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:

• 

  Shes BAD! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Marcus Seals - February 13 - 5:17 am

  I wanted this car when I saw the concept, but they completely changed the design. I waited and almost bought a G8. This is a very reliable car and is built pretty good. The dealership takes extremely good care of me and her. I got some exhaust work done and didnt even take off the factory system. It sounds like a champ now! I really enjoy driving this car. I paid only 26,000 brand new oh yeah! Best car so far! My mother calls it hers b/c she loves it.

• 

  I LOVE MY DODGES! :} - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tara J - February 12 - 6:32 am

  Bought in immidate need of a car after my caravan was totaled didnt have much info barely looked it over and honestly hated it. My radio/clock didnt work, bad AC,wipers just never were enough even new, had to replace brake lines, now brake pads and forever adding oil. Horn stopped working, and highlights werent bright though bulbs were good. I barely got 17mpg in town, as much as I hated and didnt keep up manitence it was still A TANK! It got me where I needed to go and is still running strong with all that needs working on at 166000+ miles. I will miss the size, just bought a neon, but otherwise wont miss the car. Needs alot of manitence so much I just couldnt keep up. owned 18 months

• 

  2010 Challenger SE Rallye Group - Update - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Joe From Amarillo - February 11 - 9:15 pm

  It has been about two months with my new 2010 Dodge Challenger SE with the Rallye Pack. I have driven this rear wheel drive in the snow storms of 2010. I have not gotten stuck or even spin – out. The ESP, ABS and all the safety stuff has been a blessing. The driving experience is like going back to the old school days when people knew you by your car. I must say I still get excited every time I get in to go somewhere. My MPG is about 16 – 17 city and about 26 – 28 highway. Now remember this is during the snow storms of 2010. All the toys like my Nav system and the hands free U-connect is great. I have started adding things like the sport pedals, the T-handle, Air Force floor mats and do

• 

  Best SUV ever Purchased - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By 07 R/T - February 10 - 7:57 pm

  I have almost 75,000 miles on this now and it still runs great. My only gripe is the noisy rear carrier bearing. Overall love it, the 4.0 has awesome power and performance.

• 

  Very fast and comfortable car to drive - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Fast and Comfortable - February 10 - 3:19 pm

  I own the Intrepid LE 3.5L engine. I bought the car in 1998 to drive to Madison, Wi and Tennessee in the same week and it drove like a champ!! But, a few years later the air conditioner went out. I had to replace a floater in the gas tank and water pump. I had a couple of other items in the front end fixed and the regular maintenance. Now, the oil pressure light has came on which the car will just die out at a red light but starts back up again.A mechanic said that the engine is going out and that I might have a couple months left before it goes out completely. The check engine light comes on but it goes back out sometimes right away and maybe after a day or two. Could it be my crankshaft?

• 

  I love my charger! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By charger happy - February 9 - 9:54 pm

  I actually bought my 06 RT with 25000 miles on it and a minor crash with about 2000 dollars worth of damage to bumper, fender, roof. I got it fixed and then promptly hit an elk, car jumped it nicely. put black 18s on it,the car is metallic black and totally plain and I absolutely love it. Of course the hemi is awesome, I am totally stock, would like new exhaust for more sound but it is great just the way it is! Gas mileage is about 21 on the highway but I can NEVER keep my foot out of it, love to pass everyone uphill!

• 

  How not to sell a car - 2010 Dodge Caliber
  By yougottabekidding - February 9 - 8:30 pm

  Ownership experience was limited to 1 hour. Although ordered correctly, Dodge failed to manufacture the car correctly by leaving out 1 of 3 options....where was the quality control?? Took car for initial drive and it overheated in less than 5 miles. After listening to salesman and manager attempt ever increasing levels of BS, we took our deposit and left.

• 

  Great travel van! - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Guido - February 9 - 12:22 pm

  I bought the van with 130000 miles on. Had to replace AC compressor, fix a electric window motor and buy the missing middle seat. Put on big tires to bring it off the ground. We took it on several long distance camping trips. Love the smooth ride. Fuel economy is not too bad on long distances, depending on driving style. Cruise control useless in higher altitudes (we live in CO). Small transmission fluid leak. No engine problems whatsoever. We also own a 95 Plymouth van in Europe which comes with a 4cyl. turbo diesel engine. Wish I could have that engine in it! Powerful and very economic (up to 30 miles)

• 

  Great Truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Jason - February 8 - 1:24 pm

  I bought my truck (4.7 2wd quad) new November 2000. I get 24 highway and 18 mixed driving. I have a camper shell on it so maybe that helps with the better mileage as compared to other postings. Over these 9+ years I have had one window motor, Oxygen sensor, air- bag sensor go out, about $900 dollars total from the dealer. No other problems with the truck so far.

• 

  Cargo minivan - 1992 Dodge Caravan
  By Peachydad - February 8 - 10:47 am

  Bought it used from truck dealer, cargo minivan with 3.0 l v-6, and more reliable 3 speed transmission. Ugly but generally reliable. Not that good of gas mileage for such a small van, but useful for small catering business. Almost zero resale value when traded for full size pickup, given the reputation of 4 speed trannies on these vehicles. Had an earlier 3.0 l v-6 passenger van with 4 speed and was rebuilt or repaired three times under warranty. Would not purchase Chrysler product again after that lemon, but this cargo van was cheap and didnt have that terrible trans.