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:

• 

  Beautiful - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Ryan L - August 19 - 1:37 am

  I recently totaled my 08 Mazda 6 so I have been car shopping for a while now. I can honestly say that having an infant daughter, This car is everything I wanted and more. Its Sporty but can also fit a family inside. It hauls major when I need to gas it in front of the guys but also comfortable as a cloud. If youre looking for a Safe Reliable sharp looking car. The Charger is the way to go.

• 

  Great Car for little over 10K - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Robert - August 18 - 9:24 pm

  Went from old 91 honda Civic to this. Wasnt sure about the car. But few friends had one so I gave it a try. Now I am still driving it with 145,000 miles on it. All I have had to do was scheduled maintenance and has been great. To me there is nothing wrong with the American Cars. They just got a bad rep and is hard to shake. I wish they still made the Neon would get a new one over the caliber.

• 

  Never again - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By bmorecopper - August 18 - 8:23 pm

  This is absolutely the worst vehicle I ever owned. We bought it with 46k miles on it. At 115k the transmission completely seized up. The vehicle was routinely maintained. After talking to several transmission shops we found that Dodge Caravans are noted for their bad transmissions. $2800 fix. Dodge knows/doesnt care. Yesterday the engine started banging loudly. 3 separate mechanics said the engine would need to be replaced. Avg estimate $2200. One mechanic commented we should feel lucky to have got 154k miles out of it. Do you research before buying. Call some transmission shops and ask about this vehicle.

• 

  Hate this SUV ! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By sue - August 18 - 4:34 pm

  I have owned Chevy, Ford & Dodge SUVs, This is by far the worst. I had my Ford Explorer for 100,000 miles and no major problems, Chevy Trailblazer, I owned for short time, but no problems. This SUV I have had back to the dealer 3 times for the same problem, it doesnt want to shift into higher gears, a few times the tack jumped between 1 & 2 like crazy for no reason and the dealer can not fix it ! The A/C doesnt cool off the back seat at all, the plastic has broke around both front seats. I only have 27,000 miles and I have all these problems already. Im going back to Ford and not touching a Dodge again. Its a shame because my parents both drive Dodges also, we were a Dodge family !

• 

  Safe, Useful, When it Runs - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By gplant - August 18 - 1:51 pm

  Bought it for my wife to giver her more metal around her. Powerful, pulls loads, and hauls whatever you wants. Sucks gas, but no surprise. Good, reliable vehicle, except for the ECM (throttle control), which has a mind of its own - you have to ride the throttle to keep it from dying. Heater core & water pump had to be replaced at 70k miles.

• 

  Weigh your options - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Nikkie - August 18 - 11:52 am

  Ive had my Nitro for two yeaers, no major problems besides brakes scratching alittle. The acceleration is somewhat poor but picks up when needed. The car look great and I get alot of compliments and turn heads. However, overall dont feel like its solid transportation

• 

  GROSSLY Underrated!! - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Bill - August 18 - 11:50 am

  I bought my 2009 sxt (2.7l v^) in November of 2008 and love it to death! Solid construction beautiful design fast performance overall, its great! Just because its not an import is no reason for car & driver and Edmunds to slam it. They rank it low on "fun to drive, " and they either didnt drive one or are stupid! This car is a blast!

• 

  The research paid off - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By marlin95 - August 18 - 3:03 am

  This Charger RT has the power to get up and go when you feel the need, but will also give you the gas mileage when you feel the need. I test drove the 06 Mustang GT and found the performance, styling and curb appeal of the Charger was head and shoulders above the Mustang. I have not been able to fuel up without someone approaching me to comment the beautiful looks of the car.

• 

  An amazing piece of machinery! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kingtigre - August 17 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car! Top of line. Rides great! Corners effortlessly. Like a dream come true. Engine hums so quietly that I sometimes forget that its on. If you want a car that looks mean and plays nice, this is the car for you.

• 

  Quiet Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Mike L - August 17 - 7:51 pm

  Purchased the Neon SXT new in September 2005. This is August 2009 and not a bit of trouble. It rides, handles, and performs better that I expected for a small car. It has the deluxe insulation group and is quiet. I had the car rust proofed (Ziebart & Sound Barrier). At 56,000 miles replaced the tires with one size larger Goodyear ComforTred tires. The car is now very quiet (no..not exactly Lexus quiet)and even more comfortable for our drives across Michigan to see our grandkids. The car consistently returns 36-37 MPG on the freeway at 70 MPH. I have had a several people tell me what a nice, comfortable small car this is. We like this car very much.