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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  sollar yellow - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By dak - June 15 - 2:00 am

  overall this is a good truck for the exeption of the auto trany that sleeps all the time when passing.

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  Brakes Stop Short of Brilliance - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By andymac - June 14 - 2:00 am

  The brakes were replaced at 43000 miles, just prior to my purchase of the vehicle. They were replaced again 10 months and 20000 miles later. They were replaced again at 99000 miles in June 2002. The head gasket had a leak which went from bad to worse from 43000 miles until its replacement 60000 miles. Heat and A/C only work from windshield and floor, not from dash. Check Engine light appears every other month, sometimes disappearing on its own, other times requiring a trip to the garage. Great gas mileage, comfort- -even on long trips, appearance, room, and handling.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Jenn126 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought at 68K, no problems till next year. Brought to Dodge for a recall and check engine light. They said I had to replace lower ball joints, turn brakes, clean rear breaks, bad oxygen sensor causing check engine light, and leaking thermostate. Total repair cost over was $1,000. I paid $70.00 for the diagnostic and left.Went straight to Good Year to check the ball joints, they said I needed NO repair. Was Dodge looking at the wrong truck or trying to take advantage of a female? Still havent had any of these repairs done after a year and the truck runs like a dream. Love my truck. The only repairs have been regular maintance and a new serp. belt.

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  A little soggy - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By CB - June 13 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my Dodge Journey for a Year and love the car. It had been raining all day on Sunday and when my husband and I went to take friends out to dinner, the passengar side in the front was flooded with water. You could see where it looked like it ran down the door. Windows and door where shut tight and the overhead console when I turned the corner, had water running out as well. Have an appointment on Thursday. Hopefully, the car will not start to smell and they fix the problem. Will see how it turns out. Also, the car could get a little better gas mileage. Its almost like to much car for the size engine.

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  Deal of the century - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By cameron131 - June 13 - 6:33 am

  I drive the Dodge SRT-4 ~400 miles a week. First let me say this car is seriously fast. The suspension is tight which makes handling incredible but it has a downside, when you hit a bump or hole your teeth are almost jarred out of your mouth. The shifting from the five speed manaul trans is smooth for the price. Braking is strong its amazing how short a distance you can stop in. The fin in the back I dont like I call it the park bench and Im seriously thinking about removing it. Changing the oil is a mission because you cant get a oil filter wrench on the filter, because its squeeze in between the engine block and the oil cooler.

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  one of the better - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By hemidakota - June 12 - 1:06 pm

  3.5 liter in sxt has enough go for money, good ride on lot of roads, has a lot of standard equipment for being one of the base models. handles pretty good in snow for fwd. its one of the better cars dodge has done in awhile.

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  Great Car, Turns Heads - 2000 Dodge Avenger
  By Mark Silbernagel - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I had a leased Olds Alero (2000) to compare against -- and found that the Olds felt more bouncy (had sport susp. opt). The 17" wheels must help the ES. The Avenger feels longer and rides more smoothly (nice), and is also more quiet. Steering on winding rural roads is a little different (less sport tight) than the Olds but comfortable nonetheless. Body noise and fit are much better on the Avenger. GM does nice things with the technology (like using antilock sensors to determine when your tire pressure is low) but between the two I pick the Avenger ES. Mark

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  R/T Best Buy For Money - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Steph - June 7 - 6:56 pm

  I traded my 2003 Dodge Stratus R/T in for the Avenger R/T FWD. After a lot of looking for a sporty, fun, and practical car the Avenger was my best bet. I first test drove the AWD but I was disappointed by the acceleration and handling. The AWD doesnt get the performance suspension like the FWD does. The convenience package is worth the money. While the interior is semi-cheap looking everything is very functional and is quite easy to clean. The seats I find to be very comfortable, especially on long rides. Carpooling is a breeze, and the acceleration is hands down awesome for a car in this class.

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  Use Common Sense! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Drozs875 - June 6 - 9:06 am

  Bought it from dealer new with 839 miles on it. I researched minivans to no end before I bought this one, and one thing that bothers me about it is the people that whine about issues that are either routine maintenance or abuse! The brake problems are caused by heavy footed stooges riding the brakes and the sliding door problems are from lack of lubrication! Use some common sense and maintain your vehicle! The only issue Ive had is the A/C blows warm in the South Carolina heat until you get moving. Ive checked the system myself and guess what...thats normal for a vehicle with a cabin this big! Overall I like the vehicle, the kid loves the DVDs and the wife wont let me drive it!

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  Think before you buy... - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Pam - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has had its share of time in the shop. I have replaced the head gasket twice and am working on a third time, and this time someone else can pay for it. I have found no easy fixes to this car as every little thing is part of a bigger package. You cant buy little parts as they are all part of a bigger part that cant be broken down. This vehicle leaks oil constantly.