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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  SXT Plus, w/ SS pkg great alt for commute - 2012 Dodge Challenger
  By misha1957 - January 27 - 11:39 pm

  I traded a 2008 Chev Malibu LTZ, that I liked a lot but it had a ton of miles on it due to my long commute. I decided this time around I wanted something a little less family sedan, and a little more "Grand Touring." The Camaro was a little too cramped for my daily routine, but the Challenger hit all the sweet spots in a happy medium between performance and practicallity, with comfort and knock-out good looks. If you really dont need a sedan-league back seat, the Challenger is a fantastic car for daily duties. After driving it for a couple of weeks now, I am totaly impressed with how easy it is to live with in my daily commute.

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  Hope all goes well! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By tred20 - January 22 - 11:45 pm

  Just purchased the journey about a week ago, and I must say that Im pleased with what I got. After reading all the reviews Im getting scared but I must press on. Cant let others dictate my decision. In the past Ive been driving jalopies. Now I got something that can stand proudly next to and say this is my car. My wife absolutely adores this suv. I have alot of concerns, but judging from what i previously owned I feel that Im much better off. I pray that I dont experience some of the problems that others have experienced. Although I have noticed a slight squealing noise coming from the hvac unit. I hope this is not a sign. Guys I use to drive a car that had not heat nor ac.

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  Great Value - 2012 Dodge Avenger
  By interpolfan1 - January 21 - 12:30 am

  The 2.4L has plenty of power,and is comfortable and fun to drive. The drivers seat sits higher than my Patriot did,so after driving Jeeps for the past 7+ years,I dont feel like Im sitting on the ground. I love the cold weather package and the stereo sounds great and is easy to access,thanks to the steering wheel controls. It has handled well this winter,though I have to remind myself I no longer have 4x4.Havent had it long enough(2 weeks)to know what the mpgs will average out to.

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  LOVE IT! one weird, dangerous flaw - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By aoneil - January 19 - 7:48 am

  this thing is really fun to drive, maybe a little too much fun. it only took a day, maybe a total of an hours worth of driving, to figure out the controls and set everything to my liking. the acceleration is pretty good, really smooth when you hit it. Mind you Im one of those people with 2 speeds - on and off, but she not jarring and very responsive.

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  2004 dodge durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By coolsamuel1123 - January 12 - 11:42 am

  hello every one i just got a used 2004 dodge durango in dec of 2011 i have had a month know and have put over 2500 miles on it and i love it every mile that i drive it the ride is very nice

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  What a great experience - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By steve409 - January 10 - 9:00 pm

  I liked these things the first time I saw one, and have enjoyed my 2001 Durango as it comes up on its 11th birthday at around 125000 miles. 4.7 V8, almost no problems at all to speak of for 10 years, then 11th year I have replaced Throttle Sensor (vehicle quit on the freeway) and a few o2 sensors and one power window. Other than that no issues for a decade, and a fantastic vehicle for my wife and two daughters. Still driving it and plan to get at least two more years out of it.

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  Ebay Buy - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By mopar5711 - January 10 - 6:06 pm

  I bought my Neon from the original owner thru Ebay in 2005 paid $8400.00 - drove it from Phoenix AZ to Dallas , Tx. it had 18K original miles. As of today 01/10/2012 it has 74K - repairs consist of new wheel cylinders and brakes front and rear and a crank sensor. I put a K&N air filter in it and have had the transmission and coolant serviced on the factory schedule. I use Pirelli tires and I always run middle grade gas. Most of the miles are hiway @ 34-36 mpg. It handles like a small Porsche and has plenty of zip. My only complaint is the seating - not terribly comfortable. It has been a truly wonderful car and an excellent investment.

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  A Durable Powerhouse - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By marty2916 - January 9 - 3:30 pm

  I absolutely love my Dodge magnum. Its roomy, versitile, fast, and it looks great. I am in the process of renovating my new house, and I have hauled everything from tools to new hardwood floor to 10 beams (And yes, I was still able to close the hatch). Even with a heavy load the rear struts never bottomed out. The car is very durable and will keep you safe in case of a collision. I was recently struck by a hit and run driver that caused me to lose control and lightly knock the front end up against the barrier. The car was still running silently, and the damage was repairable. The only 2 downsides is the weight of the car which robs a bit from the performance and the average mpg.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Dodge Durango
  By aml2 - January 9 - 10:12 am

  Been driving Durango for 2 weeks, getting 21 - 22 mpg mostly city. Excellent suv , quiet ride, heated and cooled seats, clear sound system. Third row comfortable for 6 ft adult. Did alot of research / test drives, the Durango is the best kept secret in the marketplace. Now consumer reports recommends.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By eleclady - January 5 - 7:09 pm

  I felt compelled to write after reading some of the bad reviews. Im sure there are lemons in every bunch........I got my Caliber in April 2006, first one on the block so to speak. Right out of the Auto Show... Didnt see another for months. I drive a min of 80 miles a day, and still get 26 mpg. My original set of brakes lasted 85k miles. Original set of tires lasted 86k. (I drive all highway) I now have 153k on the car. Just put on the 2nd set of tires. I am putting on new struts as one has a slight leak and one ball joint. Other than a new battery, this car has just gotten the std oil changes/maint required. .