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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  Outstanding Replacement - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Carl Burk - August 26 - 2:45 pm

  I replaced my 1999 Dodge Intrepid with a 2005 AWD SXT and also a 2005 SXT Inferno Red Magnum. Both cars have performed well and are fun to drive. The AWD has 36,000 miles now and averages 22-24 mpg while the RWD SXT averages 28-30 on trips at 60 mph, freeway mileage drops to 27+ at 70+. Excellent Car with the advantage of looking space age and ready for flight. When purchased I added the 8 - 80 protection and havent needed anything but normal maintenance and fun to drive.

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  DO NOT PURCHASE AN AVENGER! - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Eva Soto - August 26 - 11:49 am

  Ever heard "GORGEOUS ON THE OUTSIDE, HORRIBLE ON THE INSIDE". Thats the perfect description for the Dodge Avenger! I bought my vehicle 10 months ago. Im very disappointed - the vehicle is unreliable and the performance is poor. So far its been to the shop twice! First the shifter got stuck on park. I had to pay to tow and replace the entire shifter assembly. Second, the car made squeaky noices when I moved the steering wheel. I had to take it back to the dealer for repairing...Now, Im hearing a rattling noise in the engine...I cant wait to get rid of it!

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  Godzilla - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Gary - August 26 - 11:42 am

  I have toed the line on fuel economy, the ecology, and so forth. After a bout with cancer and three minor strokes I decided to once in my automotive life to live so I bought Godzilla. I went from a 1995 Subaru Outback with a 2.2L H4 engine that got 30 miles to the gallon to Godzilla which averages half that in town and I have gotten 24.5 mpg on the highway with the A/C on. Yes, it is a brute, it is not lady friendly, but it rides smooth, has pick up, a tight turning radius and goodies galore. I love this truck and...yes it has a HEMI!!!!

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  Dodge repairs too many - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By John - August 26 - 9:06 am

  I had a few Dodge cars, all had head gasket problems that I had to pay to fix. For awhile I avoided Dodge. I liked the sport caravan so after talking to a dealer they assured me engine problems were solved. I leased for 3 years to be sure problems were really gone. After lease I purchased. During the lease time the air bag light kept coming on. I took it to the dealer at least 7 or more times for repair. Whatever they did kept the light off for a few days or up to a month. After warranty was over the light came on again. Then I took it to a non dealer repair center. They showed me the problem was the passenger airbag needed replacement They said no way would dealer not know about this.

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  Excellent Choice! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By golfgti47 - August 26 - 5:11 am

  I recently bought my Durango used. I am single and dont actually need this vehicle but I have since found it so useful! It tows my 6000 pound car trailer with ease, even with 3.55 gears in my Hemi. Power is great and is always available, I average about 13/18 but if I want to take it easy I can easily get 21-22 MPG on the highway. I only wish the 2nd row had more legroom but the 3rd row easily has the Tahoe beat for overall comfort and space. Overall this vehicle was an excellent buy! It looks great, drives great and has just about every feature I could want! At 101K miles it still feels like brand new! I highly Recommend this car! Dont buy any other till you atleast test drive this car!

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  Happy First-time Dodge Owner - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By SAMetzger - August 26 - 2:00 am

  In my first 16 months of ownership I am still very happy with my purchase! The ride has remained smooth, fuel economy constant, integrity solid, and interior durable. On a 5,000 mile camping trip to the mountains it provided all the reliability, functionality, and comfort that I could have asked for. The 3.9L V-6 is not the strongest motor available but adequate for acceleration needs (even loaded) and light towing.

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  I bought it used - 1999 Dodge Ram Van
  By jetzt1 - August 25 - 11:30 pm

  Bought this baby used with 58,000 on it with no indication it had ever been worked on for major problems. Drove it from CA to MO twice and got between 13 and 17 mpg from the 318cc engine. Have replaced water pump, front wheel bearings, and spark plugs in the 20,000 miles I put on it. I have one concern with a noise from the tranny on backing up. This noise started after the van was frozen shut for several days during the ice storm in Springfield and the -5 degrees temps. This is the most comfortable ride I have ever owned although my Cadillac Biarritz was a close second.

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  Beyond Disappointed! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By gr8dane - August 25 - 2:31 pm

  I bought my Nitro new and within 1 week, it was back in the shop to have the entire AC replaced. Here are my list of repairs for a 2 yr old car: AC replaced, door lock motors replaced 3 times, starter replaced, pass. side airbag repaired (said off when pass. in seat), center console replaced, outlet in back fell out of socket, car charger socket fell back into dash, 4x4 repaired, sunroof repaired, radio blaring when car is off (my personal fav), etc.

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  Rock Hard Seats - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By L2 - August 25 - 11:03 am

  I have 16k miles on now. Drive all the time. Seats are rock hard. Back seat makes you feel like a dungeon. I have to lean forward to look out. Front seat would be more comfortable if flat. Hav enothad great gas mileage either. Horrible visibility and blind spots.

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  great car - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By kc - August 24 - 8:57 pm

  This is my first mopar product in 48 years and you cant get a better choice for the money, it rides great, it looks great and is easy to own, with lots of room for upgrades.