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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  I dont know what edmunds is talking about - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By dajobr - May 17 - 2:37 pm

  we have to 2.0 liter automatic se base model drives great looks great great mileage plenty of acceleration when needed

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  1.4ltr Fire MultiAir Intercooled Turbo Rallye 6speed DCT auto - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By arrrggghhhh - May 9 - 10:46 pm

  This car is packed with everything you could ever want... Its very quick and great handling... born from and Alpha Romeo Giulietta. sharing a lengthed and widened chassis, suspension and engine. to make up for the extra 120 pounds over the Alpha it has more hp and torque. 1 billion dollars went into designing this car and it shows big time...We have the 1.4l intercooled turbo, 16valve, vvt with 6speed DCT auto transmission with auto stick. This car will not dissappoint!!! this car has 100,000 different variations upon ordering and then after that Dodge offers a full book of all kinds of accessories and add ons from suspension to racing strips.

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  Modern Muscle - 2011 Dodge Challenger
  By bigles985 - May 9 - 10:08 pm

  I absolutely love my SRT8. Has enough power to throw you into your seat but still can get over 20 mpg if youre easy on the throttle. I love the styling and love the fact my kids can fit in the back. I also have the Green With Envy color and get compliments on my car all the time at the pump.

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  Dodges Dart Hits Its Target - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By darius07 - May 6 - 9:09 pm

  I purchased the 2013 Dodge Dart SXT for $16,500. Considering all its features, I found it to be a tremendous value that competitors would be hard-pressed to beat, especially domestic makers. The car is agile, very responsive, solid, and offers a very smooth and pleasant ride. Dodges compact has now returned to its sleek aerodynamic roots, offering a bit of flare and enough customization options to make it more personal. Expected features like power windows and locks were very welcome on this vehicle, and unexpected amenities like an auto dimming rear mirror and illuminated cup holders were a pleasant surprise which made it more a value altogether. Definitely a great first car.

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  Sporty economical comfort - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By rogeo - May 5 - 10:05 am

  Ive read lots of reviews and cant understand why the 2.0 liter never gets covered much. I like this engine. Its reasonably powerful, consistent and very smooth. The 6 speed manual is great and worth the learning curve if youve never driven a standard before plus youll go farher on a tank. It will also require less maintenance. I plan to keep this car for awhile and appreciate that I wont have the hassle of having to eventually get a timing belt replaced. Some reviewers complain about the seats not being comfortable. I consider myself of average build and find the support and comfort great with really good lower back support. They also look good. Highly recommended!

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  I will miss this car! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By bgoodrich - May 4 - 1:36 pm

  I owned this car for 7 years and put 165,000 miles on it. I never had a mechanical problem with it ever. It was fast enough, but what I liked the most was the handling. I never thought there was a curve I couldnt take without minimal braking. This car alo had exceptional top-end passing ability. If you ever neede to go from 70-80 mph quickly, you could depend on the Stratus R/T to do it. I got a lot of compliments on the cars appearance and it was nice to be the only person I know to have one. I cant believe they didnt sell more of these. I really cant put into words how much I enjoyed this car. I will miss her greatly.

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  Fun, fast, and reliable - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By sleepysrt - April 25 - 3:52 pm

  This is a reliable car for the performance that it puts out. Mine has 163,xxx miles and gives me no real issues. This car is built to last and last it will! The ride is a little on the rough side but isnt anything to really complain about, the seats are nice as long as you arent a larger person, gas mileage is great for a car that has this much power, I love the location for the factory boost gauge and that it comes with one, and the sound system is incredible. Possibly the best thing about the car is the sound it makes! The spoiler gets in the way when looking back, though you quickly get use to it being there. The only other bad thing is the rear windows are manual.

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  1994 Dodge Dicota - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By ahallum3 - April 22 - 10:24 pm

  My Grandpa left me a 94 Dodge Dicota & I like it its a good runing truck & iam never going to let it go iam going to keep it for ever & ever. hope you all are happy with your truck.

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  2003 awd 4x4 slt, 4.7 V8 quad cab - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By slufscb - April 16 - 11:24 pm

  This is my Second Dakota. It is a good all around truck. I have over 200,000 miles on mine. I noticed my gas mileage has gone down since i have had the ball joints replaced. I get 14 mpg in the city and about 19 mpg on the hwy. Outside of normal wear of parts this truck has served me well. For an AWD truck it handles good in snow, rain and mud. I have only had to put into 4 wheel drive when I get stuck in mud. The size of the truck works well for our family, we are all 58" or less and the truck seems roomy to us.

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  Almost Perfect! - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By bikenut11 - April 14 - 5:09 pm

  This is the second 2013 Dart Ive owned as the first one was totaled in an accident at 2000 miles. (other drivers fault 100%). My new dart is just past 2000 miles now. Obviously I really liked the car - enough to buy the exact same model, trim and color twice. Both cars had/have zero issues at all. You absolutely cannot beat the value for your money in the economy class. This car is FUN to drive and packed full of features in a very good looking body. The 1.4L turbo has typical spool lag as all turbos do, but the performance in light of the fuel economy is a fantastic balance. Its a sporty ECONOMY car, remember that and youll be happy.