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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  Love My Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By davinshi - March 25 - 1:52 pm

  Bought this car used with less than 70,000 miles on it. It has TONS of power, hugs the curves, and rides smooth. I might say it has too much power-Im always having to slow it down on the freeway, because its up to 80mph and over without even feeling like it. Looks sporty and gets alot of compliments. It does make a bit of a whining noise on hills, but theres no decrease in power at all. My only issue with it is the cab forward design makes stop lights hard to see sometimes-I have to lean forward. But a small inconvenience compared to how amazing this car drives and handles. And I got my first speeding ticket in it!

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  2012 Charger RT Road and Track Pack - Awesome Car!! - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By chrisgray33 - March 22 - 1:17 pm

  I had been viewing this car since its release last year. While on a business trip I rented the base model charger and was blown away. First I am 6,9 and was driving a yukon xl denali because of the space. I had room to spare in the charger and plenty of headroom without the sunroof. Went to my local dealership after looking at the options online and test drove a few RTs . Fell in love with the hemi V8. Ordered my RT Road and Track in Black with the 20 inch chromes and Super Track Pack. Left out navigation and sunroof. This car is FAST, handles great, plenty of space, and reasonable fuel economy. I would encourage anybody in the market for a sedan to test drive the charge

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  149000 miles and going strong - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By rogerv2 - March 21 - 1:08 pm

  this 2001 durango is our 2nd durango 1st on was a 98 w/5.2 we put 236000 miles w normal wear items,our 2001 just turned up 149000 I had to replace the radiator , and water pump just normal wear items ,we average 17mpg and have gotten as high as 20.5mpg and Ive pulled a 4500 lb trailer did great .I love my durango and expect another 80000 miles out of it.

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  2012 Charger SE - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By hmnijj - March 17 - 12:53 am

  Even though I have the base model Charger, I am still very happy with it. I cant think of anything negative about the car. It has GREAT handling for a car of that size and its 292hp motor has enough power for me. The price is also very cheap compared to other cars that dont even measure up to the Charger. I love how the base model comes with all the features it does. The 4.2" touch screen is great and it also has a lot of controls on the steering wheel. I also like the computer it has it gives you a lot of information about the vehicle. All in all I love the car.

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  2012 Charger RT Road and Track - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By luther1517 - March 16 - 5:42 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 1st quarter of 2012. The V-8 was my original choice but decided to go for V-6 for better value and gas mileage. The V-6 was awesome it had plenty of acceleration and with K&N filter mpg were 37plus and mid 20s. However, I was forced to change it due to raw power feel of V-8 and was just bored with 8 speed transmission with no shifting options. Make shure you buy what you want! You will be forced to take a hit due to depreciation of vehicle return or stay with car choice. I just kept having that regret. The Hemi is a monster. Awesome acceleration and mpg on highway are low 30s with 50 to 70 mph and on stop and go is killer at 12. Car is a head turner!

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  Best Car Ever - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By 2012blkcharger - March 9 - 12:33 am

  Picked up my black 2012 black dodge charge RT a couple weeks ago, and let me just tell you how much I have enjoyed this car. This car offically made the tenth car that Ive owned at age 28. Ive owned Acrua, toyota, ford , chevy,nissian, buick,and the list goes on and on. None of the other brands can provide both a large interior space, smooth ride, and a powerful v8 like the charger rt. I must admit i was very skeptical about dodge at first until i drove this car and then i was sold. No rattles, no wind noise, soaks up large pot holes, and strong acceleration, good warranty. What more would anyone need? I would highly recommend anyone to test drive the 2012 dodge charger rt.

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  dodge stealth convertable - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By master1173 - March 7 - 3:33 pm

  i have a great looking one of a kind dodge stealth convertable i few years ago i just put a new motor in it with only 32,000 klm on it it runs great i did alot of research on this car and their is only 12 made i love this car turns heads were ever i go. this car has never seen the winter not even rain, now with kids my car has only seen the road maybe 10 times in the last three years.so iam very sad to say i have to sell this car with kids a have no time for it.

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  Great SUV no problems at all. - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By captain_jim2 - March 1 - 5:12 pm

  I have had the Durango a little over 4 years. I have not had one single reason to bring it to the shop other than routine oil changes and the 60,000 mile service which I had done by my mechanic not the local Dodge dealer as Landers McCarty in Huntsville is totally dishonest. The options listed the ST with the 4.7 V8 as a 4x4 although mine is just rear wheel drive but they did not have that option. I felt it important to list the V8 since I can not speak for the reliability of the other engines. I also get 14-16 Mpg around town and at least 20 Mpg on trips. I would highly recommend this SUV.

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  Nothing else in this price range compares... - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By erad75 - February 27 - 8:51 pm

  I have about 10k on my 2012 Charger R/T Max. I cannot say enough good things about this vehicle. To the shock of many friends, I traded a 2009 Audi A4 Quattro for this vehicle. The build quality, ride quality, and owner experience are beyond what I expected. 2 years ago I would have never considered a Dodge above a German brand. Surprisingly, the highway mileage is quite good. I recently got 30 MPG on a road trip to NY. In the city Im looking at 19-21MPG. If youre in the market for a reliable, well-handling, large sedan, this car certainly deserves solid consideration and is the "last of the Mohicans" in terms of large, rear-drive, American sedans (short of the Chrysler 300).

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  Old but strong - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By barobot - February 27 - 5:49 pm

  im 15 and this truck was my first car i bought it for 1500 on 11/12 with 156000 miles and counting. it has a pretty good sized rust hole in the passenger door and is kind of loud. the gas guage doesnt work and the paint is peeling on the roof but is no prob, this truck pulls like a fullsize truck and i average about 12 mpg in the city. it is faster than anything weve owned and is more roomy than our ranger or our old s10. i wouldnt get rid of it untill i die. if you are looking for a used truck for around 2500, this is what you should get! but dont get any of the second generation ones, there junk.