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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  Worst new car I ever purchased - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By vehicle1 - August 18 - 12:42 pm

  After two weeks of riding in my new Caliber, I began to experience consistent problem with tires and clanging noises. After several trips to dealer, problem remedied, only to reoccur few months later. Did I purchase the only defective 2010 on the lot?

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  Good Economical Family Mover - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Chris - August 18 - 9:49 am

  I purchased the Dodge Journey as an alternative to my trusted Chrysler Minivan. On the plus side is the low price tag as opposed to the more expensive cross overs. This vehicle fits the bill for loading cargo with the rear seats folded down or people with the 2nd and 3rd row seats erected. The ride is smooth however, the power is lackluster at best. If all seats are used, the vehicle has virtually nonexistent room for any suitcases. This makes it unsuitable for long trips.

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  245,000 miles, no problem - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By White Avenger - August 17 - 8:59 pm

  I bought my beautiful car in 2005. I have 245,000 miles on it and have only had one tune up and spent not more than 2,000 in repairs. Except the time I got ripped off for about 1,500 from the Dodge Dealer.

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  Should have bought the Charger instead - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Pierrefonds - August 17 - 8:03 pm

  I could not believe that after owning the vehicle for one year when all kinds of problems began. 1) the black decal placed on the doors had to be replaced. 2) the radio CD changer is stuck on DVD mode and wont play CDs. 3) Had problem with the thermostat. 4) THE BRAKES HAVE TO BE CHANGED."Told normal wear & tear with a smile " Yeah right! 5) Funny smell coming from the AC. 6) Turning left funny noise that sound like wheel wants to come off. 7) Using the key less entry system sometimes sets off the alarm. Reading all the other reviews makes me wish I had bought the charger instead. Would also like to know what day this vehicle was produced? Was it after a holiday?

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  Lost power while driving! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By bubofbuffs - August 17 - 7:06 pm

  I admit it, we were in love with our Journey. It is comfortable and fun to drive. We have room for the kids and all of their friends. This love affair was crushed today as we were driving down the road and suddenly lost all power (wipers, steering, brakes, lights)we couldnt restart the vehicle while in motion. Luckily we were able to coast off the the side, and could restart after a couple of minutes. We directly drove to the dealer and they seemed to think that I was over- reacting. We are awaiting a repair report. I see that this isnt the first report of this problem on Edmunds (See: Another Lemon by unhappy in NY). There clearly is something wrong. AAAAARRRGH!

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  Great car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Old man - August 17 - 2:49 pm

  Bought new, 275,000 miles, no squeaks, rattles or recalls. 30 MPG on trips, embarrass a couple Mustang GT (to about 40 mph). Only unusual repair was replaced radiator.

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  Good little car - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By walanr - August 17 - 12:08 pm

  This car has proven to be a nice and dependable car for using on occasion for the last 15 years. Sure, there may not be many miles on it, but the body and mechanical have held up well. Its remarkable how small this car is compared to its successor cars today. Chrysler needs to make small cars like this again.

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  Something to drive - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By DDaubenspeck - August 16 - 9:23 pm

  Honestly it was my second car after my first vehicle (1995 Honda Passport) died on me. I purchased this vehicle with around 144,XXX miles on it. Ran like a charm, but wasnt exactly my "type" of vehicle. Started experiencing odd behavior with the car so I sold it and purchased a Mustang Cobra. I was driving an Automatic and switched to Manual. I love the Mustang 1000x more than that little Neon.

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  Awesome - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Mitch - August 16 - 8:00 pm

  Although I am only 17 and only had the truck a few months i cant complain. I have driven many other trucks and cars and nothing compares. I enjoy the power, the comfort, the sleek look, and beautiful interior. The truck has 222k and i trust it more than a new car. Although the power steering leaks you cant complain with 220k. The engine is still full of life and power and the body is gorgeous except the dodge fade job on the roof. I dont foresee sale anytime soon. gas mileage may not be the best but if my pipes werent loud it may help :)

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  Great Mileage - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Dodge Guy - August 16 - 5:21 pm

  I have had this vehicle for a year and a half and currently have 33,000 km on it. I have been driving back and forth from Oromocto NB to Ottawa Ont. for visits, what surprised me was the gas mileage on the highway with the air and cruise on. I am using 7.2 Liters to every100 km and that my friend is pretty good mileage for a vehicle that is only suppose to use 8.6 L per 100 km. I have have not had any problems whatsoever and it goes like stink in the wintertime.