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:

• 

  I LOVE MY B5 BLUE CHALLENGER!!! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By JJ - November 7 - 10:38 pm

  The challenger is not as fast as the camaro or mustang but I could care less. I purchased the car for the body style, color and comfort. Every time I take her to the road, many people cannot help but stare with excitement.

• 

  My fun 2nd car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Hector Fussa - November 7 - 9:10 pm

  Bought this vehicle as a 2nd car mainly for commuting, and I love it. I added 17" wheels and some fat tires, tinted the windows so it looks cool. it came with a decent warranty at an excellent price. Toyotas and Hondas are getting too expensive and I think that this Neon with the proper maintanance and care will last me a few years.

• 

  Horrendous Update - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Bill Sohonage - November 7 - 9:44 am

  This is an update. Bought for 9k with 27k on it, Dec."07". 51k motor goes PING, bearings and crank need replaced. Despite meticulous attention and mobi1 1. One k over 50k warranty and dealer laughs at me. I replace crank and bearings myself, lasts another 8k and motor goes again. Replace with 30k junkyard motor and two weeks later tranny goes! In 30k miles, Ive also replaced, AC Compressor, full exhaust, front hubs, power steering hoses, starter (twice!), brakes, rotors and needed to replace with over sized brake pins as the originals were worn and too loose! 4 Oxygen sensors... Oh,lets not forget the fan control module under glove box which caught fire. AHHHH

• 

  Dream car turned worst nightmare! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By K. Scott - November 6 - 8:27 pm

  I started having issues with my charger 1 year after I purchased, first my driver side window and door locking switches fell down in the door panel, then at 23,000 miles the car really fell apart. First I started to hear a loud noise while the air conditioner was on, then as I was in stop and go traffic when my air is on my car overheats, then I noticed a delay when trying to start the vehicle, then all my air vents popped off the dash. Now at 24,000 miles my shifter locked up in the park position of coarse just after the 3 year warranty has expired. The only assistance dodge will offer is an extended warranty for $1400.00 for 50% off parts and labor.

• 

  Works for me - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Rich - November 6 - 1:45 pm

  I purchased my Avenger this summer after driving SUVs for the past 8 years, and I couldnt be happier for the price I paid. I wasnt looking for anything too fancy, just something that would get me around with better MPG than my previous SUV. My wife drives a Stratus, so I knew what to expect from Dodge. Ive taken it on long trips and commute about 30 total miles each day.....havent had any problems so far (knock on wood). Still getting compliments on the looks, especially when its washed and shiny.

• 

  2005 Dodge Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Bob - November 5 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this car because of its relative fuel economy vs selling price...good MPG for the price I paid. In town I get 25.5, with automatic, driving conservatively. Also, it is a previous SCCA champion road race and autoross car...it handles very well, handles super with a few minor mods.Acceleration is fun, not stunning.

• 

  One of the best cars I have owned - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By John Putnam - November 5 - 1:42 pm

  Im enjoying my Dodge Journey more than any car (including BMWs) Ive owned in quite a few years. I look for reasons just to go somewhere in it. Great car at a great price.

• 

  I Love the POWER - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By mhayes716 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a serious car regardless of the price. I find myself driving when I dont really need to. And Mustages eat this... lol...

• 

  GOOD START - NEEDS HELP - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RACER52 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  SOLD AN 03 350Z PERFORMANCE MODEL FOR THIS RT. GREAT LOOKS. SUSPENSION HITS BUMP STOPS CROSSING INTERSECTIONS AND IS WAY TOO FLOATY ON REBOUND. WHY IS THE TURN SIGNAL STALK NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING WHEEL. MY HANDS ARE ALWAYS AT 10 AND 2 - GEE - RIGHT WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL STALK IS! FRONT BUCKET SEATS CAN HANDLE TWO SMALL ADULTS COMFORTABLY IN EACH SEAT. THE RT SHOULD HAVE REAL SIDE BOLSTERS TO FIT ONE PERSON, NOT TWO. PLS PUT THE CHRYSLER SRT8 UNDER THE MAGNUM BODY - OR AT LEAST OPTION A SUSPENSION TO ENABLE THE RT TO BE MORE LIKE A TRUE SPORTS WAGON AND MATCH ITS LOOKS. NOTHING CLOSE TO THE ADVERTISED GAS MILEAGE, WAY TOO MUCH FUN

• 

  The new trend - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By John Hamilton - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. I went from a Chevrolet Tahoe and the SUV feel is still there the pick up is 0-60 in 6.3 from a 3800 lbs. sport wagon. The ride is nothing less then a mercedes and smooth as can be.