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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  Why settle for a Ford, when you can buy a super do - 2017 Dodge Challenger
  By Brenda Preast - November 15 - 10:01 am

  Always drive it, before you buy it. Because you want buy a Ford. You drive a dodge. You dont know what your missing. Great car. And handles nice. Great car all the way around.22

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  Excellent Family Transportation - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Steve - November 15 - 3:23 am

  I started out leasing this van because of what I heard about Chryslers reliability and (at the time) corporate stability. That was 40 months ago. My lease ran out last month, and I bought the van. Why? I havent had any significant trouble with the van in 30k miles. Its overkill for a 1 person commute but it is excellent for carpooling and family vacations. When we travel (fam of 4) we put down 1/2 rear seat for the cooler. My son brings his playstation and plays it through overhead video & wireless headphones. Tip: the middle seats are much more comfortable if you put up the headrests. Noticed slight mpg bump with K&N filter. Though lower horsepower than competitors, its plenty.

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  My TorRed R/T - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By HemiEd - November 14 - 2:45 pm

  I have owned many new cars, and this is the best of them all. They really did a nice job on this car. The performance is outstanding, pure raw power when you want it. Everything works, everything is flawlessly working as it was intended to do. I have put over 4,500 miles on it now, with no issues. The nav system and sound system are nothing short of amazing to me. The interior is clean and very functional. Only a couple things could be improved in my opinion. Once you get used to it, the blind spots are not a problem whatsoever. There is not much I would change on this car, some very small issues. Driving it is such a pleasure, I look forward to it every day! #1 of all the retro cars

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  Loved Car but Lots of Problems - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Rich - November 14 - 12:47 pm

  I purchased car new 2/06, 1st 15000 miles no problems. Then a transmission leak which was fixed by the dealer. Front rotors warped around 24000 which I had to pay to repair. Around 28000 miles rocker arm shaft dowels sheared in both exhaust shafts- engine rebuild under warranty. Around 32000 miles outer tie rod ends replaced under warranty. Now at 39300 miles I am told that inner tie rod ends are shot & Steering gear needs replacing. Dealership trying to get this covered under warranty but if not $1000 out of my pocket. Never had a car with this many problems so early on. I do not beat on the car and have changed oil every 3000 miles. Must have got a bad one.

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  I Like It - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By mdlunde - November 14 - 2:00 am

  To date, I have had no problems. I wish I would have ordered the cruise control though.

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  Kicks Butt! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By oOMocKerOo - November 14 - 2:00 am

  My experience with Neons didnt start off that great. I had a 1997 Plymouth Neon DOHC 150-hp engine. It was fun to drive and I frequently smoked Hondas and Focuses. The big problem I had was reliability. This doesnt seem to be a problem with my new 2003 R/T. Very sleek and great looking. I recommend it to all!

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  2000 Durango SLT 5.9 - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By stefan - November 13 - 10:47 pm

  I have owned this truck for 2 years and it is great! The 5.9 has great performance and with several bolt on parts it performs even better. MPG not desireable but expected from a 5.9. Tows with ease! manual transfer case always reliable. Transmission is probably the weak link in this truck. Interior is very comfortable, leather adds to comfort. Very solid SUV!

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  My car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By stephoff - November 13 - 7:56 pm

  I like this car. I cant say im in love with it, but I have very high expectations. (Im a Lexus/ BMWgirl) Other than that it is a great car, never have had any major problems ever. The only thing that bothered me was the fact when I wrecked at 45 mph the air bags didnt deploy. But then I am not sure what speed you have to be going for them to. And that everytime you hit your brakes hard the back seats open and everything from your trunk is now in the cab. But other than that it is a good car to get from a to b so I cant complain. I plan on having this car for a long time.

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  2001 Neon ACR - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By HazMatt24 - November 13 - 9:53 am

  Loud, rude, and crude. Just the way I like it. I have used this car for a daily driver and autocross/time trial car. The handling is great for a front driver and acceleration is great for only 150 HP. Adjustible struts realy make a difference when driving at the limits. No mechanical problems to speak of yet. Fun little car to play with.

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  Second time around - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Superdj - November 12 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased this truck from a co-worker who had it brand new from the dealer. I had a 1988 LE and loved it except for the lousy leg room. With the extended cab, I am comfortable and secure in it at all times. the V6 has all the power i need and then some!