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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  Dependability bad! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Kim - August 27 - 8:48 am

  Sure this car is one beautiful American muscle car and I love sports cars, but pls this car has left me twice on the road. The first time was because of a recall that wasnt corrected before I purchased car w/ 5008 miles on it. The second was because it was sputtering and left me on the side of the road. Not good guys. Habitual problems and I have only owned the car 7 weeks and have only driven it for 6 because it took 5 days for the first repair. Not so impressed anymore.

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  Hate it! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mindy - August 26 - 5:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle just over 2 years ago and immediately started having problems with rattles, was told it was normal. In the past year I have been through 4 sets of tires, tie rods (twice), control arms and bushings, sway bar link, catalytic converter, power steering, alternator, sensors etc, etc, etc. I do drive a lot for my job but I feel this is a bit excessive. This past weekend I purchased another set of tires last ones I got 8000 miles on them and by Monday when I went in for my alignment they were already showing wear and to top it off my vehicle is so far out of alignment they cant get it back in. Actually called Dodge to complain today and am waiting for them to call back.

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  Need a Brake recall - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Patricia Kinion - August 26 - 11:22 am

  The front brakes on the 2009 Dodge Journey needed new pads and the rotors turned at 14,422 miles. After reading the other reviews, I realize that this cars will need this service on both front and back brakes every 14,000- 20,000 miles because of the design of the brakes. It is ridiculous. Chrysler should redesign the brakes and have a recall. I filed a complaint with www.nhtsa.com and Chrysler Corp. and I asking every other Journey owner with this problem to do the same. "The squeaky wheel gets the most grease" No pun intended.

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  Not Happy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By lisa - August 26 - 9:45 am

  To start we love the style and the amount of room inside the nitro. Bought it because our daughter is 61" and had to fit in the back seat. This where the love ends we have had so many issues with this SUV . We bought new hoping not to have repair bills. Not the case. Lots of broken non-functioning parts the latest the two front door handles broke within a week of each other now we have to open the windows to get out. SAFETY HAZARD YES. Very disappointed in this vehicle we will never buy Dodge again there has been no help from the dealership they always brush things off until the warranty is over. No more Dodges for us..

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  Cheap and Fun - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Aaron - August 25 - 9:49 am

  In most buys, I would say you get what you pay for. But, this car offers great features at a relatively low price. However, the low cost is evidenced by a few minor things such as manual rear windows. But, these are definitely made up for by the look and performance of the vehicle. First thing I did was put Bosh Platinum 4 spark plugs which increased my gas mileage and performance. I get anywhere between 32-35 mpg with this car. My only parts repair has been the starter so far and I have owned the vehicle since it only had 28,000 mi on it. Due to no under carriage, I destroyed my motor from high water. Totally my fault, but I (quite easily) put a new engine in and it runs great

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  Travel Car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Aaron - August 25 - 9:08 am

  I bought this car for my wife to have and to use on long trips and it is very comfortable and convenient. Dodge really packed the space into this seemingly cramped car. Back seat leg room is more than youd expect due to the curve of the front chairs and the trunk looks small, but we have never needed more space even with a car load full of people and their luggage. There are tons of compartments, most notable the tri-fold glove compartment with 3 sections, one of which is cooled by the air conditioner. This is a great place for storing drinks and snacks. Also, for a factory set, the stereo is awesome. Its louder than my stereo with 8" subs and a 500 watt amp.

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  2010 R/T auto - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By JJ - August 24 - 9:49 pm

  Great ride. Drives like a big car, but solid handling and very stable. No rattles or wobble. Interior is clean, comfortable, and very functional. Good quality build. Mileage is fair. Power is exceptional, allowing merging onto highways and overtaking with confidence. Great long distance cruiser and city driver.

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  Tear tear, cry cry. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Vladsly - August 24 - 5:22 pm

  2/5*. Not a very good car. I worked at a company where they gave out company cars and it was either this or a Ford Taurus X. So I tested both and the Dodge went better. Well, after 50,000 KM, The brakes had problems. The quality of the car is very bad. The armrest in the back is just plain ugly and isnt comfortable and if you put up the 3rd row of seats, you cant fit a bread in. Now at my new job, this is the only car they are giving so now I have 2 journeys in my garage. My new one still has the fresh car smell (1900 KMs) and I am already starting to have problems. VERY BAD. DONT BUY. Now I cant wait to sell it and buy something good.

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  Wish I never bought Caliber! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Patricia - August 24 - 5:09 pm

  I bought my caliber in December of 07, since then, Ive had to replace my gas gauge (and its still messed up), my tire pressure light goes on and off whenever if wants, MY BRAKES are horrible! dodge wont do anything about it, they squeak, they get stuck, and it makes the car shake when I brake. Dodge uses cheap materials to make their cars. If I could go back I would definitely not have even looked into this car.

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  Body problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By H.shirk - August 24 - 12:08 pm

  The car is an ok deal for the money. However, there is absolutely no acceleration at all unless you have the pedal to the medal. Lots of brake and rotor problems. The mirrors on the visors have both broken due to the heat in the summer. Seriously needs a recall. Took months to fix the passenger side and now waiting for the driver side to come in stock. Caution* Do not look in the mirror until the car has completely cooled down. That takes about 30 minutes or more by the way and then you will be freezing to death. Guess I would rather freeze than leave part of my rear melted to the seat.