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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  If you have a heart condition dont ride - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Chris - May 4 - 8:46 pm

  This car is super quick and super fast. I was in 3rd gear and the car was up to 80. Has great handling. I used to drive a Mustang GT, and a 350 hp 72 mustang. and this car blows it out of the water. Its quicker, faster, holds turns better, and is extremely fun to drive. If your looking for a fast car in the low 20s this is your car. I was amazed from the first test drive till now. With the 3 stages of upgrades this car is truely unbeliveable.

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  Dodge Daytona ES - 1993 Dodge Daytona
  By Zetec - May 4 - 8:38 pm

  This was my second vehicle, I was 18 and wanted a sports car and thought this would fit nicely. Very comfortable seating, decent power and gas mileage, nothing to rave about. Personally loved the looks of the 93 Daytona, beautiful vehicle. Replaced the starter and the fuel pump in three years ownership at about 120k miles. A little too much body roll IMO for a sports car. Liked the Mitsubishi 3.0 v6, had alright low end, grabbed nicely in mid range, but I believe the governor started in at 90 MPH and cut you off at 110. Typical for dodge cars.

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  trouble starting - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By sean - May 4 - 2:09 am

  I bought an 08 Dodge caliber sept. 07 and ever since its been nothing but trouble! I have had shorts in my speakers and problems starting the car, its been in the shop several times for this problem and now Dodge is avoiding me because they dont want to deal with the problems they sold to me. Is there anyone else having this problem or any suggestions on what to do Im so frustrated and dont know what to do anymore! If youre looking to get a caliber theyre nice but I strongly recommend you do not get one and look into something else

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  wow,sooo much better! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pentafan - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Like the 3.8 ltrs smooth power. Traded a 92 voyager 3.3. Handles like a sports sedan. Wanted power to tow, got it. Leather seats, seperate air temp & fan ctrl. for ft & rr, dvd w/wireless headphones & remote. Kids love it! Easily brought home a big recliner w/the 3rd seats flipped fwd. The Anniv Ed.= Deal o/month.Wife loves the pwr everything:d/locks, windows, drs. seat, sliding rr doors, pwr lift&close rear hatch;side drs & hatch open with remote/key at up to 25ft. Secured w/embedded chip in key,wont start without matching key/remote, it has a panic button starts horn & lights flashing. Bought the same day.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Nina - May 3 - 11:37 am

  This Durango has gone 134,000 miles with very little repair (mostly wear and tear). Like most Dodge cars the interior is quality material and has lasted beautifully through two kids growing up. Unlike Fords and Chevys, it is comfortable to get in and out of and easy on the back going long distances. The 4WD is great and has gotten me out of some tough construction sites. I enjoy driving this vehicle as much as my husband. Just wish they put the extra handles on the newer models and it had better gas mileage (but that is what happens when you buy a V8)

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  Love my Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By paul171 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a 2002 Durango. I took it on a 2000 mile road trip this weekend and the Durango performed flawlessly. It is not as bad on gas as I thought it would be and it is the most comfortable SUV on the market. The V8 is excellent and the interior room is fabulous

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  Fun Vehicle - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bob - May 2 - 6:33 pm

  Traded in a Chevy Imapala for a fun change. Really enjoying the ride and the comments from others really positive. Miss a few of the luxury features on the Chevy, but think the Caliber is delivering for me.

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  Crank Shaft/Crank seal out at 43,000 mil - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By sueot - May 1 - 2:06 pm

  I bought this car 8 months ago and at 43,000 miles we are needing to replace a crank shaft and crank seal to the tune of $2,400 with the possibility that the short block will also need to be replaced which will add another $2,000. When we spoke to Chrysler they said too bad it is out of the 3yr/3,600 mile warranty. I have always owned Dodge cars but this will be my last!

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  Disappointed - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By bran222 - May 1 - 10:40 am

  We bought this car with 18 miles. It was our first New car. The second day we owned it the engine light came on. We had to have the emissions system replaced. Since then the drivers power window has had to be fixed, I have taken it to the dealer 3 times about the brakes and transmission and they say everything is okay. Now that its just out of warranty (we hit 40,000 last month) I am told the front wheel bearings both need to be replaced! I know the transmission still slips and is very jerky or slow to shift into gear. The brakes have been loud for months. Trade in is 8,000 and I have the V6 engine! Very disappointed, nothing but problems from the start!

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  Classy workhorse - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By mary buie - April 30 - 5:12 pm

  I love my Durango... It has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. Its stylish and classy, but still pulls a horse trailer as well as a pickup. I haul golf clubs and horse food in the back... And it does have plenty of room back there! I had the smaller Durango which I also loved. But this one is much more versatile! I do wish the gas mileage was better. But Im not willing to give up the power and comfort to go to something smaller!