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:

• 

  Gear Shifter - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Jerry Beck - August 22 - 7:16 pm

  Gear shifter became stuck in park after only 54,000 miles. Took it to the original dealership yesterday and will ask the dealer to recommend a recall on the linkage part that is causing the problem. Once located, I had to shift gears manually under the hood and get in in Drive. Once at the dealership, I had to manually put it in Park.

• 

  Its been there for us - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By paul - August 20 - 9:21 am

  I bought it in 97 w/ 47k on it--Ive had to replace 2 trannies one @75k and another @ 140k and I still like this van, 13 yrs old and still gets 18 mpg avg year round 26+ on the interstate-- Ill drive it til it keels over!

• 

  Happy with mine! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Paul B - August 20 - 6:34 am

  I have had this SUV for over 2 years now and love the space and extras (in floor ice chests, AC adapter, Infinity Stereo, storage compartments, rear A/C). The only thing I dont like is the cup holders in the doors because when drinks are put there and you close the door the beverage splashes on the panel. It is a smooth driving vehicle and gets great gas on the highway. I looked at Equinox and felt claustrophobic in it, decided to keep the Journey instead.

• 

  Good Economical Family Mover - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Chris - August 18 - 9:49 am

  I purchased the Dodge Journey as an alternative to my trusted Chrysler Minivan. On the plus side is the low price tag as opposed to the more expensive cross overs. This vehicle fits the bill for loading cargo with the rear seats folded down or people with the 2nd and 3rd row seats erected. The ride is smooth however, the power is lackluster at best. If all seats are used, the vehicle has virtually nonexistent room for any suitcases. This makes it unsuitable for long trips.

• 

  Should have bought the Charger instead - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Pierrefonds - August 17 - 8:03 pm

  I could not believe that after owning the vehicle for one year when all kinds of problems began. 1) the black decal placed on the doors had to be replaced. 2) the radio CD changer is stuck on DVD mode and wont play CDs. 3) Had problem with the thermostat. 4) THE BRAKES HAVE TO BE CHANGED."Told normal wear & tear with a smile " Yeah right! 5) Funny smell coming from the AC. 6) Turning left funny noise that sound like wheel wants to come off. 7) Using the key less entry system sometimes sets off the alarm. Reading all the other reviews makes me wish I had bought the charger instead. Would also like to know what day this vehicle was produced? Was it after a holiday?

• 

  Awesome - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Mitch - August 16 - 8:00 pm

  Although I am only 17 and only had the truck a few months i cant complain. I have driven many other trucks and cars and nothing compares. I enjoy the power, the comfort, the sleek look, and beautiful interior. The truck has 222k and i trust it more than a new car. Although the power steering leaks you cant complain with 220k. The engine is still full of life and power and the body is gorgeous except the dodge fade job on the roof. I dont foresee sale anytime soon. gas mileage may not be the best but if my pipes werent loud it may help :)

• 

  Always a Dodge Chick :) - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Sami08 - August 15 - 1:49 am

  This is my second Dodge Dakota and I love them! The one I have now. Im the second owner and the truck has 247k miles on it and still all stock and running like a champ! 4x4 works awesome even when I had bad tires it got me out of the snow in my area. I have got friends hooked on this truck and now they want one! Gas mileage isnt too hateful. Im a broke college student and it does good for me around town and trips back home. Always will buy dodges. They are the only thing that seem to last when taken care of!

• 

  Road Warrior - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By Tricia - August 14 - 7:13 am

  The second Caravan Ive owned, this one, bought used, is reliable, comfortable, and a great service vehicle for any task Ive used it to accomplish. It is great on the highway and offers reasonable gas efficiency. At 145,000 and going strong, I still have miles to go with regular maintenance. It is truly my road warrior! The only problem I ever had is with a wacky onboard computer that had to be replaced (twice, since the first one from manufacturer was also faulty). My private mechanic was great the dealership I had to order through was difficult to work with and proved to be a ripoff!!

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Roger Perry - August 13 - 1:40 pm

  As I write this, Ive only had this car 1 day, but I really like it, and I think as time goes on, Ill will enjoy it even more.

• 

  Great Deal, chicks Love it - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Dave - August 12 - 6:08 pm

  Bought it new for $15,300, under the cash for clunkers program. Beautiful red paint job. Chicks love to look. Looks fast, but performs average. Great gas mileage, average 25 mpg overall. Besides oil changes the only reason the for a dealer serviced my dodge was I Had a water leak in the trunk. It was the spoiler, tighten the screw stopped the leak. And a loose negative ground cable which cause battery light to come on. All warranty. Handles local roads well, never been stuck on these poor Alaskan roads. Seats comfortable. Cruise and power features are great.