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:

• 

  Love my car - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By minesarotty - April 24 - 8:41 am

  I was a 4wd driver for over 20yrs and decided because I live closer to work now and mileage is more of a concern I traded my 2005 silverado with all the toys and whistles in on my magnum. It handles like a dream. I have already gotten my very first speeding ticket (at age 51) as it goes quick a little too easy. I am not used to a lower profile and taking curves in the road is fun but it is great and the mileage is great too. The interior is a little lacking on mine but I dont spend that much time in it so it isnt a big deal. The stereo is better than I thought and it seems to be reliable so far. Over all I like my "car".

• 

  More than I expected - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Skipp - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This is probably the best decision I have ever made regarding a new car. When I first drove it, I noticed the car had a kind of "lets go" personalty. Very eager to accelerate. This has only gotten better with 9500 miles under its belt. The handling is very responsive and the ride is firm but not harsh. My particular car has a nice Black Leather interior that surprises my friends with its luxurious look and feel. The 6-Disc Changer in the dash is a cool setup that sounds great. And the new looks definately got my attention. If you are in the market for a great little fun to drive car this is it!

• 

  Like it a lot - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By rtcalibergirl - April 22 - 10:43 pm

  I like to drive it a lot, town mostly, but have had it on the highway for some 260 miles. Rides nice for me. Got it for graduation and its fun to drive. Looks good, my friends like it to. Has it all, and Im loning it.

• 

  Nice van - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By VanMan - April 22 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this preowned/certified van from a dealership(in 2007). The van had 49,000 miles on it, The van has been very dependable (so far) with little maintenance. One problem occurred last year with the steering. A constant "whining" noise which was louder during the colder months. Went to a Dodge van "online discussion" and they advised to change the steering fluid reservoir. (it clogs after a while) Did that and NO MORE whining noise. When this one has reached the end of its life I plan on getting another one!

• 

  Love This Truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Sailorboy3309 - April 22 - 11:20 am

  I got this truck from my grandmother after my grandfather passed away. I used it for 2 years then put it in the back yard when I bought my 02 Ford Focus. I never had a problem with the truck but had constant problems with the car. I joined the navy a year ago and sold the car because I wouldnt need it. I just got back home and went to my grandmothers house and saw my old truck back there and offered to buy it again from her because it was so great. I only have to replace a battery and after all the years it hasnt been run I started it up and she runs great. I also had a flowmaster exhaust put on her and boy does she purrrr. I love this thing.

• 

  A lovely car to own - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Rick - April 21 - 3:25 pm

  This is a very smooth comfortable car with lots of style, very unique, not a cookycutter. We ordered the Customer Perfered Package 26H which gives the interior many features which really make the interior much nicer with leather,automatic headlights,heated front seats, dual zone air with ATC, and 1 touch up/down power front windows. The Protection group adds Side air bag protections and self sealing Contioental touring tires. We added 18" chrome wheels which really make the Bright Silver stand out. I feel so comforable with this car and love driving it. It feels solid and firm and very stable on the road. There is lots of power with the 3.5 and the 4-speed Automatic. You have got to test it.

• 

  happy nitro customer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By nitro owner - April 20 - 1:07 am

  Love the way it rides and the overall look is great.. Only a slight raddle int the dash but is 2 years used.. Love the front grill wide and mean.. They know its an suv when I pull up behind them. Read a few bad reviews but didnt pay much mind. Im a Chevy man but me and my wife love this thing and to the bad reviews, sounds like they should stay with there fords.. And leave Dodge alone they got everything under control with the nitro..

• 

  2006 Dodge Caravan - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By al p - April 19 - 11:55 pm

  Second minivan I have had from Chrysler - bought it used with 28k kms (19000 miles). Quality seems good but mileage is terrible -3.3 litre is averaging 12 mpg in city and 16mpg on highway ( have translated to US gallons). It has been back to dealer who changed sensor but still the same - they just shrugged when I told them unacceptable. Van is not being driven fast nor rough. HWY is 60-65 mph. Mileage is no comparison to previous 1993 Caravan 3.3 litre.

• 

  A good first new car... - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By JB - April 19 - 3:43 pm

  I bought my Neon new in 2003, and for the most part, enjoyed it. Ive had some rough idling issues which were covered under the powertrain warranty, but other than that no major repairs. Considering I spend about $12,000 for the car, its been well worth the money. Id definitely take a look at this car if youre looking for a commute vehicle. I probably average about 28 mpg with 85% highway/15% city driving. Not bad at all!

• 

  Watch out. - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Hatethisstupidvan - April 19 - 2:06 pm

  This was "leased" as a vehicle for my family to drive. I am a mechanic. What a piece of junk this thing has been for the last 3 years. In 45,000 miles we have been thru 3 sets of brakes, two sets of tires, cant seem to keep suspension components intact, the tie rod ends are junk, the ball joints make noise, it shifts funny, and the ABS system stopped working at 28,000 miles. I am fortunate that we didnt buy this. I feel sorry for anyone buying one of these used, as they are a money pit and a piece of junk. Otherwise the stow and go is great, it tows okay, and was fairly easy on gas. I still hate this car.