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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  powerful reliable workhorse - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By dogmanosu - June 6 - 9:31 pm

  Ive already put 50000 miles on this awesome machine, and it still drives like its brand new. My dogs like the cargo space, my family loves the ample leather space inside. I feel like this car is just going to go on forever, like an old pickup truck would. I think the hemi, and the heavy duty transmission are unstoppable.

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  Unfortunately Not Happy - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By CSilva - June 5 - 8:51 pm

  Ive had my car for a little over 3 years and I was really enjoying driving my car, until recently. I guess I was 1 of the unfortunate owners. It all started with a ticking noise, which then turned into a knocking noise, which then turned to my engine rattling and car stalling. And yes, this all happened after my warranty ended. Apparently the rocker arms went bad on the right side and was told the left side would break in time. The shifter broke as well. I had to take it into the shop and 1100.00 later, no noise and the shifter works. Both are known problems and its very disappointing that they werent recalls. Thought buying American was better, guess not Dodge proved me wrong.

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  10th Year... still running - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Michael - June 5 - 12:26 pm

  Decent vehicle. Ive had same problems as others: Speed sensor ($150), drive belt & tensioner ($400), new cooler lines ($500), leaking master brake cylinder & brake work ($600), side window motor ($200). At 5 years the transmission started "lunging" between 1st & 2nd gear. Ive heard many people needing new trannys at this point. Ive gotten another 5 years by easing (not pushing) the car between those two gears. Still working. Im hoping to get another 2-3 years out of it.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By vic - June 5 - 2:30 am

  This SUV rides better then any luxury car Ive ever driven. I have the Hemi and it does not disappoint. This is a whole different SUV from the old style Durango. We love it.

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  Trim in the interior - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By tbarlow - June 4 - 11:39 pm

  I just purchased a 2009 Avenger SXT. Love it except for the chrome/silver trim around and on the gear shifter. During the day, the sun comes in and reflects off the trim and right into the my face. I find I have to place my check book or wallet next to the gear shifter to keep the sun out of my eyes while driving. I also end up driving with my hand on the shifter so the sun wont reflect up.

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  Great Truck, Quad w/ V8 - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Bill - June 4 - 8:48 pm

  Bought used, came off a lease, w/ 19000 miles. Preformance Dodge in Omaha went over the vehicle completely before it went off warranty and replaced some things that were going bad - they really treated me well - they take care of our Jeep Patriot too - great service dept. I really like the Dakota and it gets 16-18 mpg around town depending how much I use the a/c. The only thing you must do is get rid of the OEM shocks and replace w/ Rancho 5000s - they really settle it down - OEM are just to soft and cause some bounce, that I have seen others complain about. Ive owned a lot of Jeeps (and if they made a truck I would have got that)my first Dodge - Its a keeper.

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  Edsel/Intrepid separated at birth - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By alex - June 4 - 3:52 pm

  out of the box ownership, pampered miles, lots of preventive maintenance due to be in love with car, Im in the process of ditching it: second tranny is need it, OEM went at 60K now 100k and starting to act up same way...nothing isolated: rented a brand new magnun in 2007 did the same thing, needless to say drove it150 miles in second gear for a replacement.

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  A Lot of Car for the Money - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By tomfann - June 4 - 1:34 pm

  Most professional reviews of the Dodge Caliber complain it is underpowered, has mediocre handling, and has a cheap interior. My wife and I could not disagree more. Our car is a joy to drive! The CVT and 2.0L engine rapidly accelerate the car with turbine-like smoothness. The steering is quick and responsive. The ride is firm (though was stiff when new). The car handles very well I cant detect any body lean going around corners. The controls are quite intuitive and well thought-out. The fitnfinish is flawless. The interior is tasteful, restrained, very comfortable, and very high quality. We havent yet found one manufacturing defect. 27 mpg in mostly city driving. We love our Caliber!

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  Red hot Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By wayne - June 3 - 5:50 pm

  Tight well built car with smooth ride and mad power. Dont let the kids drive it! Master computer had to be replaced at 10k. No other problems. Satelitte radio is a little muzak.

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  Im a Charger Fan! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Dodgefan - June 2 - 5:27 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years and still am excited to get behind the wheel! It demonstrates the comfort of a luxury sedan, with the speed and agility of a sports car! What more could one want?