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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  Reliable if maintained - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Viper Owner - November 4 - 10:37 am

  Purchased in 2000 with 125k miles. Currently have 272k miles! The SOHC engine is indestructible. 25 MPG every fillup. The tranny will need new syncros every 125k miles or so, but still drivable. Items replaced are: Syncros, radiator, alternator, starter, power steering rack, water pump seal, noisy lifters, and lower ball joints. Though the list seems long, they all occurred between 180k - 250k miles so its to be expected. Fix it yourself because it very easy to work on. Regular maintenance includes the timing belt every 60K but you can go 120k on the belt with the SOHC engine without issues. Clutch also lasts about 120k miles. Paid $4k, and put about $4k in parts during 8yrs of ownership.

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  Entry Level is Entry Level - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By kksulli - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle in an emergency. Nothing drew me to this car, other than the fact that it was in my price range and that I could receive an employee discount on it. The SXT package provides a value for the features you get. Engine power is adequate, however, the automatic transmission severely hampers performance - it is not a good gearbox. Build quality seems in line, however Noise/vibration/harshness level is high in comparison to others in its segment. Have not had any mechanical/electrical or trim problems. Have experienced worse fuel economy than expected. Averaging 24 mpg combined city/hwy and small fuel tank restricts range (around 300 miles).

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By etc0123 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  More power than you will need and comfort too. If you buy a vehicle like this and are concerned about fuel economy you are in the wrong market. get a mini van or a volvo. Pulls my boat like nothing else has.

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  Goodbye Pocket Sucking Pickup - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Lawrence - November 4 - 4:50 am

  I have been admiring this car from afar since the day I saw it. I was driving a F150 to and from work and as a primary mode of transportation until gas hit 2.15 a gallon. That day I decided that I was not going to put more that ten dollars into my truck and hopefully I could make it to the dealer. I am six foot six so a Honda was not in the running. I sat down in the Magnum adjusted the seat and fell in love. Plenty of leg, knee, shoulder and head room. I decided to get the 2.7 engine instead of the Hemi based on the huge price jump for the Hemi. That was my only let down. Other than that the 2.7 has plenty of get up and go and I can save even more in gas.

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  Power, Stye and refinement - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By James - November 4 - 1:36 am

  Driving the SRT8 Charger is an experience in fun. The handling, power and comfort take you to places most four door sedans cannot unless the price tag exceeds 100K. It is a fun car at a fun price.

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  Avoid at all costs! - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By SOCCER MOM - November 3 - 6:09 pm

  Bought new from dealer. Little things break too easy, outside sounds like its inside, radio never worked right, air conditioning died in 2nd year, had to replace transmission (in 3rd year),fuel gage (4th year - broke down w/babies in the rain), front window seal (5th year) and rear side window seal (1st year). Will never buy a Dodge again!

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  Sleeper Wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Dan Tutas - November 2 - 10:02 pm

  I have had a lot of performance cars in my life and this is one of the best. It is very useful as you can carry other people or use it to go to the hardware store. It is fast and fun to drive on top of that. It handles very good and rides really nice on the highway. I had the RT before my SRT8 and both of these cars are real nice. It reminds me of my younger days in the 60s when a lot of people had "sleeper wagons." It runs with most cars on the street and yet gets great gas mileage. 425 HP and I am averaging between 19 and 21 MPG. Depends on how many times you put your foot into it. How can you beat that? I sure wish it had a 6-speed stick though, see my comment below.

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  Worst 4 cyl fuel economy Ive ever owned - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Legacy Tranportation - November 2 - 8:33 pm

  Our Journey is used as a Pilot car behind oversize loads. We track performance constantly to ensure profitability and cost of ownership. This Journey has run 97.8% highway miles between 56 and 65 mph. The fuel economy is horrible ranging from 17.1 mpg to an all time high of 24.9 with an overall average of 19.8. We have a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel that runs with the journey, they alternate position. In front or behind the load. The Diesel 1 ton is averaging 20.8 We are very disappointed with the Journey and plan on trading it asap. We purchased it for the fuel economy and safety, it is safe. There isnt enough power to get hurt very badly.

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  Great trucks - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By bobdog - November 2 - 2:31 pm

  I know Im only 17 but my Dodge Dakota Sport is great. It handles well out in the desert where I am all the time when I have some free time. My truck handles well and is easy to keep in control. I live in Utah so when it snows it should be a little harder to keep in controll right? No! it stays with me at all times "and with no arguing". I have a friend that owns an older trans am. Great clasic mussle car fast and fun. My truck smokes it every time right off the line v8s are nothing to mess with. And handles better than my other friends lancer evo "met for rally racing". Dodge makes a great truck.

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  Never thought Id own a Dodge - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By RJTs wife - November 2 - 1:53 pm

  I never thought Id own a Dodge, but I have been pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoy this car. My husband wanted the power, and I have to say its not a bad thing to have on the highways. We looked a whole lot of vehicles and just happened to see this one and whammy, we got it. Some improvements could be made, but overall a really, really good looking, huge, fun to drive and ride in car.