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:

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By trcaldwell - January 16 - 10:18 pm

  When my family bought the new Dodge Durango we knew we made the right choice. The Hemi engine and the aggressive styling are definite pluses. The only area of concern for our family in downsizing was the passenger room. In our Durango we have the two-seater third row and it is the most spacious and comfortable third row that we have seen in comparing vehicles, moreso even than that of the Ford Expedition (2004), Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoya, or even the Chevrolet Suburban. The only drawback that we came across was that when we pile six of us into the car for a road trip there is no room for our bags. So on every long trip we had to put a cargo carrier on the top and back.

• 

  Love my little red rocket - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Rhonda - January 15 - 6:18 pm

  I bought this car after almost everyone I know warned me against buying a Dodge. All of them are at least somewhat impressed with the car, but not as much as I am. This car is fun! Aside from being a real head turner, the acceleration is great! The turning radius is a sad joke, but I can live with that. Who would have thought that my 10 year old beauty could still give me over 30mpg and raise eyebrows at the same time. The only mechanical items I have had to address in 5 years were routine maint. and ball joint failure on the passenger side. This was at least a recall item though and I hope to be reimbursed by Dodge shortly. Shes a great car still!

• 

  I Heart It - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By LuvMyNeon - January 13 - 6:39 pm

  I have had my Neon since May of 2006. Purchased it with about 89,000 miles on it. Was previously owned by an elderly couple who traded it in for a newer car. I have only had one repair that is not considered a normal repair, (misfire in a cylinder) cost was about $130. I love the car, it is my first car and it is super fun to drive. Other repairs were I had 3 belts replaced (timing, power steering, alternator belts). Other than that, it is a great car. I feel comfortable driving it and Im 6ft tall. Just wish it had power windows and locks. My only complaint is the fact that you almost feel the road when driving, and the rotors need to be replaced. I love my Neon!

• 

  Stuck with the dealership - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Claire - January 13 - 5:10 am

  I am happy overall-not a bad value but- I noticed right away some little things on the vehicle that were not up to the quality Im used to. The "plastic" parts" (door frames, etc.) scratch and stain easily and are dificult to get clean. The rear window and trim do not come clean at the car wash, they need hand scrubbing. My biggest complaint is with the mileage I drive I require an oil change about every 4-6 weeks. I cant find anyone to give me an oil change (they dont have the filter) other than the dealer at 2x the price and the dealer is always a long wait. I am always late from lunch. I work long hours and have to take off work to go to a dealer.

• 

  Smooth Sailing until 15 months - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By kjsherman77 - January 10 - 5:53 am

  Overall we have really loved our journey. We purchased when they first came out and the first issues I had were the heat/radio/windows not working at random intervals (I would have to turn the car off and restart several times) The dealership couldnt find any problems with it. I also hear a weird noise when I make hard left turns and my dash vibrates when I go over 50 mph. The latest thing that makes me regret the purchase is that the front brakes/pads/rotors are completely shot and it only has 21k miles on it.

• 

  Thought I had a good thing going - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Toobadsosad - January 7 - 2:02 am

  This van was inexpensive and though lacking performance has been a dependable transporter of our family of five. I have had very few problems, however it did blow a head gasket at about 65,000 miles and I have adding one to two pints of oil for the past year. I was told this is an $1800 repair. The car is now only slightly more.

• 

  I wouldnt believe a Neon...... - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Scott Williams - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun car to drive and handles extremely well for the price. And yes, the sound system is fantastic. It accelerates very well and is great in turns and twisting roads. The gas mileage is more than adequate, and its very roomy inside. My kids think there is more than enough elbow room. I would recommend this car to anyone. You wont regret buying the R/T model.

• 

  This is my title - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By m480 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Cute little car- affordable.

• 

  Not the Most Reliable Van - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Matt - January 6 - 4:53 pm

  We bought the van with 96K and so far had a few major things that needed fixing. The transmission went on it twice while the computer needed replacing and the rain gutters in front of the passenger compartment got clogged and flooded the interior. The passenger side power window still doesnt work. As far as a daily driver its one of the best minivans as far as the interior goes. There are lots of cupholders and storage compartments and theres plenty of room for all. The Mitsubishi 3.0 V6 is smooth and is not bad on gas. It also has adequate acceleration as long as you dont have alot of people or cargo. The transmission is a crummy 3-speed that isnt a good aide for highway mileage.

• 

  Dodge Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By GPinnell - January 5 - 2:53 pm

  Fun car except very loud rear end noise after 16000 miles. Makes driving very loud. Well laid out interior but inane design of passenger dash lift up compartment. Beverage cooler functionally useless. Snow in wheels equals very unbalanced tires.