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 rental - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By phil - October 27 - 10:57 am

  Rented this car for 10 days.It had 22K on odometer.Drove for app 3K miles from Alabama to NYC and then to NC mountains.Very comfortable,quiet,decent power.MPG blew mw away.At interstate driving slightly over posted speed I got a low of just over 26 and high of just over 30.I was expecting 22-23 range.That is great for a heavy, full size sedan.Only negative is the gas pedal feels too firm and a little out of comfort position,Other wise for a tall man, it was a pleasure to drive.I feel dodge wont hold value well so prob wouldnt buy a new vehicle, but a late model used charger should be fine.I will look for this model next time i rent.

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  2001 Dodge Grand Caravan - Grand Indeed! - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By babirusa - October 27 - 2:26 am

  Got my 2001 Grand Caravan used with 50,000 miles on it, now have 165,000. It has been one of the best cars I have ever owned. Driving comfort, road performance, utility, reliability; all top notch. I replaced the stock air filter with a K&N filter at 90,000 miles, and noticed an immediate increase in fuel economy of almost 10%, as well as noticeably more power under acceleration (3.3 liter V6). Only maintenance and normal wear type expenses with this car; brakes, one set of rotors, one rear windshield washer motor, one set of anti-sway bars. It has all-original exhaust system and shocks, and has never stranded me.

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  Great Car - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Mike - October 26 - 2:08 pm

  When i saw the Avenger it took me by surprise. This car looks like a charger and i think it looks better. dodge has done great with makeing cars look the best. Other cars like the Camry,accord,and Altima just look to basic and boring compared to this car. I had the car for about four months now and ive had no problems. Sometimes when people see my car they say nice charger and when i tell them its not. They are amazed to find out it is cheaper and great on gas. i love how dodge made a mid-size car look so big and mean on the streets. Please before you look into buying another boring toyota or honda like most people look inot this stylish great car.

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  This Vehicle Leaks!!! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Denise - October 26 - 11:30 am

  Got this vehicle for Christmas 2007 and thank God that my car dealer is honest and loyal. This vehicle leaks from the roof!! Whenever theres a heavy rain, I have to go running back to my dealer. This is a terrible Manufacturers Flaw. Will never purchase another Dodge Nitro again!!

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  Not So Sure - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Virginia - October 26 - 10:41 am

  I purchased my 08 Nitro because it had many of the features my other vehicle had standard. Of course I would still have my other vehicle (Mazda Trubute) except it was hit in the rear at 55mph and the damage was just to great. My Nitro had 52 miles on it and was considered used when I purchased it from the dealer. Since I have had the car the tire sensor goes off all the time indicating the tires are not equal pressure (I think its defective)the handling took a while to get use to sicne my Mazda SUV was far superior in the handling, breaking and turning. Im not crazy about the vehicle. I think you have to be a jeep lover or Dodge fan to enjoy this vehicle.

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  nice truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By BILL - October 25 - 11:06 pm

  This is a nice truck, inside and out. On rough rodes the front end tends to bounce in one direction. I have the V-6 in my truck and it seems to be under powered. The ride is nice.

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  Cant get more for under 30K - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnumbuyer - October 25 - 2:33 am

  Wow, what an impressive car. Very European in styling and handling. The cargo functionality is awesome; I can fit anything in the back of that thing. The gas mileage for the Hemi is nice; I got 21 miles/gal on my last fill-up; better than many 6-bangers. People talk to me all the time about the car-at the gas station-store at work-"hows the Magnum?" they ask; like its a member of the family. Hehe

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  The Ultimate Ride! - 1995 Dodge Viper
  By Del - October 24 - 11:16 pm

  This has been my dream car since it was first introduced, and finally found one at the right price and took it home. This beauty is a beast, just total power once you press the pedal. Highly recommend for those who never owned a sport car, the torque is powerful! The roadster is the best as you can really let go in the wind, though I have a very cold AC, no need with the top off. Highly recommend to purchase an aftermarket hardtop and windows, as the soft top and zipper windows just dont cut it. As for attention getter, this is it, everywhere you go, people wants to see it, kids ask tons of questions and be prepared to get photgraph. Its the ultimate sportcar!!

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  256K and transmission died - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stekicar - October 24 - 10:43 am

  SE 3.0L 3 speed Bought it with 99640 miles on it on 08/2002. Since then, I was free of any problems. Taking care of it, oil changes every 3000 miles, transmission oil every 30k, tune-ups every 50k. And finally, transmission start hard shifting from first to second a week ago. Currently in the shop with $1950 to $2200 bill waiting for fixing transmission - total rebuilt. Plan to drive it for two more years minimum. Engine is still strong. Average is 22mpg. On freeway, with 65mph it reaches 24-25mpg. Rust is everywhere. My friend tells me that soon I will not have to open the door to enter inside :). Construction is still solid.

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  stuck for now - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By janetp - October 24 - 10:16 am

  I dont know where to begin to list the problems.lets start with the 4 acknowledged recalls, 2 of which could have killed you. here we go, the 1. rear top brake light was out by the time of first inspection, you cant replace the light bulb you have to replace the entire unit.2. all 4 tire sensors have gone at 150 each.3. headlights have been replaced 2 x, still only have 1 head lamp. 4. wipers work only in dry weather. 5fog lights blown already. 6.jumps out of 1,2,3rd gear, 7. cars wants to stall and bogs in wet weather. plastic on side of driver seat cracked and broken off.i have owned 4 dodge vehicles and am telling everyone never buy dodge again, they will not recognize any issues listed.