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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  Why would Dodge get rid of em?! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Matt - January 4 - 1:56 pm

  Had this car for a very short time but its amazing on gas, has a sporty look with just a little kick to it! I previously owned an 01 Sebring and I loved it but it fell apart and I had to get rid of it. If your looking for a small fuel efficient car with sporty looks and handles like a Luxury car than the Dodge neon is just for you!

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bateman - January 3 - 6:50 pm

  I completely LOVE this car. I dont really have a bad thing to say about it. It has tons of room inside. My husband is a bigger build and he fits in our Caliber better than any other car. The seats in the front as well as the back are VERY comfortable. It has lots of great features and storage space inside. My 3 dogs love it as well.

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  worst truck I have ever owned - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Watkins - January 3 - 3:52 pm

  This was the worst truck I ever owned. At 45000 miles the front wheel bearings went out. I called and asked about a recall, and the dealer said no recall was planned. A month later a recall was issued. At 50000 miles the transmission started to slip. At 60000 miles the water pump was toast. at 105000 the engine was gone despite oil changes every 3000 miles. After looking in the engine block there was so much sluge it looked like the oil had never been changed. Also both power window motors when at 50000 miles. If you are thinking about this car think again. I will never buy a dodge again.

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  no problems at all - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By allan - January 3 - 1:22 am

  I bought this car in 2003 with 20000 miles on it.I drove it until 2009 and put an additional 90000 miles on it.Other than oil changes this car has been maintenance free for me.The 2003 Neon was the most reliable car Ive ever had.I would have bought another one but they stopped making the model 3 years ago. I recently traded it in and bought a 2007 Kia Spectra.Ill miss my Neon though. I had zero problems with it in 6 years of daily driving

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Courtjar - January 3 - 12:54 am

  I have had this car for about a month. We downsized from a Chevy Tahoe and I thought I would not feel as safe, but this little car has a big feel inside. Love the gas mileage compared to the Tahoe. My kids love it - they can see so much more now. As with any car, there can be a bad one in the bunch that needs a lot of work, but dont let those discourage you from checking out this car!

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  Great car if you have a warranty! - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Jim - January 2 - 8:29 pm

  When I sold my business after 27 years I treated my self to my second new car, ever. I loved it until 48 hours later when the engine knocked like heck during warm up. I was told it might go away. 14k later a new short block was in stalled. A trans recall for reprogramming, brakes warped, tie rod ends came loose, both tail lenses fogged up, the clear coat on the wheels peeled in 6k from rusty rotors,rear speakers buzz even on low volume, u-connect works less than half the time but only while answering the phone. (you get a call, you push the button, it tells you your phone is unavailable!)Frustrating!. SYNC in my wifes ford works much better. I wanted to buy American and still glad I did.

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  All thee Above - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tamira Wams - January 1 - 2:49 pm

  So far I had no real problems with my RT since ownership. luv the ride an the look of the car, sometimes the sunroof dont close flush but I jus made my own ajustment. luv my 6 disc changer/mp3/sat/nav, the only problem I had since ownership is my radio lights goes in an out. The whole screen goes black an cant use my navigation and other radio functions.

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  pure junk - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By john-d - January 1 - 1:38 pm

  tranny problems...underpowered..wiring problems,constant motor noises, almost no get and go , overall a junk made van , after owning a ford wind-star this van is far from the quality of the ford

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  nice truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By pmorales - January 1 - 10:37 am

  bought truck new with 18 miles on it has 4.7L with towing setup I pull a 28 foot travel trailer 6300 lbs (loaded) w/no problem. Fuel mileage 15/19 city/hw,9/11 pulling trailer rear differential gasket replaced under warrenty @ 23000m, front bumper loose when purchased missing bolts , dependable truck for the money,unfortunatlly wife has taken it over she loves it

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  It is what it is ! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By tom - January 1 - 12:11 am

  This Nitro parked in my garage is buy far the best 4 wheel drive Ive had in several years. Its 4 wheel drive out performs that of my Grand cherokee Limited. Sure there has been a few recalls. So what! Recalls are fixed free. I have 30,000 on this Nitro now and I cant complain at all. You take care of it and it will take care of you.