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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  My Best Friend - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By Beach Driver - March 31 - 3:31 pm

  I bought this truck a little over 2 years ago, and Ive put over 40K miles on here without a hiccup. Ive lifted it put 33/12.5 on here and have never got her stuck I call her my best friend for the fact it has never let me down, it doesnt matter if it is -40 or 110 degrees she still started. The only only thing Ive ever had to do is change a rear seal in the tranny no big deal seeing that it only cost me 6 bucks. Im gonna drive her till the wheels fall off and when that happens Ill probably just fix it. NUMBER ONE TRUCK

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  Overall good buy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By christabelleigh - March 31 - 10:24 am

  It is not very comfortable on long drives > 6 hours. Replaced tires at 45,000 miles (but my alignment was off, which could account for some of the wear). Sounds weird, but if it is below freezing outside, my cruise control wont turn on. No problems otherwise, have been performing maintenance as recommended. Would buy again. Headlights are very bright, oncoming traffic always thinks that I have on high beams.

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  13 mpg - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By db11464 - March 30 - 10:39 pm

  Clunky shifts from transmission 3.3liter only gets 13 mpg (60% city-40% highway) front end parts dont last.

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  Overall a Great Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By markbg - March 30 - 9:21 pm

  Bought new in 02. Love the looks of this model year and still get compliments on it. Great versatility for hauling cargo and misc. stuff in the bed and comfortable enough to fit four adults or family in the cab. Its been a reliable vehicle, but one thing Id do over is opt for the larger engine. Same or better mileage with the V8 and better performance. Still a wonderful truck!

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  Damn good SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By NYFREEZE - March 30 - 8:28 pm

  I have to say we bought this SUV and it already had 90,000 on it. Was a little worried about the millage but 2 yrs latter no worries at all. Are Durango currently has 123,000 and drives and looks new. Normal cost to operate tires, oil, mostly preventive maintenance. I live in upstate NY and the winters are very harsh and the 4x4 comes in very Handy. We only put it in 4wd when needed. We have a family of 6 and got sick and tired of the mini van thing and this took its place very admirably. Will never go back. Besides once you drive this in the winter you wont want anything else. Took this SUV everywhere.

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  Brings back memories - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By dennis - March 30 - 3:32 pm

  Congrats Dodge for hitting the nail on the head with the Challenger r/t. This thing rocks. Both with performance and looks. What a head Turner. I love the stereo and 5" nav screen. Cant wait for the cat back and cold air kit to come in and have installed. Should make it sound and perform even better than it does now. The hud headlights are something you will never want to do without. Wow! Ive always been a Chevy guy but was really disappointed with the non-classic look. I am really looking forward to summer. Thanks again Dodge

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  Front end hell - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mad as Hell - March 29 - 8:34 pm

  I have replace the front end struts 4 times already the last time in the last 4 months but the dealer keep telling me that there is nothing wrong and they must be putting part on wrong, I have talked other caliper owner some are having the same problems. The worst car I have every owned, wish I could give it back.

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  In Love with My Caliber - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By mrzalicia - March 29 - 11:53 am

  I would have to say im impressed with its room for me and my three kids. The gas mileage is great, especially in todays economy we need a car good on gas. It could be a little more stylish inside maybe a ipod connection like some cars are doing, there are some blind spots but over all I am a happy Dodge Caliber owner.

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  Dissapointed customer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Dissapointed Owner - March 28 - 4:27 pm

  I bought the 2007 Dodge Nitro solely for the body style. I liked it the first few months, the Mirrors pose a huge hazard when driving, brings new meaning to "blind spot". I have had a few issues. My biggest peeve is the Battery. I have already had it replaced and if you dont drive it everyday the battery goes dead. The last time in dealership the Tech played it off as the sound system drawing to much and causing it to drain dead. The problem according to my dealership is that the previous owner replaced the system with another and the warranty would not cover the battery. I dont believe the reasoning and think the dealership doesnt want to fix it. Have to Jump it off every three days

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  What great cars are made of - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By don - March 28 - 2:34 pm

  I ordered my charger in June /09 while there was a large rebate on them all together over 13,000 in discounts but their wasnt any 09 out there so I got a 2010 with the same rebates. The car is deep blue water Pearl that I had a custom shop put some decals on it in silver the car performs very well and gets great mileage for a car this size with a v/8. I find the car very comfortable even on long drives. I have had several cars including performance cars and this car comes close to my old cuda for fun to drive yet way more comfortable and reliable /my only complaint is even with top of the line snow/ice tires you have got to be very careful and drive slower or you will find yourself in trouble