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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  2003 Neon SE - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Nicki - April 29 - 9:28 pm

  I bought my car used in October of 2003 and it has had no problems. It runs smoothly & has a slightly gutsy sound when you accelerate...like a mini- muscle car. Its a great car for commuting to work, school, or just for a day around town. The only downfall with this particular model, the SE, is the little perks between the SE and the SXT. The engine and everything is the same EXCEPT for power windows/locks, paint-colored body trim mouldings, trunk release & trunk lighting. If you have the extra $2-3k, but dont want anything too expensive, go for the SXT. Either one is a good car to own.

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  I love it - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By jetbatt - April 29 - 2:39 am

  I actually have the 4.7L V8. Front and rear comfort is exceptional for a mid-size truck. I have noticed that the mid-size trucks of today are the the full-size trucks of a decade ago. Cup holders galore! Nice beefy suspension with a smooth ride. Dodge has the best Red!

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  Chevy guy now a Dodge man - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By PRO - April 27 - 7:53 pm

  Bought the 2005 Dodge Dakota SLT 4 X 4 Club Cab with 4.7L V8 and 5 speed auto trans. Great looking and performing truck. Looked at chevy colorado,toyota tacoma,and honda ridgeline. The Honda was too expensive. Could not sit comfortably in the Toyota, the steering wheel wedged my legs against the seat even with it tilted all the way up. The Colorado didnt have a wide enough bed. The Dodge is the best truck out there. Its roomy, the V8 is powerful and the brakes work great. Fuel mileage is about typical for a V8. Once you drive one you will be hooked. It handles like a car.

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  2008 Dodge Avenger RT - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By James - April 26 - 9:46 am

  Got the brilliant black Dodge Avenger RT back in October. Got the MyGiG navigational system, along with the chrome rims. This car looks nice, very nice. I have nothing but high praise for this car. Looks and drives just awesome. And the lifetime powertrain warranty is unbeatable. I would reccomend this car to everyone. Thanks Dodge.

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  Awsome Truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Steve Suhrbier - April 26 - 4:25 am

  I opted for the 4.7 L. V-8. The power is tremendous. All the big truck qualities in a mid-size truck. Very comfortable ride. It will tow 7000 lbs. Gas mileage is the only downfall for the 4.7. Overall, the best vehicle I have ever purchased. Kudos to Glendale Dodge in California. No hassle, no haggle, no grinding. Just sold me the truck for the price I wanted.

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  1992 Dodge Stealth - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By janet - April 25 - 5:34 pm

  This is the best car I ever owned! It was low maintenance, had a beautiful design outside and very comfortable inside. If they still made them, Id buy another one to replace this one.

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  Wonderful Van - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By RandyMac - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my van used in 1999 with a little trepidation, but I could not have been more pleased. It drives wonderfully and have done 0 repairs only routine maintenance.

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  ALNY Johns Durango - 2017 Dodge Durango
  By John Gaston - April 24 - 10:52 pm

  If this isnt the best SUV on the market, I dont know what is. The Durango Citadel AWD we bought easily beats the Honda Pilot and Volvo XC90, which we considered, researched, and drove. The Durangos ride, comfort, technology (driver assist and ease-of-use), quietness, tow capability, space, and value are all better than the other two vehicles. In particular, we found the Pilots ergonomics to need a fair amount of improvement. We especially like the rear bucket seats and console, along with the ample number and variety of electronic plugs. The cars controls, both front and rear as well as buttons and electronic, are very straightforward and easy to use. Attention to little details and conveniences, such as the handy built-in flashlight in the rear or the tuck-away roof crossbars, is splendid on the Durango.

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  2005 Dodge Dakota - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By hba327 - April 24 - 12:17 pm

  This truck is amazing. I have the 3.7 l V6 and it has great power and sound. The interior Is my favorite, very comfortable, quiet, smooth. The only thing I dont like about the truck is the front bumper sticks out 6-inches too much, but other than that I rate it altogether a 9/10. I wouldnt buy anything else but a Dodge

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  LOVE IT! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Eric Waterhouse - April 22 - 11:58 pm

  After purchase, I dropped it 2 inches and put on rims, intake, and exhaust. I took it to VA and got 34-36mpg in it. The intake and exhaust really brings that little motor to life. This is my second Neon and I think Im hooked.