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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  Same Stuff - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Shawn - June 17 - 3:08 pm

  I happened on this site because Im searching for a new door handle that snapped off. Mine lasted 3.5 years. Ive never had the windshield wiper problem, but saw the recall. I had the battery problem and the engine cutting off recall problem as well (in traffic, that was scary). I had to replace the master switch for the windows, too after the cheap plastic pulley snapped off. The left rear door trim peeled off the door when opened and drivers door was closed. Now when I drive over 65mph, there is a slight banging sound on the left side. I think its the plastic railing on the roof. The movable pieces seem to move on their own now.

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  I wish I could read a review like before - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By MTwrangler - June 16 - 10:48 pm

  When we purchased the car used, all was well, the car road nice and was quiet, fun to drive. It got 22-28 MPG, depending on conditions, all was well. Now 5 years later, the car misfires, shutters, and the known cause is mystery. It has many rattles and noises in the front end. The seats are not comfortable. We also went through early alignment issues, etc. It also has fairly bad brake fade and shutter, once the discs heat up.

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  99 Stratus ES - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By J. Anderson - June 16 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car when it was about 3yrs old with about 98,000 on it. It was my first car and not knowing a whole lot about cars back then, I havent done any of the required maintenance but it is still going strong! I did do regular oil changes! It has really been a great car! Im surprised it has lasted this long without the suggested maintenance! It has only been within the last 4yrs (about 12,000 miles ago) that the repairs have been costly. The car has 147+k miles and still gets me here and there with a few long trips. 6 disc cd player skips, that is about the only annoying part.

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  I love my Caliber - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Sheila - June 16 - 1:28 pm

  I just bought my Caliber this week So far it has been a blast to drive. I was so surprised how much pep its got for a small engine. Its also very smooth, you dont even feel the gear shift, I love that. I also love the way it feels like an SUV but looks like a sporty car. So far I love everything about it.

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  Perfect - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By customerjoe - June 16 - 10:13 am

  I love this vehicle, never had any problems and always get compliments on the look of it, also great in snow.

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  Overall happy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By iamme27 - June 16 - 9:27 am

  I bought my car used with 38,000 miles. Drove it from Boston to Georgia without any issues and quite comfortably too. So far only problem is with the ball joints/control arms wearing out, but thats likely due to the previous driver. I am still happy with it though. Drives comfortably, quiet inside, ok mpg, etc. The svt is a little strange. Takes a second to get pick-up after pressing the gas pedal. People complain about it, but they have made improvements with newer models. 2007 was the first yr, what do you expect?

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  Great Car - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By blast of the past - June 15 - 7:29 pm

  This is one of the best cars Ive owned and I must say we got a great deal that ford or Chevy could never match this car handles very well for its size and mpg is great too, we had a Mustang which was nice also but the ride was hard but again its a sports car and with no back seat you wouldnt want to sit in, this car has a nice back that you can sit in, everybody loves it and most of all the dealers are willing to deal , this is a good safe car I would buy again.

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  Very nice truck for the money. - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By DFMN - June 15 - 11:52 am

  I bought a 05 Black limited 4x4 with the Hemi 94k miles. The person prior took extremely good care of the vehicle. It runs perfect in every way and is very quiet for such a big motor.The tranny is silky smooth. Gas mileage in town is 16 mpg and on the freeway is 21-22 cruising at 75. The ride is good but not great, handling is the same. Infinity sound system is fantastic. The seats are comfortable during long trips etc. Towing is great and the vehicle is very stable on the road at all times. The drivers seat plastic has cracked just like all the rest, not a big deal, but annoying. Other than that, I love this truck. Pictures do not do it justice, go drive one and you will likely buy it.

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  Nice ride - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Charles - June 14 - 11:32 am

  Its been a great car for the wife to drive, in fact I even enjoy driving too.

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  SRT8 Challenger - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Tony - June 10 - 11:35 pm

  I have owned many vehicles, but this years Dodge Challenger SRT8 is absolutely one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned. Power handling, style from the gem of a Hemi engine, good suspension..comfortable seating even for rear passengers and a trunk that you can actually put luggage in, but the performance of this Hemi, sings with 425 horse power. I recommend this car to any driver who loves muscle cars that look good,handle very well, and love the sound of power, this is it! Cant wait for next year, 6.4 liter, 550 Horse power, yah baby!