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:

• 

  Love it! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By AmandaLouWho - April 12 - 9:58 am

  Just purchased my Dodge Nitro! I absolutely love it! Love the style and the comfort! It is a lot of fun to drive!

• 

  Very dissapointed - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By J&J NY - April 11 - 5:35 pm

  We purchased this truck used as a lease turn in, we bought it 11/2009 w/ 28,000 miles, nothing on a car fax (seemed "clean" w/ the remainder of a 7/70 warranty. Its 4 1/2 months later. This truck has been back to the dealership 9 (nine) different times, and a total of 31 (yes, thirty one) days! And is still not right, engine lights still come on (abs, air bag, service engine & brake lights) has absolutely no power for a v8 magnum (but likes its gas), steering feels "sticky" or jumpy. Dealer recommended us buying max care warranty, that costs over $2000. Thought about hiring a lawyer and going after a lemon law or something! I rate this Dodge Dakota slt quad cab at -0 outta 10!

• 

  i must have got the only good one - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By jose - April 10 - 10:42 pm

  i have a 2001 se with 2.7 v6 and 123,000 + miles on the original engine and tranny. had to replace battery once and brakes as needed water pump at 100k did it myself and timing chain & guides while I was in there anyway. damn good car runs like new. I wonder if all the complainers ever heard of regular oil changes? Ill buy another one when this one dies if ever!

• 

  Front Seats - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Slrozel - April 10 - 11:29 am

  I love everything about my Avenger BUT, boy are the seats uncomfortable. They are so uncomfortable that I had to rig up some padding. They actually make my back hurt so bad that if traveling any distance, I have trouble walking. I think it puts pressure on a nerve in my lower back. Does the same thing to my husband whos almost 1 foot taller than me. Its not like a T- shirt where you keep the receipt and take it back if it doesnt fit. Also, the 4 cyl. is very sluggish in the low end but once it gets going it performs pretty good.

• 

  Fine ride - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By ROY63 - April 10 - 9:45 am

  I love my car. Dealer was great to deal with and car is fun to drive with a great ride. Handles good , I just dont think I could ask for any more.

• 

  Little Red FunDrive - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Customs_MP - April 10 - 7:34 am

  Vehicle bought from salvage pool for wife-no damage-theft/recovery. 2 head gaskets needed replaced then normal maintenance. Had dings taken out, repainted red w/clearcoat, added cruise control She loves it and will keep it til it dies!

• 

  Would love to have another just like it! - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Michelle - April 9 - 8:54 am

  I bought my car the day before my daughter was born. It had 112,000 miles on it. Today is has 252,000+. The only problem that I have had is the lifter went bad but that was my fault due letting my oil level get too low. (not changing the oil like I was supposed to). Over all I have spent less that $1000 on repairs other then general repairs. I wish I could find another one just like it. It is still running but I am ready for a newer model. Great van!

• 

  Power Steering Failure - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By JNP - April 9 - 7:58 am

  At 55,000 miles, the power steering has failed, just like TAJLs. Im getting it inspected and I notified the dealer of the problem. I purchased the extended warranty (it has come in handy), so it should be taken care of with a $100 deductible. The cable for the power window failed last year. I shut the door, and the window fell down. Is this a common problem for these trucks?

• 

  First vehicle, I loved it, i miss it. - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jm - April 8 - 2:44 pm

  This was my first car and i absolutely loved it, had to fix a few things when i first got it because the previous owner didnt take care of it but after that it was perfect. It was incredibly comfortable inside, handled really well especially for its size, good power (i had the bigger V6), and for its size the gas mileage was pretty darn good. The only reason i dont have it anymore is because I got into a pretty serious wreck with a Buick Century and Im pretty sure this car saved my life or at least my spine. Would buy another one if i could in a second great buy!

• 

  Looks can be deceiving - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mjg - April 8 - 9:45 am

  Working on my 3rd set of rotors at 49,900 miles. Continental tires lasted 20,000 miles. Always feels likes its out of alignment. Second set of tires showing wear. Needed a left upper tie rod end and lower control arm for inspection this year. Both key fobs broken. Musty smell when you turn air on or heat in the winter. Will never by a Dodge again. Never again.