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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  Transmission hard shift up and dn - 2007 Dodge Caravan
  By Robert - July 11 - 11:24 pm

  Just the facts: Vehicle bought new enjoy driving but transmission has been problem from start. Hard shifts up and down but not 100% of time. Happened so much now that Im picking up squeaks from the fact that the front end is jarring so much. I had rented another new vehicle in 07 from a car rental co. Enjoyed it much which cause me to desire one. I put over 5000 miles on the rental. I bought the current one new put over 4000 miles on a trip. It started having troubles with the transmission that was noticeable at probably 500 miles. Enjoy driving it but HATE this problem. First new Chrysler product purchased ever and last!

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  My bad experience - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By PghGirl - July 11 - 10:55 pm

  I would never buy a dodge as long as i live. This car has had way too many transmission problems. It went in over 20 times for the transmission. Plus, when other things go wrong, you have to buy from Dodge directly. They also lied to me at the dealership. Was suppose to have a five year loan, have a six year. Never buy this car. Huge mistake.

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  Still kicking like Bruce Lee! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Wooolstun - July 11 - 1:28 pm

  I have been driving my Neon SXT since 2002 when I bought it and have YET to put a penny in to it, other than tires and brakes. The gas mileage is incredible. With todays gas prices, I put $15 in my tank and get to and from work for 4 days, and its a 30 minute highway drive. As far as the interior comfort, I am 6 7" and fit surprisingly comfortably. Most controls are easily accessible, except maybe the cd changer. The exterior, despite your normal dings, still looks good. I still look at it after a good wash and wax and think "wow, looks pretty good". My overall impression is a positive one. If you keep up with routine maintenance, this car should be good to you!

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  A real blast from the past updated! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Joan - July 11 - 6:53 am

  We rented a base SE and loved it so much we went and bought an RT AWD. The performance is outstanding very smooth and the Auto-stick is a ball for having fun on twisty roads. The ride while tight is very smooth with no intrusive harshness. Just right for long rides on both backroads and the interstate. Fuel economy for a large high power v-8 is outstanding! Love the in your face appearance kinda like a bulldog lovable but dont mess with me. I havent had this much fun since my 69 Formula 340-S Cuda. Keep your Mustang and assorted generic import Sport Sedans and wannabe sport cars and tuners this is world beating American muscle with panache. "A Velvet Fist"

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  Magnum SXT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By David Hayman - July 10 - 6:03 pm

  Love the styling inside and out. Generous room inside for passengers and cargo. Great RWD chassis, brakes and steering, fun to drive too. Some build quality issues - Choice of plastics inside a bit too cheap looking, also the way some of them fit is a little dissapointing. I have some wind noise issues with the car but overall am very pleased with it. Oh one thing, the dealer network varies from very good to absolutely frustratingly lousy.

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  Stratus R/T Coupe - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Carol - July 10 - 1:59 pm

  Got the car used with about 24,000 miles on it. Pretty much like the car except for the fact that the paint is peeling off the front bumper - dont know why - and estimates are approximately $600+ to get it repainted. Also, in really cold, wetter weather, the automatic windows freeze which is inconvenient when pulling into the parking garage at work where I have to scan a card for entrance - new mechanics in door did not help. Otherwise, the car runs great!

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  We love it. - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Jim - July 10 - 1:01 pm

  This is a great mid-size car. It handles very well and I really like the way it corners. It handles better then I thought it would. I know that I gave up some mileage, but it has good power and the AWD will be for the winter weather here in Missouri. The transmission takes a little getting used to. It has a slight delay in pickup speed when you floor it, but it has a very smooth transfer up to speed. The cab forward is a little hard to get used to. Also, the way the front end slopes down makes is a little tough project where the front corners are until you driven it a while. Mostly made in USA. Foreign cars in this price range feel cheap. This car has a big car feel.

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  Totaled Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Bill - July 10 - 11:16 am

  We had our Journey for 3000 miles, and got T-boned by someone going 60 miles an hour. The car held up extremely well, and the side airbags deployed. Nobody was seriously injured, but the car is a loss. We just ordered a new one. I really like the car design overall, though I admit some of the plastic pieces inside come across as a little cheap. From 55 to 75 (i.e. passing someone) this car will flat fly. It has lots of hidey-holes to store stuff. Our best fuel economy has been 27 mpg on the highway.

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  Be aware! Problem child! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By LAWMAN - July 10 - 3:56 am

  Since the purchase 6 months ago, vehicle has been in the shop 5 times and down for 2 weeks. This vehicle is not reliable at all. Cant trust it beyond the city limits. The check engine light came on 3 different times - told the gas cap was not on properly, 3rd time I made a remark that if it is not fixed I will persue the lemon law. They fixed the problem but was down for 1 week. Had to take in for recall ( cam bearing nuts ) Wife came out of work and the car would not start, had to tow into dealer and it took them 2 days to find the problem and had to wait for parts ( down another week ). Have tried to contact Chrysler, but it has been over 2 weeks and still cant get any answers!

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  Love my Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Love the Stratus - July 10 - 12:10 am

  Okay so Im 18 and I just graduated high school. Im a typical teen and I really push my car like all teens do lol. I have the 2001 Dodge Stratus 4 door SE Sedan with the 2.4L V4 and i love it! It was my cousins car and its mine now. It was originally a rental car so tons of people have driven it including my cousin and me and lets say were not the best drivers ha ha. I love my stratus. For a midsize sedan with only a V4 its a great little car. I love the interior and exterior. I love the aggressive dodge look it has from the front. Also for a V4 it preforms well. Its not bad on gas, its 20 city and 28 highway. It could be better but its okay for me. I love it and i would recommend it to anyone!