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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  Not as Much Fun as I thought it would be - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By 98neonrt - February 23 - 9:40 pm

  As a lover of my 1998 Neon R/T, I thought this was the best option I had for a replacement. This black AWD version caught my eye on the lot, and despite the auto transmission, I drove it off the lot a few hours later. And though I must admit, the car has been faithful, reliable, comfortable, with decent gas mileage, I really do not like it. It feels tippy on tight corners, and the CVT is the most horrific thing Ive ever had. It feels like your tranny is slipping, and the response is very slow. I should have driven it on snow, and should have tried the autostick before. I never would have bought it. I think with smaller/different wheels and a manual transmission, I might be able to like it.

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  The middle of the road SXT. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ken - February 23 - 4:03 pm

  The interior is very thoughtfully designed and of good quality materials (thanks MB). I traded in a 2001 Volvo V70 on this and am happy with the exchange. I cant comment on reliability yet, but have high hopes. I have the CVT and must point out that many people hate them, thinking theyre sluggish. They take an entirely different behavior to drive properly, first and foremost being: do NOT feather the gas! It gives decent acceleration performance once you understand its behavior. My only complaints are some wind noise above 35 and the seat is a bit high for me - Im 67", so anyone can fit in this.

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  Dodge Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By tina75 - February 23 - 10:52 am

  I personally have had nothing but problems with my Nitro. First time owning a Dodge and at this point will never own one again. The shifting issues they have has now caused me to have to have the transmission rebuilt with no help from Dodge. Im very easy on my vehicles and have kept up with all maintenance so this is not due to neglect on my part. Not a happy customer

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  Get it while you still can - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By KP - February 23 - 7:03 am

  This car is nothing but pleasure! If you want to be noticed and feel like a rock star on a daily basis, get behind the wheel of the Challenger. I purchased a black 6 speed R/T and do not have one complaint with the car. The seats are more than comfortable, the performance is great and when you can keep your foot out of the floor, the gas mileage isnt bad for a sports car. Back seat room is good for this type of car too.

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  I love my Stratus - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Mutt - February 22 - 11:18 pm

  I have a metallic black, with brindle interior, SXT and it looks great. I added gold pin stripes and it really sets it off. The 2.4L DOHC 4cyl is a good, reliable engine, however it lacks power when the car is loaded with people and luggage. Especially going up hill with the A/C on. The V6 is a much better idea. My mileage is 22-24 avg. in the city and 30 to 31 hwy. Im a 61" male and find I need a power drivers seat or my head hits the ceiling. After several back and neck surgeries I have problems riding in many cars but the power drivers seat fits me well and w/o the lumbar support its very comfortable. It has a nice ride, the handling is great as is the visibility.

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  #1 SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JoeDodge - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Beats the competition, best value for the money- the whole family will LOVE the 2004 Durango!

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  I love my Charger - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By CassieLovesHerCharge - February 20 - 7:08 pm

  I bought this car because I loved the look of it so much! I didnt care that I bought the V6 because no one really knows unless you look under the hood. Its roomy and comfortable and my kids are safe with the 5 star crash test rating.

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  Eh - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Jorus - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Frankly, this car really didnt light my fire. I really wouldve rather gone with a Ford Focus or Mazda Protege for the money.

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  Good Value - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By PA DAWG - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Car has worked real efficiently. I drive lots of miles each day and I needed a reliable inexpensive mode of transportation. It has a sporty feel and corners very well for an economy car. The sound system is impressive as well.

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  Paint problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By trademark - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The biggest problem I had was at 20,000 miles the clear coat started to peal off the front of the car. Chrysler ended up repainting it and doing a lousy job. The trim "ES" and "Dodge" emblems look like crap now that the chrome plating has pealed off. Roters and front brakes at 40,000. Roters warped very bad. The driving lights are very disapointing, very dim, 35 watts and nothing larger available. Water in the headlights is very common. I am told that it is due to a pluged drain. I cant find it! Gas milage is awful. Average is 22-23. Basically the interior trim is ok. Everything fits together but the noise level in the car at 55 is awful.