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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  Still Loving It ... - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Nikdfish - May 20 - 8:24 pm

  Aside from a few bumps along the way, I have always enjoyed this car. Some warranty repairs needed, but my out of pocket for repairs has been minimal (< $400 over 4 years). Great power and towing capacity (for a unibody). Tremendously sure footed in all driving conditions. Better in winter than a 4x4 pickup. Very comfortable on long trips and 23-24 mpg on the interstates. Was planning on a new 2009 or 2010 version but they discontinued the model so Ill be driving this one til the wheels come off. Only disconcerting issue was a change in alignment specs that made it necessary to purchase replacement components to permit alignment to the new specs (would have met old specs OK).

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  NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By astewfam - May 20 - 6:36 pm

  After reading all the other review I had to say how great my dodge has been to me!!!!! I got my 02 durango in 03, i still have it but Im looking to trade it in. I have only had a few minor problems. Something pertaining to the module that controls all the lights in the truck went out but it was still under warrenty. The certain part wasnt covered but I fussed and the dealership paid for it. I was surprised to read so many reviews were people have had bad experiences with their durangos.

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  Blast from the past - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Linmare - May 19 - 7:42 pm

  I had dreams of buying this car once I saw it as a concept vehicle. The picture of the car stayed posted on my refrigerator for the next 2 years. I finally took the plunge and treated my self to a virtual fountain of youth. Yes, back to my muscle car days of Camaros, Corvettes and Monte SS. (I still have the 1970 AMX!) This car is a pleasure to drive and I must say, no matter where I go, people look, thumbs up, ask questions and even ask if they can sit in it. A definite head turner and handles like dream.The 6.1 hemi under the hood makes this car a real animal!(Did I mention it gets better gas mileage than my Durango did) Great job on this baby!

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  Dependable - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Dave - May 19 - 7:42 pm

  This car has never let us down and have owned it for 14 years

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  My Challey - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Rick - May 19 - 3:53 pm

  This is one of the most fun cars to drive. Its fast, like 140mph on a two lane parkway fast, yet it rides like a luxury car.

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  The best purchase Ive ever made - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By jp - May 19 - 1:52 pm

  By far, very little will compare with my truck. Its got 177,000 of hard miles and its still going strong. Brakes last forever, same clutch. Other than a water pump, radiator and a belt, it all still original. Ironically, the biggest flaw I found with the truck is the gas gauge went at 95,000 miles and I have to use the trip odometer to know when to get gas (the gas light still works).

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  Best Damn Car Ever Built - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Rouge - May 19 - 1:18 pm

  I bought my 1991 Dodge Stealth in summer of 1995 as a used vehicle with 36,000kms on it.I currently have 280,000kms on it.It has been wonderful,fast,and enjoyable.I have driven it winter and summerlong trips and short ones.Only problem second gear syncros and power door locks.I currently have a miss I cant find but will check out coil packs.This has been the best car I have ever owned and I have owned many.Fast,reliable good fuel economy also one of the prettiest machines ever built.I have stayed on the road when half tons and SUVs were in the ditch. It has never let me down.I wish she was new again so we could start the romance all over again.I will find a low miles new baby soon!AWESOME!

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  MAINTANANCE NIGHTMARE - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By pstorm - May 19 - 12:42 pm

  The comfort and everything about this car is nice. The dependability is terrible. I payed $2500 for the car. i know a great eal , until i started having to repair it. in the past two years i have paid out almost $12000 in repair. if its not one thing its another. i have replaced the engine the torque converter, the brakes the shifter cable, cv joint( snapped when i was driving .... not fun ) struts. and the list goes on and on. I could have bought a new car for that. i know i kinda did it to myself but i cant get a loan to pay for a car.

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  Dodge Charger RT - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Steven DeHaven - May 19 - 1:36 am

  I have been waiting 40 years to own a Charger. It was well worth the wait. I think Dodge did an excellent job designing the new Charger to fit the baby boomers. Its the best car I have driven. More than enough power and handling capability. The Charger is a real pleasure to drive. Although its not the muscle car of the sixties, the Charger has matured nicely.

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  Beauty of the Beast - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Bob A - May 18 - 9:32 pm

  I cant wait to turn the key every morning. For the money, theres not another car on the road like it. Get comments almost every time I go somewhere. I have a problem with the six speed manual trans....occasionally goes from first to fourth gear. Minor rattle in the drivers side door. Get about 19 miles per gallon overall. Would still purchase this car if I had it to do over again.