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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  MY Dodge caravan is crap - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Mike - November 9 - 3:28 pm

  We bought the 2006 SXT new in 07 just after they got rid of the 100,000 mile warranty, dealer stated because the dodge caravan vans were built much better with fewer problems "yeah right" The vehicle drove OK up to 70.000 miles with routine maintenance, accept for the automatic doors, poor design wire kept breaking. After that The transmission 2,200 rebuilt went due to a faulty over heated converter was on the recalled list but we were never notified but dodge replace it only converter thanks. ECM electrical board went 1,800 AC starter, alternator twice, breaks disk drums, tie rods , front and rear struts 3,000, oil change every 3,000 miles but is burning oil ( maybe or seal PVC val) A/C e-vap unit but we were able to get that fixed for a small fee 100.00 recall ya! Over all with the money we have had to put into caravan I am giving it a two starts over all. The good stow and go, good acceleration, when need it rides smooth if nothing is going on it. Ok in the snow. I should have dump this car after 70,000 miles when the transmission went was a sign this only good up that. I have rear review where people have done well with theres but mine was built on Monday. I will not buy another Dodge due to this bad experience after all said and done 1119, 000 miles we have spent 37,000 dollars over all 24,500 for the vehicle and over all the maintenance and repairs again thanks Dodge.

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  Fool me once dodge, but fool me twice - 2011 Dodge Avenger
  By Logan King - September 23 - 8:20 am

  This is my second dodge first one the thermostat housing cracked and had to be replaced as well as water pump till finally died, I now have an avenger certified pre owned and less than 80,000 miles and regularly maintenance and same issues with this one. Two dodges same problems all coming to the amount of 900 plus in price.

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  Clunks!! - 2014 Dodge Journey
  By Cathy - September 21 - 3:36 pm

  It CLUNKS when shifting into gears. Dealership says it is normal, it is just air in the lines. Has anyone else heard this? Not very happy at all with this vehicle. Ready to trade it in on a Toyota.

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  Problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Yadi - September 20 - 2:08 pm

  I had to replace tie rod and ball joints. Again, Im replacing the ball joints. I put in new alternator and a battery. Right now it has 102k miles. But it used with 70k miles. I dont recommend a dodge caliber to anyone. Money pit car

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  whiney whisltley - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By Allen Esper - September 15 - 11:28 am

  Diappointed gear whine/whistle noise at 65-70 mph. Like an old schoolbus. Hav driven rentals before without this noise. Maybe just the late 2015s? Swtched supplier? Would have otherwise been great car.

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  Beyond disappointed - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Beth Gordon - September 13 - 7:50 pm

  In 28 years of marriage, this was our first new vehicle purchase. We have 11,000 miles on it and have had it for 6 months. Weve had to have it in the shop six times and still our issues are not resolved. The back shocks had to be replaced, a sensor went out in the fuel system causing our check engine light to go on, which disables your remote start capabilities. We had the sensor replaced and was assured the check engine light would stay off and it came the next day. I have not been able to use my remote start for two months. With temps over 90 degrees, this was very disappointing. We then had a terrible grinding noise under our pedal and brake. It was put on the hoist in the shop and the audible grinding has quit, but the technician never stated that there was a problem. There is still a slight grinding feel in the brake. We are now going to a new Dodge dealer to have it looked at and hopefully get the check engine light off. The DVD player in the entertainment system is very touchy and at times doesnt work. I understand getting the kinks out, but this is ridiculous. Unless Dodge provides some kind of intervention (and we are contacting them) I would never buy another Dodge again. Its really a shame because the potential for this to be the greatest midsize SUV on the road is definitely there.

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  Looks great.... - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - September 13 - 7:43 am

  Great looking full size car. But after that nothing but problems. Front end is weak even with my wifes driving. Needed new tie rods and tension struts before 50k miles. The blinkers malfunctioned, the clock spring in the steering wheel broke. Hvac recirculation door broke/stuck on recirculate so it constantly fogs up when cold. Now 2 recalls, one for an airbag and one for the ignition. Luckily we purchased the dealer extended warranty, which I never do for anything.

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  Big Chunky Ride - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - September 12 - 8:15 pm

  Weighing in at 3800 pounds is the reason its big chunky. Its also the reason the car is hard on control arms, tie rods, and suspension. The motor is solid but it revs down real slow for some reason and has a "hemi tick" in the winter when its first started. Also a gnarly delay when you stab the throttle and when the rpms actually react to it,,, weird. The instrument panel has awkward half points that dont anything in between the floor / seat / dash air options. When turn the AC off or change from floor to dash position it actually takes about 8 seconds to respond. Full size sedan the corners stretch far on the blind spot beast. My car has had all struts replaced, also the lower control arms and now the upper ball joints are shot.

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  not a reliable car - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By James - August 19 - 8:09 pm

  I bought my car in july 4th abd since then have taken it to the dodge place twice for parts on my transmission failing. It has less than 2000 miles on it and i bought it with 3 miles in it. This is the biggest garbage i have ever bought from dodge. Should have kept my caliber

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  Its been a nightmare - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike azuela - August 6 - 9:14 am

  Since ive had this car, the water pump, upper control arms, tie rod ends, gas tank, and thermostat had to be replaced in less than 4 months.