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 the Dart is underrated - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By dartman4 - June 29 - 12:55 am

  The Dodge Dart is a highly underrated new car. I own an SXT 1.4 Turbo manual six speed. At 7,000 miles it has had NO glitches. The power, which most reviewers seem to complain about, is awesome considering its mileage averages. Yes, its heavy. Thats why its comfortable on highways and longer trips - UNLIKE some of the lightweight competition which brag about better zero to 60 times. What are we? Kids on a playground at recess? Third grade? Actually, a lot of people DO drive like they are in third grade, so I guess it makes sense. Compared to literal HORROR STORIES like those told by Scion FRS and Subaru BRZ owners - my Dart is a DREAM COME TRUE . Come on people.

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  Great Value on Dodge Journey - 2013 Dodge Journey
  By sarasotadon - June 26 - 1:41 pm

  I just purchased the base American Value model, and dont regret it a bit. The RAV 4 and the CRV were close to being the winner, when I gave Dodge another look. I dont feel short changed at all, except I saved thousands off the sticker compared to those two. Beautiful inside and out, with great build quality. My kids love the back seats that move and recline, great for long trips. The rebates the other guys did not offer really made it a no brainer. Living in S. FL I didnt need or want a sun roof, so dont feel cheated out at all. Runs smoother than the other options, less get up and go with the 2.5, but will save on speeding tickets.

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  2012 SRT...Going great through 25K - 2012 Dodge Challenger
  By orbwins - June 18 - 5:00 pm

  Moved from 4 cyl honda accord to SRT Classic, Automatic, fully loaded. I drive highway, Im getting about 20 miles to the gallon, again 1 year 25K miles into ownership.

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  My Favorite Car of All Time - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By dezern - June 6 - 9:59 pm

  Ive always loved the SRT-4s, and when I was finally given the chance to get one I jumped on it fast. I love this car more than any other Ive ever owned or driven before, shes incredibly smooth at high speeds, sticks to the road like you wouldnt believe, and will blow the minds of anyone foolish enough to think shes just a Neon. I have very minimal mods and the only thing thats given me any trouble was a 2013 Mustang GT that had been built quite a bit. 5.0s, S2ks, WRXs, Ive never lost to them before with this mean little car. If you want something fast and practical, buy this car! Also, it is the meanest sounding four cylinder ever! Put a 3 inch side exhaust on her and she sounds evil

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  Love my Dart! - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By ml871 - June 5 - 9:39 am

  I received my Dart as a gift in March, and I couldnt be happier. I had no idea that I was going to get a new car, since all of the other cars I have previously owned have been used. The Dart is great looks awesome, runs well, no complaints. I had read reviews that the engine warmer didnt work in cold temps, so of course I was worried, but then I remembered I live in an area where it rarely gets cold. Overall, the Dart is a wonderful car and I have thoroughly enjoyed having it!

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  Great car at a great price - 2013 Dodge Charger
  By tonyinnc - June 3 - 7:19 pm

  I thought I was crazy trading my MB GLK350 in for a Dodge. I can say right now it was definitely worth it. The car is built as solid as my MB and has better technology and a lot more personality. Dont know if the service will be as good but hope I never find out. Between the rebates I got this car for $30.5K. The car has plenty of pickup and so far I have not noticed that this car only has a 5 speeds.

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  So far so good! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By aaronrdavis - May 31 - 6:43 pm

  Had this baby for little over 2 years and I love it, not sure what most people are complaint about if you keep up with normal maintenance it should be fine in my two years of owning it Ive put almost 30,000 miles on it and havent had a thing go wrong with it except changing the battery. Great car to start with as long as its an 02 or newer neon. Ill agree with the others, I wish they kept making it I would buy another one :)

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  2012 Dodge Challenger RT Classic - Best yet! - 2012 Dodge Challenger
  By hometheaterguy - May 27 - 11:54 pm

  To date, I have owned twelve vehicles. My first, a 1964 Mercury Comet to my current 2012 Dodge Challenger RT Classic. The worst car I have owned is a 2009 Mazda 5 Wagon. The 2012 Dodge Challenger is by far the best vehicle we have ever purchased. This vehicle has the Super Trak Pack, 6-speed, sunroof, amazing leather and a rocking sound system that can play movies, blu tooth audio and read music from a thumb drive. Modifications made thus far Magnaflow X pipe, Pettys Garage Strut tower brace, LMI cold air intake and skip shift eliminator. Do want a car that handles corners with ease, has amazing acceleration and looks great? If so, this is the car for you. We love it!

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  Great Value Midsize Sedan - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By jklag11 - May 27 - 9:27 am

  Bought my 2005 Dodge Stratus SXT Sedan 2 years ago with 64,000 miles on it. Just passing 85,000 miles now and have not had a single repair yet. Bought the car for about $5,000 less than a same-year Camry or Accord, and have not regretted that decision once. Besides the fact that the Stratus is far and away more attractive than either, it has a much more spacious interior and has very good handling for a mid-2000s midsize sedan. My only complaint to date has been that I tend to drive more city than highway, and have never been able to meet either the EPA (22 mpg) or Edmunds predicted (19 mpg) city ratings. Otherwise, very happy with my Stratus!

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  True Love from Day 1 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By rwood541 - May 21 - 8:01 pm

  We bought our Durango new as the 1st replacement for our minivan era as our oldest began high school. It has faithfully, stylishly, comfortably moved 2 kids across country to college and I dont want another car. I wish it would last forever. I love it! Solid, dependable, built to keep a family safe and on the move! And nothing more than normal maintanance...and one water pump! 152,411 miles and still runs like day one! And I swear the mileage is improving...it would have to!