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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  So far so good - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Angnwy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My neon so far has been alright. However at 42 miles I noticed a small transmission lea k so I took it to the dealership to have it looked at and it turned out that the casing around the transmission was to porus and it was seeping fluid though. TO repair the problem they had to replace the whole transmission I am a little scared that I might have gotton a lemon but I am remaining hopeful.

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  Best new car I ever had - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Rick P. - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2004 Dodge Stratus on a limb. I had test drove other cars of its class, and just couldnt get the warm fuzzy of spending $20,000 on any of them. I went to my local Dodge dealership, test drove this, and knew right away this was the one. Great handling, sporty looks, very comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a great car enjoyment/price ratio.

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  Daytona R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kip Kiener - August 27 - 5:20 am

  The car is so comfortable and after only one weekend of driving, it rides very smooth. The sound system is well balanced although the bass is heavy and seems to be for those who like their music to go boom. I was able to get comfortable behind the wheel right away and all the options on the console make it a gadget bugs dream. And as far as performance, its a Hemi.

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  Best car ever - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By this car is badass - August 26 - 11:10 pm

  When i bought the srt-4 it was nothing short of my expectations. Every time I get behind the wheel I feel that adrenaline rush of the anticipated speed. Straight up the best car Ive ever owned. If you are looking to wipe the smile peoples faces and turn heads whereever you may travel this is the car for you.

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  Fun to drive great on gas! - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Steve - August 26 - 9:53 am

  Well I was lucky enough that this was my first car, I have the same one in the picture and it was the 2.0L 4 cylinder with automatic transmission. It was purchased for $4000. 2 weeks after purchasing it used the check engine light came on, then shortly after the car would not go into gear. Got it fixed, all they did is change the air and transmission filter. Set me back $97. 1 week after the repair the dodge avenger messed up again. This time the car didnt start because of an axle? Repair cost $1800. Overall the car is fun to drive, great on gas. I can spend $25 on gas and get any were from 250-300 miles on 1/2-3/4 tank of gas, or 7-9 gallons of the 12 gallon tank.

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  My Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By dg - August 26 - 9:20 am

  This is an awesome vehicle with the capacity to haul. I use mine for work, family vacations and hauling to horse shows.

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  Perfect for me - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By AJ - August 24 - 11:14 am

  I have the 5.7 Hemi I choose it for the only engine with MDS. I am getting good MPG for such a large truck and engine but I drive 90% highway. Thats wht its perfect for me. Just hit the cruise control and sit back and enjoy the great ride and sound system. Carries 6x6ft+ in complete comfort and ample leg room, can squeeze in 2 more little people with no problem. Great performance, surprisingly quick.

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  Great American Muscle Car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By GRC - August 24 - 2:13 am

  I absolutely love this car! The styling is first rate. I have the base SE with the V6, and it has plenty of power with good gas mileage. The handling is excellent for a big car. It corners and rides very smooth. There is plenty of room in front and back. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  LOVE our Journey! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By BostonJoy - August 22 - 11:30 pm

  I was a bit skeptical at first about buying a crossover from Dodge but our Journey has proved me wrong! We have a fully loaded red SXT V6 (only missing the sunroof and DVD player) and love every bit of it. Its roomy, easily hauls people and cargo, and has lots of great features. I regularly drive a friends Honda CRV and hands down, the Journey performs better and makes me feel more protected and comfortable. I realize the interior may not be as "polished" as high end models, but you cant beat the price Dodge offers on this vehicle. Havent had the problems others report. Was a slight burning smell that came from exhaust pipe but it went away after first few hundred miles. Avg 20-23 MPG.

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  Magnum SXT R/T - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Paul Rodriguez - August 22 - 12:47 am

  One off the best cars Ive owned, the speed and control is better then my past sports cars, with better gas mileage too. Wow what a car!