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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  2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JOHN JOHNSON - March 7 - 9:23 am

  Dependable for our needs. Especially such passanger/cargo configurations. Poor city fuel mileage during hot summer. (15/16) Due to using A/C. At this point with 20 gallon tank is a frequent gas station visits. Reasonable city fuel mileage during cool weather. (17/18) without using A/C. Satisfaction Highway mileage! (20- 25) Excessive brake dust all over the wheel and excessive tar spread all over the lower panel of the vans body which lead a weekly van wash. This increase the risk of paint chipping whenever such as gravels should happen to chip all over it. (Due to curve design on lower side of the van and tires are able to cause mess over it during on the road trips.)

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  The Official Vehicle of the 07 Blizzard - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Katiet - March 7 - 1:43 am

  I bought my car back in May and throughout the summer I was a bit irritated at its lack of acceleration. I used to have Toyota Celica and I was used to the get up and go. But I have to admit that it has redeemed it’s self recently. I have driven at least 40 miles (to and from work) every day of the past three snowstorms and not been stuck once. I drive past so many other stuck vehicles and thank my Caliber for its amazing performance in the snow! Even the stop and go traffic, serious traffic jams and alternate routes that I have taken have not affected its gas mileage! Any car that makes it over two foot snowdrifts with out four-wheel drive is a miracle!

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  I love my 2012 Grand Caravan Crew, but there were some problems. - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By cindywilliams - March 6 - 5:33 pm

  I love my 2012 GC Crew. It was a lease/repo/rental vehicle that was rushed from Texas to Alabama. I hadnt drove it but two days, and would hesitate while backing up, and would jerk during shifting. It had a piece on the passenger side vent missing, the power sliding doors needed oiled as they were sluggish. It also needed a good detail cleaning. I put it in the shop last week and they said it had broke motor mounts. Everything is fixed but the mounts, I should get it back this Monday. There is no way a 2012 model should have broke motor mounts. I love the van, but I just wish it would be problematic. The manager said if I wasnt happy with it next then he can put me in something else.

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  So it begins....a Lifetime warranty test - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By TCB09RT - March 6 - 2:58 pm

  I picked up my Charger RT P package at the end of Jan 09. Being in Michigan I was concerned about handling in the snow and on the dirt roads I live on, so the dealer let me test drive the Charger 20 miles home. I was very surprised at how well the RWD/ESP combo handled snow, and how the suspension soaked up the "chatter bumps", ruts, and craters on both paved and dirt roads. I use my 4X4 for big snowstorms, but Ive put 1,200 on the RT thus far. My final purchase decision was based on that drivability, Chryslers deep discount, and the availability of a the Lifetime Max care warranty. The RT has everything a man could want for a lifetime of driving fun, comfort, and convienience.

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  Spectacular American Muscle Car - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Ray - March 6 - 12:23 pm

  This car will impress you in ways you cant imagine. For years I have wished that Dodge would take the body style of a 1970s era Challenger and put in on a modern chassis. This car has the retro styling without the drawbacks. I have the 5.7L Hemi mated to the 6-speed manual. It was the only option I wanted or paid for. That made this car a bargain high-performance car, especially when you factor in the incentives being offered. It is a blast to drive. It has a tight ride without being too stiff. It turns everyones head. I love it.

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  Excellent Car - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Deliman1211 - March 5 - 10:14 am

  I got this car just a year ago, when i bought it the only problem that it had was a misfire, and that was easily fixed. i got the car for 400$ from my neighbor. and its got almost 220k miles and still runs great. the only problem i recently had was that the starter went out. easy fix. bolts are confusing to get too. other then that it is a GREAT car. it also gets awesome gas mileage. i would recommend it to everyone who wants a reliable, quick, and sporty car.

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  Moms taxi - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By m. bouchard - March 5 - 12:46 am

  I really do enjoy driving the Durango. A couple of things that might have deterred me knowing what I know now- The cloth seats are easily snagged-must invest in seat covers or they will be shot! Secondly- It has proven to be very car seat unfriendly. Safest position is in the middle of the back seat, and this becomes a real problem with seatbelts, proper installment of the carseat, and anyone else who may be in the back as well, needing a seatbelt that cant be latched. Also, for the Durango with no 3rd row seating, there should be an option to move the 2nd row back further. No room for ANYONE to sit in back seats Including 3yr old in carseat! Totally out for an infant! Sleek appearance

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  Old Faithful - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By Dave - March 4 - 12:39 pm

  I purchased this truck in march of 08. Its the best $900 ive ever spent. The 318 gives you power on demand but does get about 12-14 mph. The 4x4 gets you anywhere and out of anything. Interior styling does show it age but ive seen alot worse. Im six foot tall and having a regular cab does cramp me against the steering wheel. Having the tilt wheel option does offer some additional leg room. Exterior design is good. Typical truck style for the mid 90s. The ride quality is great. Very smooth over speed bumps and rail road tracks. This truck will make the ford 150 guys jealous.

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  Not Happy - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Not Happy - March 4 - 10:00 am

  18,000 miles total. transmission failure at 3000 miles,Paint coming off rear bumper covers 4500 miles,truck stopped running ecm failure at 9500 miles,fuel gauge sender replaced at 15000 miles. Whats next??? Dont think Ill buy another one

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  so pretty it hurts to look at - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By L.T. - March 3 - 7:07 pm

  My co-worker described it better than I ever could have when I parked my new black charger in our lot. "Its so pretty its hard to look at, but it looks like it might eat all the cars". nuff said?