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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  Dodge Nitro RT 4X4 - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By MIKE K - December 11 - 5:45 pm

  I had my Nitro R/T for over a month. I average 15 miles a gallon. I really enjoy driving my suv. I feel for the money I paid the interior would have more luxury items. Love the bluetooth feature through the radio, leather seats arent too bad, heated seats are great. Only the driver seat is power, passenger seat isnt. Nitro R/T has 260 hp and great on the pick up.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Neon Lover - December 10 - 11:14 pm

  I owned my 05 Neon for almost 3 years and drove the heck out of it! Purchased at 7800 miles and wrecked 2 weeks ago at 54000. I have driven this car as a daily commuter as well as our main travel car. I drove it cross country last summer. I have to say this car is amazing! It has never had any problems, any at all. It drives well has good handling and response. Cup holders have great placement, I love the arm rest. My model had power windows in front only- I saved about $500 and not once did I miss having power back seat windows. I did replace the tires and brakes at 53000 but they said I would have had a few months left. I got about 24-27mpg city not great but highway 33.

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  Best Van in the Business - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Nick - December 10 - 1:56 pm

  Awesome van, rides great radio is the best in the business, and quite ride. I have been averaging 21 mpgs.

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  1993 Dynasty Marathoner - 1993 Dodge Dynasty
  By GEORGEMJ - December 10 - 1:03 pm

  I bought this car new and still have it with 340,000 miles. Has original engine, trans rebuilt at 300,000. Normal maintenance. Some minor problems but overall good performance. all it does is run. Wont quit. Got a new Hemi Charger but still drive the Dynasty to work.

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  Stressed out Stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Stressed out stratus - December 10 - 2:29 am

  At only 54,300 miles the outer tie-rod snapped at joint. Vehicle is not driven hard or abusively. More problems found at time of oil change maintenance 60,000 miles. Good thing I purchased the extended warranty. Oil leak from front of engine. Transmission fluid leak from solinoid pack on side of transmission. Warranty covers work and I pay $100 deductable.

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  Awesome - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Steve - December 9 - 9:00 am

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  uuummm ok - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By xcitemint - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Has not broken down yet. Do have a leaky rear seal and a leaky head gasket. Serpintine belt always needs replaced. Brakes are below average at best. There are worse cars out there, but if a friend asked me about it I wouldnt recommend it.

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  Hate this car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By soltantoneisogni - December 8 - 12:14 pm

  I hate this car. It knows it too and hates me right back. It has just over 50000 miles on it and Ive already had to replace the cam shaft sensor, due to the car not starting last summer, and now I have to put $400 into the transmission. This car gets regular oil changes and maitanence and it is the biggest mistake Ive ever made. I owe too much to trade it in, but it is the biggest piece of garbage Ive ever owned. It has completely turned me off American cars. Never again. If you love pouring money into a hopeless case, the Neon is for you. It is the worst mistake I have ever made. Ever. I wish I could rewind my life and take it back. Hate the Neon. N.E.O.N = never ever own Neons. Garbage.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By SPG - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The Durango is an oustanding vehicle for the money. Great styling, excellent for the New England Weather. Very comfortable. Fuel economy is less then perfect. No problems since purchase. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Happy Camper - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Kevin@ga - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my truck new and fully loaded. I looked at full sized trucks but the fun factor on the Dakota made it the hands down choice. Ive towed a 12 foot trailer 600 miles with no problems but primarily use it to haul people and light cargo. To date the truck has been pretty well trouble free and if I had to do it over again, I wouldnt change a thing!