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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  Looked Around - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Randy - November 15 - 8:43 pm

  It was an easy choice after looking around at foreign crossovers. Sitting in the Journey, even without driving it, sold it to us. Roomy compared to its foreign counterparts and extremely comfortable. It is a great transition family car for those wanting to move away from the "van" look yet maintaining the ability to transport your kids and their friends. Very happy with our first 1500 miles on it. Extremely comfortable and easy to drive. While some of the interior plastics arent what I would call "quality" looking, they are functional and easy to clean and maintain. Wouldnt go back to the "van" for nothing!

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  On the Cover - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Danny - November 14 - 11:01 am

  On the outside, the Challenger looks like it has nailed the retro styling. however, there is no manual tranny offered. If standard transmission is important, look to the Mustang over he Camaro.

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  Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Billz - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used about a year ago. Car has proven a reliable and attractive vehicle with great mileage for a car of its size.

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  almost 9 years and still going strong - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By dakota fan - November 14 - 8:57 am

  I have owner my dakota for almost 9 years with wonderful results. It has over 181000 miles on it. replaced tires and brakes 3 times. Other tahn that 1 altenator, idler air control valve, and tps sensor. Everything replaced are wear parts. With this kind of mileage i am beyond impressed. It does have a few electrical qwerks but hey look at the miles. It has only been in the shop once at 181000 for wheel cylinders when I had all four brakes replaced. Everything else was easy to replace myself. I am not a mechanic. Iwould recommend it. Was going to buy an f150 next but will probably buy a used ram. I did buy the Dakota new.

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  Love my Nitro! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Bev - November 13 - 8:58 am

  Ive had my Nitro for 2 years now, putting on roughly 35,000 km each year. Love it! Husband says not enough space for him (he is 62) but I dont have an issue. Very sporty, fun to drive, easy to park, can haul lots with the fold down seats. Mileage could be better but heh, its a SUV, they are all the same arent they? Havent had many problems at all. Tire pressue gauge is touchy would be the only thing Ive have to say negative in 2 years hauling 2 busy kids around, living on a gravel road in rural Alberta.

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  Junk - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By lmollstl - November 13 - 7:53 am

  I bought this van new and have had nothing but problems with it. It has 170,000 miles on it and the things I have had to replace would take up this entire column. The major replacements are; the transmission twice,water pump, power steering pump, gas tank, radio, wiper motor, power windows, door locks, door hinges, etc. The only thing still working is the engine. No wonder the company is going out of business. I will never buy another Dodge

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  Problems not solved - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Marie - November 12 - 7:24 pm

  May 19,2009 I traded in a 2002 Dodge Intrepid for the 2009 Dodge Avenger. Nothing wrong with the Intrepid, now I wish I"d of kept it. The second month I had it I noticed some white areas appearing on the driver inside panel door. Called Cryslers 800 number & they said I should go to the dealer, which I have made 6 trips to them now. They say I need to wash it off each time it appears. It is Nov.12,2009 I am very disappointed & am not a happy customer. A brand new car should not be doing this. As a woman, appearance means a lot to me. They said I notice it because it is black vinyl, all cars have it. What a lame excuse. We will be replacing a Van soon, it will not be with a Chrysler product.

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  My Toy - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Champ - November 12 - 3:18 pm

  This car was built for us baby boomers in mind. Total comfort, and great performance for the money. Not as fast as a Camaro, but a better ride. The six speed is the way to go. It handles better than the auto trans. The R/T is the best bang for the buck. Thanks Dodge for a great job.

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  Excellent Safety! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By sheristroop - November 12 - 2:37 pm

  My husband recently purchased a Caliber in July and then rear-ended a 1990s model car that was at a complete stop. No one had a scratch on them. The 3 front airbags deployed, with minimal airbag burn and the seat belts worked perfectly. Even the cars frame held up, though the insurance company ended up totalling the car due to engine damage. My 5 year old son was in a booster seat in the back and didnt even know what had happened. I would definitely buy another one of these cars - great value and safety!

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  My first car....and best car - 1994 Dodge Shadow
  By slowfastshadow - November 12 - 9:15 am

  this is my first car and it was the clanest old car i have ever seen. i put a straight pipe on mine, and window tint with a custom spoiler. this car is just a project, i drive it everywhere but i am going to keep dressing it up. my engine is a v6 so it has some balls. it has a new transmission putt in before i got it with only 69,000 miles on it.