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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  I struck oil - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By clout - August 30 - 8:11 pm

  I got my dodge avenger ES with no miles a 188000 miles latter Ive changed the o2 sensor twice the camshaft sensor once and developed a oil leak that seems no one can fix.I just recently paid 1200 dollars for a distributor and this is the third time Ive taken it back. it seems like the mechanics dont know how to work on these car,s or don,t like to. the drivers side window works when it wants to no dome light really a bright ideal. this car should be better quality.

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  Beyond Disappointed! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By gr8dane - August 25 - 2:31 pm

  I bought my Nitro new and within 1 week, it was back in the shop to have the entire AC replaced. Here are my list of repairs for a 2 yr old car: AC replaced, door lock motors replaced 3 times, starter replaced, pass. side airbag repaired (said off when pass. in seat), center console replaced, outlet in back fell out of socket, car charger socket fell back into dash, 4x4 repaired, sunroof repaired, radio blaring when car is off (my personal fav), etc.

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  Horrible car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Beng - August 24 - 1:55 pm

  Im renting a Dodge Caliber to replace my Suzuki SX4 that is being repaired. In comparison, the Caliber has a horrible turning radius, is sluggish to start, and nearly impossible to speed up. It is extremely heavy. The Caliber also has alot of road noise. The ride is not smooth at all. I feel most every bump on the road. When I change lanes I feel the whole car jolt over instead of being smooth, like my SX4. To top it off, the blindspots are a huge problem. The windows are very small, and placed so that turning my head to check the other lanes reveals only the Calibers interior. The nice things though are an air conditioned glove box and fancy storage between the two front seats.

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  Textbook Chrylser - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By cord1500 - August 21 - 12:19 pm

  The Stealth represents what is wrong with Chrysler and why they are where they are today. A unique, sporty, and attractive exterior design plagued by a dollar store interior and reliability of weather. Numerous electrical faults, windows, alternator, and transmission in the first two years! Spent more time at Dodge than in my garage. Performance was great then, but Ive seen R/T Stealths blown away by 4 door G-35 recently

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  Fun to drive - when working - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pfeiffer - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive this van, especially on long trips. Can get 24mpg at 70mph. Unfortunately the van is in the shop alot, and I may trade it. Biggest problem has been the master brake cylinder. Have had 4 in 36K miles. The dash dials have stopped cold on numerous occasions, and one time some swith broke and the van was stuck in 2nd. Have my own coffee mug at the dealer.

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  BOOOOOOO!!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Greg J. - August 19 - 9:06 pm

  Car is a looker, that is the only upside. Reading other consumer reviews it seems I may have the only crappy dodge stratus. Ok, here we go. Transmission jerks for some mysterious reason, ALOT of electrical issues (interior lights, blinking head lights, faint turning signals, horn loves to go out, fluctuating gas hand, radio and clock resets when I turn the car off then back on), bumper sits too low therefore it oftens hits while going over dips and speed bumps even when speed is low. 3.0 engine sounds good but doesnt accelerate all that well, and parts are expensive. I plan to sell car or salvage parts and get a NON AMERICAN CAR. Sorry USA.

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  Hate this SUV ! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By sue - August 18 - 4:34 pm

  I have owned Chevy, Ford & Dodge SUVs, This is by far the worst. I had my Ford Explorer for 100,000 miles and no major problems, Chevy Trailblazer, I owned for short time, but no problems. This SUV I have had back to the dealer 3 times for the same problem, it doesnt want to shift into higher gears, a few times the tack jumped between 1 & 2 like crazy for no reason and the dealer can not fix it ! The A/C doesnt cool off the back seat at all, the plastic has broke around both front seats. I only have 27,000 miles and I have all these problems already. Im going back to Ford and not touching a Dodge again. Its a shame because my parents both drive Dodges also, we were a Dodge family !

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  Weigh your options - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Nikkie - August 18 - 11:52 am

  Ive had my Nitro for two yeaers, no major problems besides brakes scratching alittle. The acceleration is somewhat poor but picks up when needed. The car look great and I get alot of compliments and turn heads. However, overall dont feel like its solid transportation

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  Never Again Will I Buy A Dodge Product - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By C Paul - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Worst car, and worst service, ever encountered.

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  Never again. - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By suckycar - August 14 - 10:37 pm

  Nitro drives ok, but traction control comes on at random times, including dry conditions on flat roads at city speeds. At 36000 miles, just out of warranty, I had to replace the water pump and thermostat. Was still over heating so I took it to Clear Lake Dodge and they replaced the radiator free of charge. Drivers inside door handle broke about 100 miles ago. I have no idea why. MP3 input does not work properly. All lights and gauges will fail to operate from time to time. Must have a short some where. For having 50K miles, I think this is too many problems.