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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  2008 SXT 2.0 CVT Compared to what? - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By LacPac - June 17 - 4:03 pm

  If youre like me, you may have dumped your gas guzzler, and find 24-30+ mpg a breath of fresh air. Dropping 1700 lbs comes at a price, I. E. Hard plastic interior, less room, but, compared to other compacts (Versa, Civic), it feels big. How many 6,3" guys can fit in a compact car with a moonroof? Bigger car feel, very comfortable seats, and doesnt look like an "economy" car. Zipping around town, the CVT is very accommodating and with a lifetime powertrain warranty, its a no-brainer. 700 miles on the car and getting 24.5 city/30 highway (real #s), driving the speed limit, with k&n air filter. CVT trans actually slows you down more with your foot off the gas, almost like a manual trans.

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  Piece of garbage - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By piece of garbage - June 17 - 2:12 pm

  Since I have owned this car I have had nothing but problems. My ck. Engine light comes on all the time. I have had the fuel injectors cleaned a lot, it always comes up with two codes. I have put over $2000 on repairs into this bucket. My door handle broke off also. To tune up this car, it costs $500 each time. No matter what I do the check engine light comes on. The ball joint broke off the axle, luckily I was only parking or the garage said if I was driving it at the time of the break, I and my children would have been killed. I feel Dodge should fix this car for free because obviously there should have been a recall about why the ck. Engine light is always on. The ball joint thing was a recall.

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  It stinks - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By tom - June 17 - 3:03 am

  Well first of all the sunroof leaks. The right side back glass leaks. The luggage rack is coming apart. It shakes real bad when idling at a stop. Sunroof was fixed but still leaking. Does not pull for crap. Im gonna get rid of it as soon as possible.

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  Needs Improvements - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Barnell - June 16 - 8:48 pm

  I bought my 2000 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L on October 12th 2007. The first two to two and a half months it was ok. Then I started noticing that the power steering would go out from time to time. My oil pressure would drop for no reason. Last, I noticed in the morning, when I would first start to drive it, it would get stuck in second gear and I would have to coast until third kicked in. Gas Mileage on this truck is HORRENDOUS. Im not sure if it’s the quality of Dodge or if it was the owner before me, but I know I would probably not tell any one to buy this truck. But on the plus side, the body and style is awesome.

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  I love it.. - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Kali - June 16 - 7:56 pm

  I love my Magnum. I think it is a great bargain and a well thought out design. It even surprises me its an American car. Ive had 2 BMWs and this is way better than both of those cars. I only wish the gas mileage is better. My AWD gets a little thirsty on fuel but at least I recognize its partially due to my driving style. The interior and ride are comfortable and natural and I am surprised by how much "stuff" Ive been able to carry in this vehicle. Its a shame they stopped making them. Hopefully theyll figure it out and bring it back.

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  Dont pass the gas station - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By mattmac53 - June 16 - 3:39 pm

  Traded in a 05 Nissan Maxima GL for my 2008 Charger R/T. Looking at it was love at first sight. Love everything about it except for the gas mileage. Great road car and cruiser. Very comfortable and has THE power when you punch it. Got almost all the bells and whistles on it to which makes it a fun piece of "American Iron." Easy to see why it is the new "Cop Car".

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  # 1 Vehicle in Canada - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Happyvanner - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Love my Caravan., With 3 kids and a dog you need versatility, reliability and performance to haul the RV. This van has it all!!

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  Poor Mans Viper - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By gotebo - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Went to the dealer ship with no intention of purchasing a vehicle for myself.Read the specs on different vehicles available. When I saw the specs on the srt-4 my heart started racing. I saw a red one on the lot and went and looked at it and liked what I saw. When the sales person came back I mentioned that if they had one on the lot in a different color I just might buy one. Well it just so happened they had a one in electric blue. It took just one test drive to convince me that this car was all it had promised and more.

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  Dodge needs some work - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By collegemike1 - June 15 - 11:58 pm

  I bought this car 05/2006 and when I test drove the car it was flawless. I fell in love! But months down the road, one thing after another happened. First it was the awful windshield complications, then the noisy dashboard which in actuality cracked somehow, the brake rotors I have to constantly get replaced, the rear view mirror wiring is really awful I have to rig it everyday just to get light in my car at night, my radio completely went out had to completely buy a new radio system, motor mount, dont even get me started on engine complications. Too much to detail. Couldnt pay me enough to buy another Dodge. Wouldnt recommend Dodge. Period.

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  Not a bad low end car, better than used! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By mkammer - June 15 - 3:00 pm

  This is the first new car that I have owned. With the current interest rates and promotions at the time, it simply made sense for the first time to buy new. Yes it is true that this is not a "Luxury" car. (Compared to our 1998 Buick LeSabre, many features are lacking). However the 5 speed stick is very responsive. The sound system is quite good, mileage very good. The only negative that I have seen is the clutch seems to "flutter" a bit in 2nd gear (sort of like a bungie cord). Overall I am very happy with the purchase. I have 13k miles with absolutely no maintenance issues whatsoever. (Also the 5mph rear bumpers really do work!) I was even complimented on my "Parking Style".