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 our New 2015 Journey Limited - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By brandich - September 7 - 8:01 am

  We ordered my wifes 2015 Dodge Journey Limited on July 4, 2014. She picked out ALL the "GOODIES" including the White Tri-Coat paint for an extra $500. Along with the White Pearl Leather interior the car is just STUNNING to look at for sure! We also had 2 thin black stripes PAINTED down the sides and also around the back..BEAUTIFUL!! We do MISS the Power REAR Hatch Opening like we had on our Town and Country Limited Van and ALSO MISS the Drivers Front Seat Power setting for 2 drivers! Thats really the only 2 things I WISH they would have OFFERED with our Limited Journey. We picked up my wifes 2015 Journey on Aug. 22, 2014 and we both LOVE it!!

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  Perfect Ride - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By gvtrai58 - August 30 - 11:16 pm

  I was born in the 60s and grew up in the 70s when Chrysler didnt exactly have the best reputation among auto makers. I discovered the 2014 Durango because I use one very frequently for the company I work for. I couldnt believe how quiet and smooth the ride is. I used to joke around about the Durango being as smooth as a Mercedes. Then, I found out it shares the same platform as the Mercedes GL series. So, when my wife needed another vehicle I decided to get her a Durango. She picked out a 2014 Rallye package and loves it. The kids love it. The car is so quiet and smooth. The gas mileage is great. After 8000 miles we average about 22mpg. No maintenance issues.

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  Do NOT Buy A Dart!!! - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By bamatoya - August 29 - 2:34 pm

  Omg... This car turned out to be my worst nightmare. I purchased it on July 31, 2013, brand new, and it seems like as soon as I pulled off the lot, it went downhill from there. In April, I ended up having to get the alternator and a belt replaced. It locked up while I was driving, not to mention the fact that I was just about to get on the interstate for a trip. After that, I experience a burning smell for weeks. Ended up having to have the oil pan replaced. Now, here in August, my car wont crank. It keeps dying on me and one minute, it seems like the battery, the next someone is saying its the alternator. Im waiting for the verdict from the dealer now. In the meantime, dont buy Dodge!!

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  Best Kept Secret for Mid-Sized SUVs - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By f_black - August 27 - 7:50 pm

  All in all after 2 months of ownership this vehicle has been absolutely outstanding. For my needs (suburban tasks, weekend fun) its exceeded my expectations. Very high quality, ergonomic interior that is comfortable and utility orientated as a daily driver. But for me the clincher is the road dynamics - taut handling and the Hemi that kicks in at all the right moments brings a smile every time. I do know its not a mid-engine exotic (at 5300 lbs) but for a domesticated male this is superbly satisfying! Do not take my word for it - test drive it if you can find one (R/T).

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  LOVE DODGES! - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By becca1984 - August 27 - 12:54 pm

  I recently purchased my 2nd Dodge Intrepid. They are very dependable cars,as long as theyre taken care of. My 1st Intrepid was a 2000. Owned it 3 years and only replaced a tire rod and the power steering pump(previous owner neglected it). I accumulated alot of miles on that car. When I let it go it had 215,000 miles and still going strong. My current intrepid is a 2003. Sitting at 146,000. Excellent car. I change my oil every 5,000 miles. 4qts of synthetic blend oil and 1 qt of Lucas engine treatment. These cars are CHAMPS as long as theyre taken care of!

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  2015 Dodge Journey Limited - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By brandich - August 25 - 10:06 am

  Weve had out New 2015 Journey Limited now for 4 days and LOVE it! We DO MISS the 1 and 2 Power Seat Adjustment that we had with our Town & Country Limited! We also MISS the POWER rear hatch feature. At 68 years old this WOULD have been nice to have...like our Town & Country Limited. All in All we do my Wifes new car and LOVE the White Tri-Coat exterior and the White Pearl and Black interior.

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  First New Car - 2014 Dodge Dart
  By bradley_gt - August 23 - 12:53 pm

  It is not as easy to find good used car at a great value any more so I finally looked at what around $200 a month could get you in a lease. I wanted something that got around 30 MPG but had some features. I have owned many domestic vehicle as well as Honda Civics. The new Dart is very attractive thus the initial interest. Wow I was surprised at what you get for your money in both the STX & GT models.

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  Great Truck Overall. Going good at 65k+ - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By carlovernyc - August 22 - 8:03 pm

  My review is being posted for someone seeking user experience data to make a decision to buy/own a used Dodge Nitro or not. Our Nitro was bought New from the Dealer. After nearly 7 years and 60,000 miles, the problems have been limited to minor issues. Check engine light has come on a few times requiring a trip to the dealer. Either it was nothing, or something covered under wrrty. A power door lock broke, and a tire sensor broke. Aside from this the car is reliable.

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  Ashamed..... - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By dickson3 - August 22 - 7:11 pm

  I went and made an account just so I could complain, this is nothing but a money pit, ive replaced alternator, brakes, struts, cruise control, and 2 pairs of tires. ive had it about 6 years and just paid it off. Im so angry about this vehicle, every site you go on its the same complaint over and over again. this should be recalled. Had a ford and didnt have near as many problems. I should of kept it. Yeah cooler is a joker back bumper scratches and its expensive to fix. open up the back windows and it sounds like your in a helicopter. save yourself the money and get something else.

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  Great MPG and Thoughtful Technology - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By tabjaxx - August 22 - 5:11 pm

  Ive had this Durango Limited AWD model for 2 months and 3000 miles. I compared to Highlander, Pathfinder, and Acadia, but $6500 in incentives lured me to the Durango. Love the styling of the back of the SUV, not so crazy about the usual Dodge look of the front. Have had issues with the Tire Pressure Monitoring system that took 3 trips to the dealership to resolve (software). Overall MPG is 24, which is great for a car this size. Has a smooth but firm ride. The electronic interfaces in the car are great. Lots of nice interior lighting touches. Beware CD player is an option and is placed in the center console, not the dash. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Just hope its reliable.