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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  I love my Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By donnakay - July 6 - 11:18 pm

  Grandma, me, had to have the Hemi. I was a little apprehensive at first. I have not had one problem with the 5 year old car. Lots of Power, looks sharp, handles well, doesnt overheat like my Camaro did. A/C is cold, power windows work well and dont leak. Very comfortable family car. I have driven it to Idaho twice now. 11 hour trip each way. No problems. I would definitely buy again.

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  Do not buy this car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Nikki - July 6 - 3:34 pm

  Six months after I bought this car the transmission has all but stopped working. I then find out that Chrysler has problems with these transmission.but certainly dont stand by their failure to provide a quality product. Then I find out Chrysler hasnt even released the tools to rebuild the transmission. I will have to get another one. This car is also horrible for comfort. My back hurts all the time while driving. This would only be good for a to and from work car...if you want to replace the transmission.

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  Dont buy one - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By CAM - July 6 - 11:35 am

  Worst car I have ever purchased. The car eats batteries and tires, burns a quart or so of oil every month. Replaced the tube that goes into the gas tank, rusted through. Motor on the power window on drivers side had to be replaced, sun roof sticks so you have to push it up to open it while holding the button down. Clear coat on the car is turning white so now I have a black car with big white spots on it. Turning radius? There is none, a semi is easier to turn. The front end needs work constantly & I drive like an old lady. The front end is so low to the ground it constantly bottoms out entering & exiting drives, parking lots, etc. Horrible traction in snow or rain.

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  A Lot of Car for the Money! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By JimfromNC - July 5 - 1:17 pm

  I traded in my Porsche Cayenne for the 2010 Dodge Challenger and I traded up! The Challenger rides smoother,is more comfortable, more fun to drive, and has knock out looks! I really feel that this car is as much a Luxury car as a sports car! It has sport car looks with a luxury car ride! I was surprised by the excellent build quality and the good gas mileage, also the six runs smooth and strong. I do plan on adding the cold air induction for a little more oomph and gas mileage but after driving the hemi, I preferred the six! I have owned some of the best cars made, a BMW 745, a S Class MBZ, a Jag, and the Cayenne, and I have to say that this car is among my favorites. You have to try it out!

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  Loved it until - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By MommaWhitney - July 4 - 8:39 pm

  I loved this car and it was perfect for our growing family. It fits 2 very big car seats including one that is rear facing with hardly any problems. It has tons of storage for the kids toys and anything extra. And I love the all around look of the car. BUT at around 2 yrs (20,000 miles) I started having very similar problems as all the other reviewers. Even my mother in law who bought one right after me was having the same issues. Im sad to say that the way dodge is handling the problems of 2009 journeys is going to cost them many customers. Its not worth buying a new car when you have to replace it two years later. Which is what I will be doing tomorrow, if I can trade it in for what I owe!

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  Earlier is better than new! - 1994 Dodge Viper
  By jackson - July 3 - 4:15 am

  If you want a heated steering wheel, seats, and such, buy a BMW or whatever. Mine has only 4k with intake, exhaust, and Paxton supercharging. I have four Corvettes of all years and my favorite to drive, by far, is the Viper. Tops down!

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  A value leader - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By GIO - July 2 - 8:15 am

  After reading " Motor Trend " positive expert review and "Yahoo" users group on the Dodge Journey it certainly re-enforced my decision to purchase it. Since I have been extremely satisfied with my reliable 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan it was really a no brainer. At only $21,165 sticker price it was the least costly in it`s class. It`s roomier and has more cargo space than others. The 4 cylinder is no powerhouse but it`s certainly adequate. The ride is quiet, and handling is good. Bottom line is if you want something significantly better you are going to have to pay significantly more. There`s just no free lunch.

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  From bad to worse - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By George - July 1 - 10:22 pm

  Our first one was 1997 Plymouth Voyager 3.L, Transmission went at 20k and then again at 100k.Had it rebuild by specialty shop and traded the van at 270k with no further issues. Mitsubishi 3.l engine never needed a tune-up! This one is 2004 special edition with 73k and transmission went without warning. A $3,000.00 repair cost plus towing. We do not complain, paid little, got little in return. Chrysler delivered as expected another poor quality product.

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  Premature brake, rotor and caliper problem - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By tatumfamily - July 1 - 4:56 pm

  Bought may 2008! Squealing brakes jan 2009! Replaced of all brakes April 2009. Sept 2009 squealing starts again. Dec 2009 was told front brakes need to be replaced. Feb 2010 front brakes replaced! April 2010 squealing come back. June 2010 back brakes replaced and caliper torn and replaced as well! My Camry is 5 yrs old, my husbands truck that we traded in for this journey was 4 yrs old! Never was or has a brake been replaced! Car is 2 yrs old! More to story but the point is: please call Dodge and file a complaint! I already have. I also have put in a complaint at www.nhtsa.gov and www.bbb.com please also do this! Takes a minute but well worth my familys safety!

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  Still Ticking - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By D Coop - July 1 - 10:04 am

  Saw some of the posts with mileage and thought I would post mine. I mine is a 4.7 have 219,800 and still going strong. Starting to use a little oil but what can you expect with those miles?