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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  Great Car - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By tdjacw - July 1 - 9:01 am

  Traded in my 2009 Chevy Impala for this car based on the looks. I have to say it has exceeded my expectations in every way. This car cost the same as the Impala but does everything better. The V- 6 with the 5speed auto stick is really fun to drive. It has a great highway ride and feels very solid. Ive purchased many new cars and this is the only one I would purchase again

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  Way Cooler Than a Minivan! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Sandi - June 30 - 10:09 pm

  Ive owned my Caliber for a year now and my husband and I have been very pleased with it. After driving a Chevy Venture for 10 years, I was really excited to have something sportier and I have not been disappointed. This car is fun to drive and and it looks great. I still get a lot of compliments on it. The controls are easy to use, it handles well and has been completely reliable.

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  A True, Bonafide Charger! - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Chairman of da Bored - June 30 - 4:19 pm

  This is IT, man! If you want a big, burly, unapologetic All-American car (yeah I know it was built in Canada, but still) that shoots a middle finger to any sort of political or social correctness, this is your car. With its lowered stance, wide tires, deep front air dam and raised rear spoiler, it has the looks that strike fear in small children - yet can still fit 4 adults comfortably (5 if you squeeze) with all their luggage and a soft enough ride for a nice long road trip. Try that in a Camaro or a Mustang - it aint happenin!

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  Great first car! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Matt - June 30 - 3:03 pm

  This is my first car to personally own. Ive also driven a Lexus ES 300, a Honda Odyssey, and a Ford Ranger in the past, and this car is by far the most fun to drive! I bought it last October with 68k miles on it, and I now have about 71k on it. Havent had a single problem with it, except a flat tire, but thats only because I ran over a nail. I love this car and I really wish that Chrysler still made them, especially now that everyone is looking for small fuel- efficient cars. Bringing them back would probably be a good idea, as theyd probably sell really well in this market.

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  Premature Brake Wear! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By JMeyer - June 29 - 6:43 pm

  Had to put new front pads on at 12,800! Need new front pads, rear pads and new rear rotors at 19,800. Service tech at dealer informed me of an issue with the pads from the manufacturer. They are replacing them with longer lasting pads. These brakes are faulty and Chrysler doesnt want to take responsibility.

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  Impressed - 2010 Dodge Avenger
  By AJ - June 29 - 3:23 pm

  I bought a new 2010 Dodge Avenger R/T with the 4 cylinder engine. I was a little skeptical because of the small engine and "being a car". I have driven trucks around my whole life. I bought it because I drive a minimum of 600 miles a week with my new job, so the thought of 30 mpg was the deciding factor. I have had it for almost 3 months and have 7,000 miles on it, and I could not be happier. I average 27 mpg, that includes city and highway. I have had two trips that were all highway, my first I got 37 mpg and the second was 33. I always fill it up and reset the tripometer so my calculations are true. It is a great car and fits all my needs, even putting my rode bike in the back seat

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  Use synthetic oil in the 2.7 engine - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Baby this car - June 29 - 6:59 am

  Ive driven this car daily for 4 1/2 years, I have 160,000 on it currently, and the only things Ive had to fix are the electric cooling fans, starter, alternator, battery, and a couple of trans sensors. Ive studied this engine, and to take care of the sludge problem you need to run pure synthetic oil of the best variety you can find, it will pay for itself by giving you more performance, better gas mileage, and of course not blowing up. Most people treat their cars like crap and expect them to do everything cheaply, these folks will be the ones with the blown engines at 60,000. Also, run premium gas, that will also pay for itself with better mileage. Good car, Ill get 350,000 out of it

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  Never need to sell it - and never will - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By big red - June 28 - 1:51 pm

  LOVE this car/truck. I have had it now for almost 10 years and it is in great shape. BEST FEATURE - excellent turning range makes it easy to get just about anywhere. Holds seven passengers with ease on a 5.9 liter v- 8. Has great towing capacity and strong roof racks. It is our "vacation- travel" car. I now have a little Volvo t50 wagon, but love to drive Big Red the best. I have to say, the gas prices have taken a bite out of the time we spend driving it, but we will NEVER sell it. Great car.

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  Is it worth it? - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Kmfury7 - June 28 - 12:31 pm

  I got this car in June of 2009, it was a 1999 dodge avenger. After 2 weeks of having it, and being a new driver, the ball joint on the top right went out! Not only did that accident freak me out but so did the price to fix it (940.00$). this car is bad going over pot holes or divits in the road. The engine also has an odd tick to it. Not the best for a first car. Sun roof and stock sound system are pretty sick.

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  I like it! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Russell - June 26 - 2:47 pm

  I tried the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Compass, and the Ford Escape. The Journey, in our opinion rode better and was a much better buy for the dollar. It has plenty of power with the V6. You have to be careful to avoid spinning the tires. I have owned Dodges before and have found you cant wear them out, you just get tired of looking at them. We have taken it on 2 long trips so far and have really enjoyed driving it. We are getting @19 mpg in town and 26 mpg highway at 75/80 mph.:)