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:

• 

  Nice Grocery-Getter, NASCAR drivers need not apply - 2017 Dodge Journey
  By Vincent Singer - August 6 - 10:31 pm

  Im an old man. I got my drivers license after learning on a 1967 Rambler American and a 1969 Pontiac Bonneville. I made it this far without a nav/infotainment system, traction/stability control, or bluetooth. The 4-cylinder engine in this thing has more horsepower than many older V-8s. That said, I think the 2017 Journey is a fantastic buy. I bought a $21,000 "stripper" - which still has, standard: a 173 hp engine (shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi - buy one of their comparable vehicles and get the same motor), 4-speed OD automatic transmission, traction control, a six-speaker touchscreen audio system I can plug a USB drive into and "have my own radio station", dual-zone air conditioning, front and rear stabilizer bars, better interior lighting, automatic headlights, daylight running lights, and a nicely (manually) adjustable drivers seat. They even threw in an outdoor thermometer, and a gadget that lets you monitor your instantaneous and average fuel economy! I traded a 2007 Ford Escape for this, after the transmission grenaded at 146,000 miles. I consider this to be a step up, although still a front-wheel-drive "disposacar". Same ground clearance, same fuel mileage, good looks, with MORE standard features, more horsepower, easier for my wife to get in and out of. a better radio, more room (its about a foot longer), and a bigger gas tank. Drives just as nice, handles about the same, much quieter, and I dont have to "drive it like I stole it" to get it moving at an intersection or on to the freeway. Controls same quality or better than the Escape. More power ports. Steering has enough feel for the average driver. 4-wheel power disc brakes "stop on a dime and give 9-cents change". Everything you REALLY NEED is included in the base price - this thing has move comfort and convenience items, and a ride and interior that rival a 1990s Cadillac. Dont option up unless you really need to, as "everybody" says these dont hold their value all that well. At 3800 lbs., its heavy, and has a long wheelbase - probably why it rides so nice. BTW - if you dont plow your 2017 Journey into anything, youll doubtful ever discover the difference between a 4-star and a 5-star safety rating. The Escape had poorer overall ratings, and in 10 years I never had an occasion to find out. If youre driving a 10 or more year old Escape or other, similar small SUV/CUV, and you are looking for a new vehicle with similar dimensions that doesnt look like every other SUV/CUV on the road, and an improved overall driving experience, you could do far worse than the 2017 Dodge Journey.

• 

  Just Purchased - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Bruce - August 6 - 2:49 am

  I just purchased a 2007 Dodge Carger R/T. It rides and drives like a dream. I can set cruise at 75 mph and it feels like Im floating. The handling could be better Ive made the rear end dance around a sharp corner with esp on. I did a rolling start at 15 mph on an onramp by the end of the ramp I was at 105 mph. That 390 ft pound of torque pushes you back in the seat and shoots off the line like a slingshot. I love how quiet it is when you are driving normal, but when you nail it its like music to my ears with the exhaust note. All in All I am very impressed with the Charger R/T. I would suggest to anyone who love quick cars to buy one.

• 

  It handles extreme climates! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By zman - August 5 - 3:04 am

  I bought my 3.5 SE brand new from the dealership after an amazing test drive! It has the basic package but that was my choice. Im 26 years old, 64" high and 300 lbs heavy, I reside in the UAE, where temps reach up to 122 (50 c) in the shade, and humidity up to 100% and my Charger has no trouble handling all that. Had it for a year now and no troubles what so ever... great value for money and the a/c unit is absolutely fantastic, it cools down the interior within minutes Very comfortable, visibility is great despite thick A and C pillars, cos the mirrors cover it all. Ive driven lots of cars (Saab, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW) and none of them matches the performance of my 3.6 V6 Charger

• 

  70 Challenger Re-Born - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By Jeff - August 4 - 9:40 pm

  The 2008 Challenger experience can be summed up with a "WoW!" The acceleration is incredible, but better yet when you hit the turns it hugs them like a car built to road race. The speedometer and tach also have a built in gauge to help you measure your time from 0-60, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile. I love to be at the front of the line at a light !! This car turns heads like no other car on the road right now. People follow me around till I park it so they can get a closer look. Just take a close look at the lines on this car and you begin to see what I mean, get inside and look out....youll be hooked !!

• 

  I wish they were all made like this. - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By Lupdawg - August 4 - 5:07 pm

  These cars are like Wonkas everlasting gob stopper. Once you work the original kinks out, the cars last forever. Stay on top of the maintenance and it will be there for you. Mine has been broad sided and brought back from the brink of death. It still gets over 25 mpg hwy. Great car.

• 

  Love my Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By CFS - August 3 - 1:47 pm

  Love my Durango, the only downside is the gas mileage. If I drive carefully I can squeeze 16 mpg out of it, but old people drive by me shaking their fists because Im going too slow! Other than that I would drive this vehicle forever if I could (also if I could afford it).

• 

  Ehh..not too bad - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Its Me - August 1 - 9:00 pm

  Ive owned this car for just about 2 1/2 years and for the most part, its great! Very few minor problems and the dealership helped correct each one. Roomy and nice design idea. Only downside... the front seats are uncomfortable, but the back seats are wonderful! Also, the traction and braking in bad weather (rain/snow) is pretty bad. Despite that, good car.

• 

  Luv the new Dakota - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Phil in the Burbs - August 1 - 10:37 am

  Just picked up my 08 Dakota. Turned in a Ram for this little beauty. Very impressed with the looks, interior, and drive-ability of this truck. This is a very capable truck in a smaller package. Very easy for the wife to maneuver in traffic. Vehicle fit and finish is excellent. Better on gas than my old Hemi. Interior is very quite and the upgraded stereo is very crisp and clear. Really like the Sirius radio option. Had an issue finding room to store all my gear from the Ram. Solved by mounting on of the collapse-able bins from interior to the truck bed with sheet metal screws.

• 

  Three Years of Good Performance - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By AspenRobert - July 31 - 7:19 pm

  I leased my Durango and turn it in next week and I know Ill miss it. The few minor mechanical problems were handled under warranty and the total driving experience was excellent. Of course, its a full-sized SUV so you dont get Prius mileage. I averaged 16 mpg in town and 19.5 on the highway. What Ill probably miss most (other than the hauling capacity) will occur this winter in Colorado snows. This is a very stable, very "under control" vehicle in bad weather.

• 

  123k and runs like new - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Tim - July 31 - 5:11 pm

  This is the best truck Ive ever had. It handles, rides, brakes, and looks great. I had only had Chevys before and hated the Anti-lock brakes, but love the Dakotas brakes.This truck rides at least 10 times better than the Chevy and has a lot more power than the Chevy did, and I went from a 4.3 Chevy to a 3.9 Dakota. The only thing I dont like is the fuel economy, but not so bad I would go back to Chevy. Dont know if Ill ever buy another Chevy.