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:

• 

  just bought my third dakota. - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By dokotaguy22 - January 2 - 11:26 pm

  great truck. i just traded in my 02 dakota sport quad cab 4x4 v8. for a 2006 dakota slt quad cab 4x4 v8. be for that a had a 95 sport 2wd. these trucks are tough. they can really take a beating. i live in wisconsin. we have rough winters. really wet rainy seasons. this truck can haddle any thing. i loved off roading in my 02. best 4x4 i have ever ownd. i pulled out some chevys. and a couple fords. this deer season. i highly recomend this truck if you do alot of out door activitys. or just want a good/safe winter vehical. very fun. very reliable. very powerfull. very best deal. none of the other compair. not even half of the full size trucks

• 

  2011 Citadel V8 Hemi - 2011 Dodge Durango
  By vict65 - December 31 - 8:54 am

  Love this car. Just purchased a 2011 "leftover" for a great value. This car has high quality features and is a real looker. I go places and I get unsolicited comments from people on how much they like my car.

• 

  Dodge Caliber SXT (AT) is Worth the Purchase - 2012 Dodge Caliber
  By my2012caliber - December 30 - 5:22 pm

  Despite what you may have heard or read, I can only say, that the Dodge Caliber SXT is a vehicle you have try for yourself. Being the first to review here, and after 3 weeks of shopping and test driving other vehicles within the same price range, the Caliber SXT had me sold. Most impressive was its handling, 32mpg highway, quiet motor, and over all, a total “solid” feel of the vehicle while offering the most outstanding acoustic noise barrier. It feels rugged - like a jeep or truck, while at the same time, comfortable like a four door sedan. Ive always been a dodge owner from trucks to sedans, and Dodge spared no expense by simply bringing it all together in one small “hatchback”.

• 

  Awsome Car!!! - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By speedyg1 - December 23 - 8:55 pm

  Ive had my V6 Charger 6 months & love it! This is my daily comuter & I love every minute in this car. The body lines & styling are beautiful, mine is Toxic Orange so it really turns heads! A bit dissappointed the wheels are caps so, new wheels are in the near future. Interior is layed out nicely. Took a 1200 mile trip and found the seats are not as comfortable for that long of a drive. Love the touch screen and heated seats. Rides extremely well & quiet. Surprised the racing features under the front end came standard on the ralley ed. Performance is awsome, had it up to 140 & still hadnt hit the floor! Mileages is around 27 freeway. Found the V8 had more road noise & didnt ride as nice.

• 

  Love it - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By kallionus - December 9 - 9:39 am

  We have owned the vehicle for just over 2 months and we love it. Dodge finally paid attention to details on the interior. The leather is top quality, steering wheel feels great, wood trim is quality and does not look like cheap stick on wood, perfect ambient lighting (cupholders, doorhandles etc...), Nav with Garmin is on point. We drive a lot and freeway we average from 23-24 mpg. Nice size gas tank so we can drive 500 miles on one tank. Personally speaking, I love driving the car. Ride is great. I think it is a smoother ride than an A6 I owned a few years ago. I would consider this vehicle without question

• 

  The best car Ive ever owned - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By gina4ever0 - December 8 - 5:05 am

  I love all of the options with this car, I also love the attention I get when Im out in the car.. Everyones head turns, and Ive had people to stop me a lot asking about my Dodge Charger 2011 R/T. I do wish it got a little better gas milage. Over all its a 4.8 stars in my book. This car is quiet, reliable, and fun to drive.

• 

  NITRO LOVE AFFAIR - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By slownomore - December 3 - 2:31 pm

  we have been with the nitro since our new 2008 sxt that we recently lost in a house fire.This was my wifes baby. I didnt think we could find a replacement and after looking at other suvs nothing filled the void like a 2011 nitro heat.we love the vehicle.When I get the chance to drive it I enjoy the way it handles and rides.For us the 3.7 has plenty of power.And living in MN the 4wd is awesome in the winter.My wife loves to shop so the cargo space is great.With the rebates and incentives dodge was offering in november we got into the nitro under 20,000. A great deal for a 4wd suv

• 

  Bought new 2012 Challenger - 2012 Dodge Challenger
  By bluescrubsnj - December 1 - 7:14 pm

  I love this car. I bought the SXT 2012 model with the sport option this past November. Pros: I feel the engine V6 size is ideal: I save a bit on gas mileage compared to the V8, and car insurance is cheaper. I knew someone who had a 2009 Charger and complained of poor handling in rain but my 2012 Challenger has handled very well in the rain. I like the interior and exterior design of the car. It turns heads on the road too everyone has a mustang, but few have a Challenger. For cons, I think its backing up turn radius is difficult in a small parking lot. But, I do not appreciate much of a blind spot as the reviews note. I would recommend this car to someone considering a muscle car.

• 

  Very Nice Retro Muscle Car - 2011 Dodge Challenger
  By jethrobodine - November 29 - 2:31 pm

  I own the Toxic Orange v6 Ralley with the track pack and upgraded stereo. The track pack added loads of torque and will throw my head back when pushed. Just a tap on the accelerator at the light is all that is needed to leave most behind. The interior is well layed out with the cabin insulation excellent. The seats are extremely comfortable and the radio will blow ones ears off. While in the car the v6 can not be heard at idle but makes a nice throaty sound at the exhaust and when pushed has a very nice roar. The ride is very smooth and makes a nice freeway cruiser but handles well within traffic and on residential streets. Overall one of the best retro muscle cars if not the best.

• 

  AMAZING VEHICLE - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By bepractical2 - November 24 - 2:29 am

  I just recently purchased a 2012 durango in metallic blue. Its amazing, handling and power is really great. It has alot of power as well as decent gas mileage for an SUV. I got all the extras with this, leather, heated seats, power liftgate, remote start, I also added a small hitch for business. I love it. I recommend this vehicle highly. AWD is a must, I wouldnt get this in 2WD only AWD.