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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  3 yrs old and hate it!!! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jr08 - May 7 - 3:09 pm

  Where do I start? Only 12,000 miles on it, first car I bought on my own so I was all excited to drive it around and show it off. Dec. 08, driver side tie rod was bad, still under warranty so got it replaced. A little after that I had to have the computer reprogrammed because it wasnt shifting and I had to do it manually. About 6 months after that I had to get new tires. Dec. 09, I was told my right side tie rod was going bad along with my ball joint on left side. March 10, I had to replace tie rod, ball joint and lower control arm on both side. I drive 30 miles one way to school and drive there 2-3 times a week.....getting uncomfortable with this car.

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  I founded really GOOD! - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By NeoGirl - May 7 - 2:28 pm

  Well I got the Nitro in August 2009 and since then I have had no problems except for the side mirrors button. And the warranty coevred it. I am very pleased to have one!

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  dodge nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By sharlene - May 7 - 10:53 am

  I bought my nitro over 2 years ago and still love it! I have had no problems with it, it drives great and is very comfortable with plenty of room and sits high off the ground for great visibility. With the nitro you are getting a small suv with out the large price of a big suv or the gas guzzler to go with it. I was recently rear ended and because of the hitch I had miminal damage. I would recommend the dodge nitro as a reliable and dependable vehicle and this comes from someone who has always driven the big suvs!

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  28,866 and STILL GOING! - 1993 Dodge Shadow
  By Sharon - May 7 - 9:33 am

  This was the 1st vehicle I ever purchased without a daddy or husband...and at almost 29K miles, a daughter has driven it, a son has driven it, and now a grandson has driven it. It still runs GREAT. The 5-speed manual transmission makes it FUN to drive and Ive been loving my Shadow for over 17 years. The BEST purchase Ive ever made!

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  Gorgeous ride - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Seattle Steve - May 6 - 10:20 pm

  The exterior is absolutely gorgeous from every angle. The interior has great space with plenty of room for cups, sunglasses, etc. The center console is also large. Seats are decent with good side bolstering. Although the controls are easy to use, I find the interior quite dull. With such a gorgeous exterior, its a shame more effort was not placed on the interior. Ride / handling is good, not great, but Im always able to have fun. This is a large car with a chiseled, rather than sculpted, shape. The trade-off for the beauty of the exterior is that the hood and front quarters are plainly visible from the drivers seat, and parking in tight spots is a pain.

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  Strong truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Flyboy426 - May 6 - 3:51 pm

  Solid truck all around, small ebough to drive everywhere, but as strong as full sized trucks. High output V8 has loads ow towing power. Gas mileage is average for a V8

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  cool little truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By elrandito - May 6 - 9:05 am

  WOW! what a cool little truck. 5.2 ltr. motor has all kinds of power. easy to drive and a whole lot of fun.Eats 5.0ltr mustangs for lunch and camaros for dinner. abs bad in snow. tends to slide a little also. Very reliable. have replaced water pump and serpantine belt. working on this truck is a breeze.no confinements. highly recommend this truck. you wont regret it.

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  bad luck nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By david - May 5 - 4:37 pm

  I bought my 2007 Dodge Nitro brand new and put lots of miles fast! At about 50,000 miles the interior started breaking window controls, door handles, and now the back seat. I would never buy another! Ever!

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  Boy Oh Boy - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Lou Calandros - May 4 - 10:11 pm

  I specifically wanted the B5 Blue Pearl when I ordered my 2010 R/T Challenger Feb. 2010. The car is fantastic to drive. It handles better than nice and will set you back in your seat on acceleration even at highway speed (65 MPH). I took it to work to show my friends and complete strangers would stop to look at the car right off the street. I dont worry about the MPG I didnt buy it for that. This car is no slouch. The 5 spd auto is fun to bump-shift and shifts are crisp up and down. 3rd gear is nice for the around-town throaty sound. This car was a long time coming. Im glad its here.

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  We love our van - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By Damo - May 4 - 3:56 pm

  We bought our van with 18k miles now have 112k. It has been nothing but GREAT. Smooth V6 and no problems. Still have the original rear brakes! The 3.3 engine is peppy and smooth. Would buy another one and highly recommend.