid it just dont bother please dont make the same mistake I did.

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  Cant believe I bought a Dodge. - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Sean - September 16 - 3:11 pm

  My research for a used Mercedes GL 350 led me to the Dodge Durango since they use the same chassis underpinning. The Durango was developed when Daimler owner Chrysler and the result is one amazing vehicle. Unless your still in high school and cant get by with a prestige brand the Durango is an amazing value that would likely sell for 15 to $20k more with the Jeep badge on it. The new 8 speed transmission is smooth as silk not surprising though as it is also the transmission in Bentley sedans as well. I looked at Pilots, Explorers, GL350s, MDXs , CX-9s and QX60s and thought I found what I wanted until I drove the Durango Limited and knew what I wanted. I was really surprised but it truly is a fantastic vehicle. Do yourself a favor and test drive one.

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  Refined SUV that is better than its name - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By MikefromWisconsin - September 15 - 1:17 pm

  So far after about 6 months, the only complaints I have are no dual zone climate control for front passengers and its called a Durango, thats it. Other vehicles we own/have owned include Lexus, Toyota, and Audi. Honestly, we went into this SUV search thinking we wanted a Highlander, Lexus GX, or GMC Acadia Denali. What came out of over a year of research and test drives? There is a reason why Fiat was considering making this a Jeep and removing the Dodge badge, because, in the higher trims, this is a high-class vehicle. In the end, with the Citadel trim, and everything, black/tan interior, I just love it, love the curves, love the high-end but simple interior, the easiest to use Nav/Ent system on the market, plenty of cargo room, drives smooth, just love it. I had a guy yesterday walking in the sailing yacht club parking lot who saw me driving by slowly from the front/side ask me if that was the new Mercedes, not kidding. It really reminds me of a smooth Lexus to be honest. Our second choice was probably the Acadia Denali, with the two-tone interior which was our favorite, it seems several people we know with the Lamba line vehicles have had major repairs, didnt have the power/pull the Durango did, had less room (Im 63" 250lbs, so this is important), and the nav/ent system was complicated, at best. The only drawback? Well, it says Dodge on the car. Honestly, that is what held us back. Had it been a Jeep, Toyota, Lexus....it would have been easier. Durango just doesnt align with how refined this vehicle is, especially in the upper trims. Originally, we thought we wanted the hemi, but I found the V6 to be just as fast at acceleration, but probably less torque, so if you pull trailers a lot, go with the hemi, but if you are like me, and only do it 3 times a year ,the V6 is more than adequate.

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  whiney whisltley - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By Allen Esper - September 15 - 11:28 am

  Diappointed gear whine/whistle noise at 65-70 mph. Like an old schoolbus. Hav driven rentals before without this noise. Maybe just the late 2015s? Swtched supplier? Would have otherwise been great car.

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  Beyond disappointed - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Beth Gordon - September 13 - 7:50 pm

  In 28 years of marriage, this was our first new vehicle purchase. We have 11,000 miles on it and have had it for 6 months. Weve had to have it in the shop six times and still our issues are not resolved. The back shocks had to be replaced, a sensor went out in the fuel system causing our check engine light to go on, which disables your remote start capabilities. We had the sensor replaced and was assured the check engine light would stay off and it came the next day. I have not been able to use my remote start for two months. With temps over 90 degrees, this was very disappointing. We then had a terrible grinding noise under our pedal and brake. It was put on the hoist in the shop and the audible grinding has quit, but the technician never stated that there was a problem. There is still a slight grinding feel in the brake. We are now going to a new Dodge dealer to have it looked at and hopefully get the check engine light off. The DVD player in the entertainment system is very touchy and at times doesnt work. I understand getting the kinks out, but this is ridiculous. Unless Dodge provides some kind of intervention (and we are contacting them) I would never buy another Dodge again. Its really a shame because the potential for this to be the greatest midsize SUV on the road is definitely there.