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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  Beware of braking system - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By dennythemac - April 6 - 11:30 am

  Ive had problems with the brakes hanging up while driving. On the way back from a 130 mile trip the right rear wheel well started spewing smoke. After pulling over I discovered the actual side wall of the tire was extremely hot and the rim was blistering hot. The cause was blamed on the parking brake which was disabled at the time. Prior to getting the Nitro into Chrysler Service the same thing happened to the driver side rear wheel. The repairs ran over $600.00. The millage was 17,700 and Chrysler told Me the brakes were not covered by warranty or recall and went on too explain that brakes wear is through normal use. They refused to take into consideration the danger posed through fire

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  Very Pround SXT Owner - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By chel89 - April 2 - 1:27 pm

  I got the car new as a junior in high school in 2005. There were only two SXTs left on the lot, including an orange one with a spoiler. Picked it up for around 13K (on sale) at the time and instantly fell in love. The car has been extremely reliable and Ive always felt safe in it. For a "compact car" I actually think its quiet roomy. Ive managed to keep the interior/exterior pretty immaculate for its age. The car isnt without problems. Ive had to replace the Camshaft senor twice now (25$ part) and I find the car takes a toll on tires and breaks- so be prepared to replace these a tad earlier than suggested. I also had to replace all 4 motor mounts at 75K. (@81K ATM)

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  It only looks better than 09 (in my opinion) - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By ebonydm - March 29 - 9:42 pm

  I previously owned the 2009 Journey SXT. i thought I was upgrading getting the 2012. The sound system is not as good, the way the have it setup you have to keep factory radio & can not buy something better. Its definitely smaller on the inside. I miss little features like 1 touch up AND down window, the flashlight in the back, the aux jack being on radio, the extra leg room. And the plug on the back of the armrest is now cigarette lighter charger I hate that.

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  Great Car! I recommend highly! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By roodieb - March 27 - 2:03 pm

  I bought this car with 24K miles on it and have put almost 120K on it since then. I commute 60 miles round trip each day and spend alot of time on the road. While the ride is not as smooth as some would like, the handling of the car is good and the reliability has been terrific. I have not had any major repairs that have needed to be done, but have replaced the normal wear parts like tires, brakes and battery. The car handles great in the snow and also on wet roads. The body style is attractive and the lines are clean. The blind spot view is a little limited by the fast back style as well as by the rear spoiler. Once you are used to this and compensate for it, it is not a problem.

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  The Dodge Workhorse - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By nicholashitt - March 25 - 8:05 am

  Perhaps my favourite car Ive ever owned in my life (of 3 others). This car has been my old reliable. I take this guy camping, urban trekking, and across the state (Wis.) with no difficulties. It has had its fair share of problems, yes, but overall I love this car. It has the appearance of a sedan/SUV hybrid, but the performance of a sedan.

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  7000 miles and no problems! - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By tayl23 - March 24 - 8:03 pm

  I have not had a single issue with my Journey since purchasing it new in October. I was looking for a vehicle that had AWD, enough room in the back seat for a forward facing car seat as well as a rear facing car seat, and around a $25,000 price point. After looking for new and used vehicles the Journey had everything I was looking for. I got the V6 mainstreet model with the popular entertainment group and sound group which included the 8 inch radio screen. With rebates it came to just over $24,000. It came with a remote start and starts up everyday and never have had an issue. Storage is great and the kids have enough room with the driver seat being exactly where I want it.

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  Kinda untrustworthy but decent - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By aulin_yuar - March 22 - 7:53 am

  I bought this car used maybe two years ago with 73K and 93K the engine blew. I felt something coming for awhile, and continued to get it check, but nothing was found. Car would feel as though it wanted to shut down so many times, and even sometimes it would as though I were missing a sensor. Got a sensor replaced and it drove better until it finally shut down for good. I also do not like the brake system on this car, very hard.

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  Dead battery - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By ladamson - March 21 - 11:31 am

  I too am having this problem. I have been left with a dead vehicle at least 8 times since I bought it in March of 2011. I certainly didnt spend that kind of money on a new vehicle to drive around with a battery pack for the next time it decides not to start. I have had it to the shop 4 times (it is in there now), the first time they couldnt find any problems. The second time they replaced the battery, the third time couldnt get it to replicate the problem so nothing was done and now this time they are saying the outlets are draining the battery and theyve changed a module of some kind but other than that they dont have any answers. they say they have not had this problem - help!

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  2012 Caliber Review - 2012 Dodge Caliber
  By leb1 - March 14 - 2:44 pm

  I have owned this car for about 2.5 weeks, and so far I think it is a great car. I have 2012 caliber SXT. the only complaint that I have is I AM ONLY GETTING 18 mpg not like I was told That I would get 24 city 34 hwy. I sure hope it gets better. But other than that this car is worth the money.

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  Not quite sure yet - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By incubritt2010 - March 12 - 5:02 pm

  Bought the car in Oct 2011. No significant problems so far. It shutters a bit between 35-50. No explaination for that. I got a transmission flush last week and that helped significantly. It also has a bit of trouble starting once in awhile after I put gas in it. It always starts, though. My service engine light came on last week, and they told me it was a large evap leak? My gas cap was fine, so there could be a small crack in my vapor hose. Nothing major. My mechanic suggested some new spark plugs as well. Other than that, I really have no complaints about this car so far. My trunk does not leak, btw, since I saw that was a common complaint.