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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  Stay Away - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Annoyed - January 13 - 3:53 am

  At 12000 miles front rotors needed replaced under warranty (had to fight with Chrysler for this). Done again at 30000 miles not under warranty. At 30000 catalytic converter replaced also under warranty. At 43500 engine needs replaced. Dealer says the crankshaft thrust bearing went bad. The crankshaft walked and took out the front seal. Engine started leaking oil. 2006 the only warranty was 3 years/36000 miles. No warranty on engine replacement. These motors are garbage. They are will not hold up in a Caravan.

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  Serious service issue - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Texan - January 12 - 2:19 pm

  I love this car and it is a pleasure to drive it until it shreds my tires because of front end vibration which cannot or will not be repaired by the dealership. Tires have had to be replaced 3 times in 40,000 miles because of this recurring issue. Looking for other owners with same problem for possible resolution with manufacturer.

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  Piece of Junk - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Eric - January 10 - 6:26 pm

  I loved this car until the camshaft sheared off parts at 59k miles and cost me $2200 in repairs. Modern cars should not have camshafts breaking for no reason at 59,000 miles! This will be the last American car I buy.

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  Dont just buy for looks. - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Epr7339 - January 10 - 5:36 pm

  Alright so this car is not worth it. I have the 2.4 and it wont get out of its own way. The radio is not good if you like to turn it up and have some fun. Rear drum brakes no abs? Really in 2008? For my money you can get a more from other companies. Maybe the V6 loaded up is fun Im sure but if youre in the market for the SE you are not going to be happy and have to look around and not just buy this car because you think it looks cool!

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  Not Happy With This One - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stephanie - January 10 - 2:00 pm

  Bought this at 55,000 miles. Not a bad price but a month after purchasing it the air compressor went and an electrical problem got us stuck in Chicago for 4 days. Then the air compressor went 2 more times after that. Also strange noise in the front end which I see many people complained about. Struts were hanging in the bottom when first purchased. Then this year in May the transmission went with the AWD system. Got stuck in Maryland for 2 days and had to go back down and get it after spending $2200 to fix it. Brakes going and muffler so we got rid of this one. This car cost us $15000 when purchased and we have spent $4000 on total repairs of only 2 years.

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  Nice looking and roomy - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By brendan - January 8 - 10:22 pm

  My wife and I bought it used because she liked the loook of the outside and we really had to buy something that day. The price was right but the car stinks. It is a nice looking car and it is roomy. We have had the car in the shop at least once a month and we always think that it is the trans but it turns out to be something else. The car was not worth the stress and inconvience. i will never own another dodge, this is my third and it is the same story, cheap and ineefective.

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  A Dangerous Vehicle - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By shel - December 19 - 8:28 am

  I can not believe this car is legal to sell. The first week I got it, there was a pin in the transmission that was coming out and caused the car to only go in reverse and it cost me 1,000 dollars to have it welded back in. 3 weeks after that my brakes fell off! I have two kids that I transport in this car. My brakes literally fell off the car. The whole brake system had to be redone. So far I have put 4,800 dollars into this car. By the time I am done repairing it, it will be brand new. Oh, wait , no it wont because I am junking it. Did I mention how the steering just went out. I will never buy a car even resembling a Stratus.

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  fell apart at 100,000 - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By PABLO SOTO - December 16 - 8:07 am

  Well I bough car used 42,00 miles ran well till it got to 100,00. in 2 months replaced brakes, 02 sensor ,coolant reservoir, fuel pump, several hoses felt like car knew when I got paid. Mechanic told me I needed muffler and I knew it was time to go after 2,500.00 in repairs. Got a new 2017 Nissan Rogue and bank paid off last 5,100.00 owed. Great ride but she was a money pit and grateful I got rid of her , I was scared to drive her. plenty of room. loved her but had to leave her alone.

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  Hate this car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By soltantoneisogni - December 8 - 12:14 pm

  I hate this car. It knows it too and hates me right back. It has just over 50000 miles on it and Ive already had to replace the cam shaft sensor, due to the car not starting last summer, and now I have to put $400 into the transmission. This car gets regular oil changes and maitanence and it is the biggest mistake Ive ever made. I owe too much to trade it in, but it is the biggest piece of garbage Ive ever owned. It has completely turned me off American cars. Never again. If you love pouring money into a hopeless case, the Neon is for you. It is the worst mistake I have ever made. Ever. I wish I could rewind my life and take it back. Hate the Neon. N.E.O.N = never ever own Neons. Garbage.

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  Back to the drawing board... - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Aaron - December 6 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our 2008 Grand Caravan just a few years ago. The new body style and stow and go were what drew us to it right away. However, now 4 recalls later and an electrical problem no one can seem to diagnose, I am stuck paying $400/month for a car that has now had 2 sets of brakes and a set of rotors. Overall, I am very displeased with this vehicle. Chrysler, you just set Detroit back 20 years. Its back to the drawing board for you. A new body style doesnt make it a better vehicle. Sell something that is reliable and error free. Drop UAW and make it more affordable..