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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  2009 Dodge Challenger RT - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By bathat - January 18 - 9:50 pm

  This car is a real eye catcher. Within 2 weeks of first seeing the Challenger, I had one in my garage. I get compliments every time I take it out for a drive, and have had a few impromptu photo shoots in parking lots. Great acceleration. The exhaust configuration specific to the RT manual delivers a confident, but not obnoxious exhaust note. Interior noise is not an issue, even at hwy speeds. This is not a sports car, so youre not going to corner with a Mustang or Camaro, but you may find it more comfortable for cruising. After 10k mi, not 1 issue. Visibility takes getting used to. Hill start assist and skip shift are easily disabled (most if not all muscle cars have this.)

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  Awesome! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Danielle - January 18 - 5:09 pm

  I havent seen too many reviews from women so heres one. I just bought my 2008 Charger from Enterprise Rental. Great deal, clean CARFAX, love the car. Its a base model but cant imagine needing a bigger engine. This car hauls! Loved my old Dodge and this one drives even better. Seat seems low compared to my old Dodge Stratus but Im 54" tall and visibility is good after putting the headrests all the way down and adjusting the passenger seat. No one buys a Charger for fuel efficiency but its not too bad. I fill up about once a week. I definitely made the right choice buying this car. So fun to drive, it puts a smile on my face! Seems a shame to haul groceries with it.

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  A ONE TON PAPERWEIGHT - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By LAURA - January 18 - 3:24 pm

  Purchased in 2002. A pretty good car. The only work it needed was routine maintenance like oil changes, tires etc. Ive taken great care with it. The other day it stalled out on me and I had it towed to repair shop. Turns out the water pump failed allowing antifreeze to mix with the motor oil which fried all the bearings. I only had 79000 miles on it. Im blown away that such inferior garbage such as this 2.7L engine can do this and is actually what you can expect to happen. I have an extended warranty but it may not cover the expense of a new motor since the warranty wont exceed the value of the car itself. Ill never ever buy Dodge or Chryseler again!

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  Unhappy In Michigan - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Unhappy in Michigan - January 18 - 11:10 am

  I purchased this car in Jan 08 w/ 18000 Miles on it. It now has 52000 miles and even with regular maintenance Ive had to replace the front suspension, Multi Function Switch, and multiple tires. I only get 15 MPG(Highawy), constant problems with vehicle alignment and tire air pressure, and sometimes the vehicle gets stuck in gears. I didnt think of the plastic interior when I bought it but Ive grow to hate it it is so hard and uncomfortable. The vehicle looks amazing, if dodge does one thing right it exterior appearance. But the interior looks and feels cheap and utilitarian. Thank God Im not upside down on what I owe on the car, I am trading it in this week. HUGE BLINDSPOTS!!!

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  My Maroon Beast. - 2008 Dodge Durango
  By Bill Woessner - January 17 - 8:58 pm

  What can I say but,this vehicle can do it all.Probably the best vehicle I have ever owned.This HEMI will blow by any stock equipped truck out there.I live in hilly Western Pennsylvania and can tow anything from my Six-Pack Charger to my Chris-Craft Cruiser.The all 4WD plows through the worst snow we have and climbs any muddy trail I put it through. There is so much room that a family of 7 can enjoy a long trip.With the seats down I can load 4x8 sheets of drywall or plywood or move any youngster to college. The power leather heated seats feel like you are on a cloud. This vehicle is such a head turner with the maroon paint and 20 inch chrome wheels.

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  My Pride and Joy - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepidfan000 - January 17 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased the Intrepid in July of 2008 when it had 61494 miles on it. The major selling points I noticed were that although the car is a boat, it handles like a sports car as it glides along the road like a hot knife through butter. It has graceful, yet aggressive lines, very comfortable supportive seats, a cavernous trunk and cabin, and much more. I have had no problems with the car, and it has taken me from A to B efficiently and stylistically. Unfortunately, the car was totaled in January of 2010 at a young age of 70,512 miles. I have heard that 2.7 liter engine has been problematic, but mine gave me no trouble. As long as you treat it like your pride and joy, youll be fine.

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  Take care of it and it will last forever - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Take Responsibility - January 17 - 5:44 pm

  I bought the car with 4 miles on it and have put over 42,000 miles on it. Im still on my first set of tires, and havent once had any need for service outside of preventative. I know that its a direct result of following ALL of the maintenance recommendations, which hasnt cost me much money or time. City mileage is a bit lower than rated, especially depending on what city youre in. In suburbs, I get 22 mpg, but in Santa Cruz, I got 17 (rated 23). However, I get better highway than rated. 29 vs. 26. Taking into account what the car is (3600 pounds, AWD, shaped like a brick), thats very impressive mileage. Its very capable in all terrains, snow, rain, dry, gravel, dirt, Ive traveled all

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  93 dodge shadow - 1993 Dodge Shadow
  By emilys car - January 17 - 1:28 pm

  Excellent car, nearly 200,000 kms on it and still going... Very comfortable and fun to drive, most reliable car, can sit for 2 weeks at below zero temp and still have no trouble starting. Not many repairs needed over the years. Love this car and will miss it when its gone some day. Doesnt seem like that will happen any time soon tho!

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  Great Vehicle Great Customer Service - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Jeep n Dodge guy - January 17 - 1:47 am

  This is an all around great vehicle. Yes the plastic seat molds break, but like everything they cannot last forever. The ride is amazing and the power is extreme. I have the 5.7l V8 Hemi.The dealership is in Bloomington Indiana (Town and Country). I recommend going there. All of the sales team were really friendly, and I was not pushed (big one for me). First time Durango owner and I am oleased.

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  more improvement needed - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By mossygalaxy - January 16 - 11:37 pm

  i bought my dodge avenger on 12/24/08, likes the body style, drives smooth but the car stopped like twice in middle of driving without warning, still confused about that b/c i dont have the owner manual. Also i will like to know the type of gas the car uses{ie unleaded,super or premium}b/c it is not mentioned any where in my car, p/s reply on review if you can help . be bless,