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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  Reliable and hansom car - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By mattshomeworld - June 27 - 3:36 am

  I got this car after trading my 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee when repair bills and transmission problem where getting to much and the car only had 53k . I have 60k miles so far and not once had a problem with the car other then changing the battery due to the heat in Phoenix. The design and style is attractive and the interior despite its bad reviews I love. The gas millage is great with mine getting 29mpg on average. The only complaint I have is the 4spd transmission is really slow at picking up when you need the power but other then that this car is awesome.

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  3.6 V6 isnt fooling anyone.... - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By joe_e - June 23 - 9:18 pm

  This vehicle is slow. Its very, very slow. If you have a situation where you need to get into traffic, This vehicle will NOT get you there. It seems like it has to downshift 2x to get to a passing gear, then the engine will wind up to astonishing RPMs before it finally kicks up in speed. A Standing 0-60 is so unbelievably slow, I worry about merging onto the interstate. Its not fun to drive, its terrifying. The vehicle feels very good. The drivers seat hits me a little close on the back of the legs, somehow making my feet fall asleep, but nothing a seatcover wont cure. It looks very nice, interior is set up pretty well. Stock Stereo is vile, and should be destroyed.

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  Wow what a great little hoopty! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By dsilvestri - June 21 - 3:09 am

  I got this car because it was a cheap manual transmission car with nice cold working AC and with gas prices at around 3.50 a gallon and the car being only $800 bucks i bought it even if i got a few months out of it i wouldnt lose, but honestly being skeptical of it at first because it was a 14yr old DODGE and i figured i would drive it until i could afford to get into a car payment again on a brand new car honestly now im so in love with this old car that i figured why would i even need a car pymnt when this car is paid 4, super dependable, and the gas mileage i get out of it is ridiculous its over 30mpg easy ha even the stock radio is sounds good, 127k and im the 2nd owner, mine was a deal!

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  And keeps on going... - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By oxy - June 13 - 9:58 pm

  I bought my 1994 base in 1998 with 87,000 km on it. The car now has 485,000 km. The a/c still works and so does pretty much everything else. There is a short in the rear defogger. I had a tranny problem in 2002 and had it rebuilt for $2,500. Still works great. Only thing I dont like is the lack of head room and Im only 6 feet and not the best mileage. Looking for a small 4 cyl but intend to keep the Intrepid. Oh, never had to change the exhaust system and I never get stuck in the snow and I only use all-season tires. Rear springs done about 2 years ago.

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  Love my Dakota! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By sixatbat - June 13 - 12:34 pm

  I love this truck. I have the 4.7 V-8 with 110k on it and it keeps up with the big trucks with no problem. It handles better than all other trucks I have driven. Its very roomy and I was surprised with the amount of room it has in the back seat with the quad cab! 4x4 is great, Ive already pulled out a jeep and an s-10 out of the mud. My only complaint is the fuel milage. I get about 14.5 mpg combined city and highway. Its better than most full size trucks though. If you want a truck that has the compactness of a mid size truck, but the power and capability of a full size truck, get the Dodge Dakota.

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  Great car for 6 years - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By bmerrr06 - June 7 - 12:32 pm

  I got the 05 Neon SXT in 06 with 30k miles on it. It lasted until 90k miles but then the transmission blew. Other than that, it was a great commuter car, and I never had any other problems with it. Its not flashy or a luxury vehicle but if your looking for a cheap but reliable vehicle that gets about 30 miles per gallon (highway). I only paid 11,000 for it so I feel like I got my moneys worth :) I would buy another one but I need an SUV now.

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  Not luxurious but decent little ride - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By bryancpe - June 1 - 12:44 pm

  I bought this car new and Ive put 66000 miles on this car without a need for any repairs. The ride is comfortable but not luxurious by any means. The ride is fairly smooth and gets great mileage. Typically I get 30-31 mpg. On long interstate trips I get about 28. Why you might ask do I get lesser mpg? It has a tiny engine (2.0L) that works harder to maintain 70+ mph speeds. I keep up with the maintenance religiously as I live in the hot desert of Arizona and want this vehicle to last. The vehicle idles heavy and is weak on the acceleration. The cabin is bit small but I do have two toddler car seats in the back seat. Cargo space can be limited, especially with a big stroller. Does the job!

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  1999 Dodge Neon - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By kgodbold0873 - May 31 - 11:19 am

  I hate this car. It has to many problems. I bought this car with 91,XXX miles on it and ive already had so many problem. So far ive had to replace the transmission coolant hoses and last night when i was driving it discovered i have to now replace the water pump and the water overflow where the antifreeze goes. I would NOT recomend this car or and DODGE NEON or DODGE to any one i know or will know in the future. THEY SUCK!!!!

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  Great SUV, great buy! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By pll4554 - May 28 - 7:35 am

  I got my 03 Durango a few months ago with 130k miles on it, and I love it. It handles great - not much body roll, feels lighter than it is. Seats are very comfortable, and it has a LOT of power. The drivetrain is very responsive & the engine feels like its bigger than 287 Cu. In. I DO wish there was more legroom for the 2nd row passengers as I am a big guy & leave my seat very far back. And yes, the gas mileage is poor (13/18 MPG), but I knew it when I bought it (probably why the car was so inexpensive). I like the styling & features of this generation of Durango. Ill write another review after I put some serious miles on it. After 5k miles so far I love it!

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  An excellent American car! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By leprof - May 25 - 5:32 pm

  I have driven this car since I drove it off the lot in Oct. 2005. A former rental car, it had a couple stains in the back seat and around 27k miles on it. Since then I have driven it around 80k miles with no problems at all whatsoever except regular maintenance. One bit of advice - be careful of curbs and potholes because I have ruined some tires/control arms doing this. It is quite low to the ground. Having been told "dont buy American" I was hesitant to buy it, but I am so pleased with this car! I will drive it until it dies.