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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  2002 Durango R/T - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By ronniechoate34 - December 28 - 12:22 pm

  We bought our Durango with 126,000 miles on her. The transmission needed replacing, the heater hose and the upper and lower radiator hoses all needed replacement. The radiator and the thermostat were both shot. The front brakes, the power booster and master cylinder on the Durango needed replacement and so did a wheel hub. The brake hoses had been replaced by the previous owner in the two years prior to my purchasing the vehicle. There are still problems with the heater as the rear of the truck only blows cool air from the vents. Not too great in the winter time. There were other minor problems with the truck, but after sinking a small fortune into it Im hoping it will hold up for years.

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  Had looked, now own - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By usmc1811 - December 26 - 8:36 am

  Very happy so far with my Durango R/T AWD. The V8 Hemi is a solid engine to have in this size vehicle. Plenty of power when you need it. I have yet to tow anything, but from the feel and performance of the V8 engine so far, towing will never be an issue. The AWD is a solid feature to have in the NW when it does snow. Be sure to buy one fully loaded if you can. Even if you think you may not need the extra goodies, you will find a need or want later.

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  Just check it out for yourself...a pleasant surprise - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By ek900 - December 23 - 11:49 am

  We went into 3-row crossover shopping with the Journey not on the list, and ended up liking it so much we special ordered! We test drove the Hyundai Santa Fe, Buick Enclave, Mazda Cx9, and Nissan Pathfinder, but we really liked the packaging of the Journey a lot better. We got a Crossroad model, FWD, with the V6, and I would recommend it. What sold us on the Journey was simply how much better the interior was packaged for us. Its got plenty of room without being as big as some others. The seats are very comfortable and there is storage everywhere. Plus, we got the integrated booster seats, and they are so well-designed it is amazing to me they arent available on other SUVs.

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  Stay away from dodge - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By celticstallion - December 21 - 12:26 am

  My dodge has 113k miles and is ready for the grave. Despite me treating this truck gently it still wants to quit. Since I had it I have replaced the throttle body sensor, crankshaft sensor all relays, distributor with cap rotor, spark plugs and wires, ignition coil and fuel pump. So after replacing all this it still dies at unexpected times and once you fix one thing and think you have a handle on it something else will quit.It drives like crap its slow and the transmission is a 4 speed cheap piece of garbage. In my opinion the 6 cyl engine is useless because its so weak it struggles to move the truck. I cant imagine what a 4 banger would be like. Its just a poor design from top to bottom.

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  Idiling problems - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By plank3 - December 17 - 11:18 pm

  First vehicle that I bought brand new. The first three years were great but now the truck will stall when idling. I have taken the vehicle back to the dealership for service but the problem cannot be reproduce. Only have 70k on it. Any suggestions?

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  Very happy - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By chines1 - December 17 - 1:20 pm

  What is Edmunds on? I guess if its not Toyota or Honda they have nothing nice to say. Ive had it for a month now with almost 1500 miles on it and I love it. I do have the 6 cyl and find the go to be more than adequate. No issues with acceleration or braking in the least. Handling is excellent and responsive. I love this car. Great size, great price, great features. I currently have ZERO complaints on this car. With mixed driving that leans a bit more towards city, Im easily getting 20 MPG and Im a fairly aggressive driver. (Seriously, I have enjoyed the heck out of the 6 cyl in this car) I suspect a nice MPG on longer trips.

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  You wont find a better car for the money! - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By 1wickedwarlock - December 15 - 7:08 pm

  Okay... Im all about being fair in life... And Edmunds review of this car is WAY off... Ive owned a 2012 Dodge journey for going on 3 years now. And to date.. I have not regretted my purchase once.. Thats not to say there are not things I would change about the car. But for them to say the 3.6 six in this car is under powered?.. Is just plain b.s.. And I have the 2012(283hp).. The 2015 has gotten a boost to 295hp. Ok.. This is not a race car.. And I dont treat it as such. But I am being honest here when I say I have on more than one occasion got on it at a red light and left other(some far sportier) cars in my dust... And it was not for lack of them trying. This car MOVES!!!

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  My Favorite Car! - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By mike7894 - December 14 - 7:24 am

  My first car was a 65 Mustang which I bought in 1969. Since then, I have owned a lot of automobiles including Lincoln MKX, Lexus RX 350, Ford Explorer and Nissan Murano SUVs. Ive owned my 2014 Durango Citadel (with 5.7L Hemi) for 14 months now and it is hands down my favorite. It gives a solid yet comfortable ride both highway and city. The seating is comfortable and spacious...even the third row handles 6 footers no problems. Vehicle utility is outstanding. It is very stylish - in and out - without being gaudy and is and well apportioned. All the small appurtenances and design features really add value to the overall experience. It is very simply a pleasure to drive.

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  upsides and downsides - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By jvote - December 12 - 11:47 am

  upsides are comfort,speed, power, as well as control based on wheel base you can park it in the tightest area you ever imagined. handles like a mid range car, with the horsepower of a sportscar and i have driven a 911 turbo. it doesnt have the acceleration tho. of a 911 turbo. but it has alot of power and go. i am 3rd owner with 129k when bought. and was pleasantly suprised at the handling, with p265/75 tires 16" it drives better than most of the cars i have owned. small to large. and handles better than all of them. downside is the thunk of the trany, thats covered in a service bulliten with the ab code. not a problem. easy fix. a absolute pleasure to drive. would like to buy another one.

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  Nice car, with a problem. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By dodgekia - December 7 - 7:16 pm

  We got our caliber in March 2014, when we got it, it had a problem. Behind the driver seat there is a water leak on the floor each time it rains, in the other hand, the caliber is very spacious and comfortable, the floor on the cargo area is nice because it is made of plastic, so in case of like a spill, you can easily wipe it of. The seats are very comfortable, especially when it is cold and you turn on the heated seats. Legroom is nice too. The car is fun to drive, because of the engine on the R/T (2.4L I4)