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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  Good car for the price - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Kelly - June 7 - 4:42 pm

  I bought this car 4 years ago & I love it. I originally wanted a Pontiac Vibe but the Caliber had more of the options I wanted for a lower price. The car is very roomy & I get 25 mpg with it, which is great seeing as how my job requires traveling. I slid on some ice in January 2009 & slammed into a metal gate. The entire front end back to the front doors needed replaced but there was no internal damage. I also had to get the left front lower control arm replaced this past March. The car is horrible in the snow, so I plan on getting a 4WD truck next year but I still plan on keeping this car. Its a sharp looking car.

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  Worst car Ive owned - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By TERRIBLE CAR! - June 7 - 8:15 am

  Bought my Avenger 5 months ago and have made several repairs. #1-Rotors were shot. Replaced rotors and had rear brake drums turned. #2-Air Filter lid was too tight. Broke when I tried to replace. Dealer had to order part and fix. #3-Car died twice when I came to a stop. Dealer had to update software on the car. Finally, my car got stuck in park this weekend. Now it is in the shop to get repaired again. This car is a joke. Looks great on the outside. Made with cheap parts. NEVER buy a Dodge. I owned a Stratus before & didnt learn my lesson. As soon as I paid off my Stratus the transmission went out. I could either pay huge $$ for repairs or get rid of it. Folks, Dodge still hasnt learned.

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  I Love My Dodge - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Step Col - June 6 - 2:36 pm

  I love driving my Dodge Dakota! If I had to buy another truck it would be a Dodge 6 cylinder! My only complaints are thay could have a little more seat padding, bigger glove compartment, more under backseat storage and better gas mileage! Also being better able to see lighted up dash area and radio information when the headlights are turned on and more room underneath the light between the sun visors.

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  Good Choice - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By wt.pm - June 6 - 7:20 am

  This is the 5th Caravan/Voyager I have owned, all but the one with the 3.0 engine have been excellent vehicles. My first one had the 2.5 4-banger, the rest have had the 3.3, and I have averaged between 190k-300k miles on them. I have back problems, and have not found a vehicle that rides and drives as good around town, or on long trips. I have never had the trans problems associated with the vehicle, but I service my trans, every 75k-100k miles.

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  best SUV - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Ted ODonnell - June 5 - 5:55 pm

  I just did 3000 km in 3 days and it was fantastic.

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  Love My 1st Car! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Tera - June 4 - 9:34 pm

  I am a 21 yr old college student. I was recently looking for my 1st car and the caliber wasnt my 1st choice. Originally wanted an Aveo. I dont really know how I became interested in the caliber because I didnt know anything about them. Bought a 2008 SE and I absolutely love it. It rides really good, great stereo system and pretty cool features. I believe if ever I traded it in it would be for a newer model caliber! Just awesome!

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  Best SUV ever owned. - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Ed - June 4 - 9:34 pm

  Ive owned my Dodge Durango Night Runner for three years already, it has 37,000 miles and Im still impressed. The best part about this truck is the HEMI engine, great power, great performance and of course great fuel mileage for a V8. Ive never experienced any mechanical problems or any kind of problems, the only times it visits the dealer is for service and thats it. Its very comfortable for those long trips and its built tough.

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  Great Full Size Car - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By commuter - June 4 - 2:48 am

  I replaced an AWD Magnum with this AWD Charger. A lot has been updated in five years in this essentially similar Dodge. First thing noticed is the improved interior. The seats are still firm, supportive and comfortable, but the trim and finishes in the Charger are much nicer, with brushed metallic accents against charcoal. The AWD system now reverts to two wheel drive when AWD isnt needed. This nets a couple more miles per gallon. Im averaging just under 23 mpg in mixed suburban and expressway driving on my 45 mile trip to work. Most recent tank of gas got me 28.5 mpg, truly impressive for a large, very solid vehicle. Handling is secure, and AWD great in slippery weather.

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  Nothing but problems since i bought it - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By ohiomommy82 - June 3 - 2:04 pm

  Well i just bought this car 2 months ago and its been to the mechanic 7 times, things Ive had fixed have been 3 motor mounts, Brakes master cylinder, Rotors, and pads, brakes completely went out on me while on the interstate , Idler pulley, belts were replaced, tire blew out on me, Struts need replaced and now Im starting to wonder about the tranny so not worth it.

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  Has potential - but flawed - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By DaveM - June 2 - 10:38 pm

  Ive driven this SUV for 4100 miles through all sorts of terrain. Good: Interior storage, comfort, & the value. There are plenty of places to put things, & the seats are comfortable for 6-hour stretches. Bad: Ergonomics, handling, power, & transmission. The controls, especially the stalks, are confusing & illogical, making for dangerous situations in heavy rain or using the cruise. Body roll in emergency maneuvers is scary. The engine has too little power for a V-6 and stumbles on acceleration. Transmission programming is so bad I had to shift manually on most hills. Visibility out the rear window is poor. This SUV has potential, but is dangerously flawed. I dont recommend buying.