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 truck for the money...4.7liter v-8 - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By just another driver - May 16 - 3:43 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with 17,000 miles on it when I purchased it. At 19,000 the fuel pump went out, but the truck was covered under warranty, and they fixed it right away. For all around performance and features I can say it exceeded my expectations. The only gripe I have is the city driving w/ the 4.7 liter fuel mileage isnt all that great, but highway mileage is awesome! Im fortunate to get 14 mpg city. Power is awesome and theres no lack at all in that category. I have over 30,000 miles on it now, and it has done well for me. I did experience a small problem w/ the door open sensor but they fixed it right away, I can only say good things about the dealership I purchased it from.

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  357 MAG - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Steve - May 15 - 5:06 pm

  Bought this Magnum in 2004 when they first came out. I wish I had waited for the SRT AWD. But this wagon can go down the road and leave the rest behind.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Dan - May 15 - 2:02 pm

  Great truck with great reliability and power. Very fun to drive with great handling, only downfall is fuel economy. I get around 12 to 13 mpg, but other than that this is a great truck. I drove a standard cab Dakota 2wd 3.9 L V6 than upgraded to this 4wd 2 dr ext cab with a 4.7 L V8 and love it. Does very well in the snow too.

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  BG - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By BG - May 14 - 4:04 pm

  175,000 trouble free miles still drives like it did when we picked it up. Very low maintenance brakes and oil changes only. Fuel 19 highway 15 city not bad.

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  Beauty, Brawn and Bling - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Family Hauler - May 14 - 3:35 pm

  This 2003 SLT 4.7L is my second Durango. I previously had a 2000 SLT with 5.9L V8. I bought this one used with 49K miles Dodge Certified (still bought the extended warranty)and have now passed through 83K with only one $200 repair for an emissions control sensor. Truthfully, the gas mileage isnt great, but the 4.7 L is much better than the 5.9 L I had in the 2000. I recently added an after market cold air intake system ($230- 279) from K&N or Airaide. The K&N are Calif Air Resource Board (CARB) exempt, meaning street legal in all 50 states and comes with documentation. They promised a +8hp. I got +2-3 mpg with improved throttle response, and meatier underhood sound.

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  Love my charger! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By billster - May 13 - 10:16 pm

  I drove a Ford Ranger for 13 yrs. I still have it and its still running btw. But since getting my charger, I dont care to drive the ranger. I know this sounds crazy, but Ive never loved a car like I do the charger. Its so fun to drive. We were not really in the market for a vehicle when we got the charger. The wifes Taurus trans was acting up, she mentioned seeing a charger on a used lot. So we go take a look. There was this sweet black charger with 22" chrome wheels. We take it for a test drive and fell in love with it. As I was sitting there signing the papers Im thinking, I cant believe Im buying a charger. Btw, I replaced her vss and tps in the Taurus so I get the charger all the time now

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  Sleek and Fun - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By ydahsmils2001 - May 12 - 11:32 pm

  I bought this vehicle looking for something that could haul my equipment and have the heart of a sports car. Man! does it ever haul. The car is roomy too. Gas mileage is not so great, but the car makes up for it in raw power! I am thoroughly impressed with the SRT8. No one even sees me coming, sleek and fast.

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  Love 2008 - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By mike2327 - May 12 - 5:18 pm

  Back in January I purchased a used 2007 sxt with 36,000 km. Three weeks later I had an accident and it was written off. I received a payout from insurance and then decided to go new. I was not really happy with the cvt trans so I went to manual. My new 2008 is the best vehicle I have owned ever. Having driven a 98 std neon for 10 years its a dream compared to that little car. I would highly recommend that standard trans Caliber. The mileage improvement over the 2007 is much better. I just love the 2008 totally .

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  Best Coupe 4 the money - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Sals Dodge - May 12 - 9:50 am

  Bought this car new. Great fuel economy:32HWY, 24CITY. Still has original battery and rear brakes. This car is fully equipped with sunroof, power drivers seat, great CD player and all other expected options. Im getting ready to buy a new coupe, but havent found any car that could compare to this Stratus in ANY price range, Only draw back is not 4 wheel disc brakes. Still the best bargain for under $18000 (out the door). If dodge can come up with a new FWD coupe, Im a buyer. No need to shop around. What a WINNER !!

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  Great car ! But? - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By concerned8 - May 11 - 11:17 pm

  Hi, me and my husband bought this car in 2005. It was a used vehicle the car runs great we love it! But we have experienced a few problems. The starter has been replaced also the battery and now Im being told that the bushing need to be fixed on passenger side. I dont know. A lot of reviews say they only changed tire and brakes and thats it. So I am a little concerned, if I am getting ripped off or the maintenance is really needed. Please if you have any advice let me no or if you have similar car would appreciate your feedback ad opinion of my repairs.