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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  Makes Me Plum Crazy to drive! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Dean - February 7 - 8:23 am

  I work at a Toyota Dealership. I was driving a 2007 Charger SXT 3.5 which I was quite satisfied with. We traded for a 2007 Plum Crazy Charger Daytona with only 661 miles. I drove the car and fell in love INSTANTLY! The 3.5 was great but the feel and sound of this Daytona makes me feel like Im 20 years old again. Handles like a dream and its a pleasure to drive. I leave an hour early for work just so I can drive my car!

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  Simple - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Simple - February 5 - 7:08 pm

  I have bought this car in Nov of 09 in AZ and drove it up to WA avreging 39mpg at 75m/h. No issues at all. I have the 1.8l engine with 5 speed manual transmission. Beautiful metallic black paint job with black cloth interior and dash. I love the color combination! Good safety ratings and very roomy. Bucket seats could be a bit harder but other than that it is comfortable. Not bad car for the money. Payed $10K and it had 24K/mi on it.

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  Voom Voom see my dust ? - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By Happiest man alive - February 5 - 1:02 am

  I got my 2010 RT 7 weeks ago. Already, put on 4k miles on it, and I love this baby. i traded my 06 charger SE, v6, 2.7 liter engine, had that one for 3 years and had 100K when i traded it in. Never had a problem besides dragging on the road, thats why i got another Charger. My RT does a better gas millage that the other one, i get 19-21 on street, and 21-25 on the freeway in decent driving. Just got it dropped and put on my 22 inch wheels on it and i get all the looks. Dodge has come a long way building a reliable car. Just do a test drive and you will know what i am talking about.

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  Worst car ever made - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Jessica - February 4 - 2:03 pm

  We havent had it long but I really wish I would not have bought it. So far it stinks in gas mileage. Gets a total of 20-25 mpg. At first I thought the gas handle was broke and the company promised to fix it in 3 months. We call back and they say 3 more months. It cant move in snow, I got stuck in my drive way but me buick got out just fine. Its broken down with only 6252 miles on it. If you asked me "should I buy this car?" I would say NEVER EVER EVER buy this car.

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  3 boosters - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Kgarzia - February 4 - 10:12 am

  I love my new car. We downsized from a 2003 expedition and I really dont miss the extra room. I can fit all three booster seats in the second row. My kids have plenty of room and it is easier to get them buckled in. There is even plenty of room for our Great Dane in the back. Looking forward to camping and canoe trips this spring.

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  Do Not Buy This Car!!! - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Tam - February 3 - 10:09 pm

  I bought this car in july of 06,had to have the front seal replaced in december of06 at 14,000 miles. Here I am 2 and a half years later at 70,000 miles and have to have the front seal replaced again!!! It was a fairly good car otherwise, but dont waste your money. It will nickel and dime you death.

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  BUY A DODGE DAKOTA - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By zwzach - February 3 - 12:33 am

  I bought this truck because I was looking at trucks in its class like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier. But nothing compares to this truck, my truck has the 4.7 v8 all I have to say is I am very impressed with the power and the styling of this truck it is a sweet ride. I did buy a cold air intake and a chip for this truck for $630.00 and i think it will unleash the real Dakota in side and should help with the fuel economy factor so anyways buy a dodge Dakota I really think you will love it just buy with a 4.7 or 5.9 i think you will enjoy it a bit more.

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  Smooth Power - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By TD - February 2 - 9:58 pm

  I traded in a Jeep to get a Charger and was really happy I did. The AWD feature is great for driving in the snow and wet conditions. The 5.7L Hemi has incredibly smooth power that gets up and goes without jerky motions. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a big car with power and lots of room. So far it is also getting decent gas mileage

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  2008 dodge Charger RT RWD - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By steve mackanos - February 2 - 7:36 pm

  This car Rocks fun to drive handles like a dream safe feeling. The police depts use these for a good reason. Fast and can handle being driven hard....The MPG on the HWY if you set the cruise around 28.......Big trunk and plenty room for two kids in the back with car seats......See ya in the fast lane!

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  Disappointed Buyer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Disappointed Buyer - February 2 - 6:35 pm

  I love the look of the Dodge Nitro but it has not been a reliable car. Its possible I received a lemon because I have had the following problems.. 1. Back Windshield Wiper snapped in half the second time it was used. 2. At least twice a month the dash board lights all come on, the bells start ringing and the car stalls for a moment and then runs again. 3. 2 of the 4 windows do not work. 4. 2 of the 4 door handles snapped in half so you have to roll down the working window to open the door from the outside. 5. Windshield wipers stall when it rains hard. (Almost had an accident from this). 6. Brakes making noises. Called Chrysler regarding recalls. They said vin doesn match recalls.