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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  worst car I ever owned - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By byejourney10 - September 27 - 6:42 am

  Bought the 2010 journey rt. Awd fully loaded. It was new to me. I bought it 40000 kms. I bought $3000 warranty, but most issues werent covered. Brakes, front wheel bearings, alternator, key fob x 2, starter, cd / dvd quit working, never fixed it because i was quoted $2000 to rellace, exhaust sensor valve was carbed up replaced, battery wouldnt keep charged, bought new 1, unplugged back flashlight, turned off cooler in dash, etc...still battery issue. Took it to dealer andcorroded electrical, GPS/ hardrive had update done by dealer, GPS quit 1 hour after leaving lot. Hardrive corrupted. Recently its at dealer again, electrical issues again. Ive had enuf! Its outta here.

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  LOVE MY STRATUS - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By stratusfan - September 25 - 8:46 am

  I bought a 2001 Dodge Stratus R/T brand new (first new car!) and absolutely LOVED it. Sadly, after 13 years, I had to retire the car. The car offered affordable luxuries (leather seats, sunroof, Infinity sound system), agile handling, and comfort. No major expenses, just the cost of routine maintenance.

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  Happy - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By huskamutefarms - September 24 - 11:51 am

  I bought my 2013 Dodge Dart SE in March of 2013. It had 10 miles on it. It is now almost October of 2014 and I have 43200 miles on my Dart. My work was a long commute, no longer thank God. I have had ZERO problems with this car. I did put a new set of TOYO tires on. Sorry to the folks that had problems.. Ohh.. I love the fact no worries about a stupid rubber timing belt every 80k to100 k. I just drive right and follow manufacture recommendations. Ed Spokane, WA

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  3.5 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By jjhenagin - September 24 - 9:47 am

  Ive owned the 3.5 for almost eight years, Im over 130,000 miles and I have no complaints. I drove this thing hard and put it away wet almost every day of those eight years and it wasnt until 120,000 that I had a problem, a broken tie rod which was the result of my bad driving. I cant speak for the hemi, but the 3.5 has been reliable for me. My only complaint about the 3.5 is the mileage, its a pig. Other than that, I love my car, its reliable, smooth driving and easy handling, quick, comfortable. I plan on replacing it with another 3.5 when the time comes.

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  Its a Lemon!!!! - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By court90 - September 19 - 12:41 pm

  In June of 2014 I bought the used 2012 Dodge Journey with 24,000 miles on it I thought it would be great. I had a 2009 Kia Spectra that was starting to have problems and I wanted an SUV Chrisler were the only ones to take me with my credit so I bought this car. within 1 week of having it the breaks were bad they got replaced then it started having a strut problem so I took it back. they keep putting new things in it to stop the noise but it hasnt helped. The car goes back to the dealership everyweek its there more then I have it. Finally this week has been the last straw they dont know whats wrong with it so tomorrow I am going there and they are taking it back either way!! dissatisfied!!!

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  What a Ride! - 2013 Dodge Charger
  By allmyharts - September 16 - 1:49 pm

  Just got my 13 Charger R/T 2 weeks ago. I was driving a 02 GTP turbocharger. Boy what a difference in comfort and drive! I am totally loving my Charger with all the bells and whistles. The seats are so comfortable I cant wait each day to get in and drive. My GTP was a great car and had turbo so it went pretty fast but the Charger just goes by instinct. All I have to do is say "go" and we are off. I cant say much more about this car except it is awesome and looks pretty dang sexy! My only complaint is the sound system. I love my music and love it loud and thumping. The sound system in the car just doesnt do that well. Will be adding additional sound equipment to get the sound I want.

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  Would do it again - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By skypig86 - September 15 - 6:55 pm

  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would own a Dodge - this is my 5th! Bought new in 12, wife hogs it. Set out to buy an Infiniti M, but the Dodge wins on noise, room, entrance/egress, toys, and performance. The AWD is not as good as BMW, reminds me of my Aspen. It kicks in after you slip a little - I guess they wanted you to know you were changing envelopes whereas my 330XI was hardly noticeable. Only issue so far was a bushing squeak in the steering column that was fixed under warranty.

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  2013 Dodge Dart Limited w/Turbo and 6Auto Stick - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By lildbld - September 13 - 7:03 am

  Purchased July19th, 2014 (yes, was new and "lost" on the inventory at dealership). Had 100 miles on odometer, at 500 miles, transmission would not engage in turning lane, hobbled home, Tow #1(reflashed ECU). At 1100 miles, transmission would not engage and could not back out of garage, Tow #2, (replaced shifting pistons/actuator assembly). At 1655, transmission would not engage after stopping for coffee, Tow #3(found corroded ground terminals). At 1950, trans would not engage, Tow #4 (now replacing transmission). California has Lemon Law, I am using it...too bad. So towed 4 times before first car payment!

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  Strong engine, weak everywhere else. Not worth it. - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By cfresh96 - September 13 - 3:13 am

  I used this car for primarily getting to and from school for a few months, and it had no problems. I purchased it at 95,000 miles. I didnt really have problems with it. I treated it like garbage and raced it, drifted, etc. It lasted, I couldnt believe it. I then started delivering pizzas to make extra money, and then everything came back at me. Again, I used the power of the car to get me where I needed to go quickly. I put on 18,000 miles on it in a matter of 6 months. It no longer can last 10 miles of driving due to it overheating.

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  Love my 13 Aero - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By stubb1 - September 8 - 8:36 pm

  I have had my Aero since December 2013. I test drove almost everything in the class but settled on the Aero manual 6 spd 1.4L turbo based on price, options and fuel economy. This car is fun to drive, handles great, and gets better than advertised mileage. I have almost 20,000 on the car now and have taken it on several long road trips. The seats are comfy, the power is great even on the highway, and it is a real treat to drive on mountain roads. I cant understand the C rating here. For the last week I have also been driving a 2014 Corolla S and I cant stand it. The Dart has more pickup, better mileage and handling, and more room. All for about 4k less.