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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  Nothing but problems - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Disappointed - May 7 - 4:07 pm

  Trucks look great, but lack performance and reliability. Bought the truck 1 1/2 years ago with only 48,000 miles on it, today I have around 66,000 and have had to replace the transmission twice, the radiator, brakes, ball joints, heat. I bought the truck with high expectations and have been nothing but let down ever since the day I drove it off the lot.

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  In the shop - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By tinkerbell83 - May 7 - 11:20 am

  I have owned this car for less than 5 months. I would have to say that it is reliable for a now considering that I just drive to and from work. Recently, I had to take it in for the interior shaking and at 2500 rpms it sounds like it is going to blow. Poor blind spots. Very roomy though.

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  problems - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By deezeebean - May 6 - 6:12 pm

  Had nothing but problems with this vehicle, driver window broke, had stalling problem ended up being computer recall, automatic unlock from inside broke, plastic bars on top lifted from front needing to be completely replaced now I worry about leakage. To top it all off dealership (Sandoval Dodge Las Cruces New Mexico) was not helpful or nice, after several problems after first purchased I asked owner to buy back car from me, he refused stating he had enough cars right now. Unacceptable. My first and last Dodge

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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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  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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  Great vehicle (bad dealer) - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By chris b - April 25 - 11:35 pm

  Bought a 2007 R/T from Bill Kay in Naperville (avoid them). As for the Nitro R/T, its a real head turner, w/ red paint and 20 wheels, it gets a lot of attention. The mileage isnt too bad. I ave 16 mpg, on regular gas, which isnt bad for an SUV that can tow up to 5000 lbs. The ride is firm, (Ridgeline, Envoy, and even FJ cruiser rode nicer), but it IS related to Jeep, so expect a truck ride. Performance out of 4.0 liter is almost as fast as my stock Prelude SH, which is admirable for a brick on wheels. Interior is a little on the cheap looking side, but it is clean and uncluttered. Wanted a Trailblazer SS, but this gets as many looks, lower priced, better on gas, and cheaper insurance

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  Cheap car for daily driver - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Kris - April 24 - 3:18 pm

  This car is ok for a daily commuter car or first car for a new driver. Its poky to say the least, and the CVT is probably the worst drivetrain combo. It will rev to 3-4k and feel like youre crawling to cruising speed. Just dont plan on spinning the 18" tires anytime. The interior is cheap and hard. Extremely hard plastic is everywhere, but the car remains quiet so far. The radio and air work well, but the air cabin cleaner does little if anything noticeable. One major problem is the styling on the exterior, trying to keep it clean. The fender flares look aggressive but do little more than make the doors a magnet for road tar, grime, and rock nicks. Good car with a great warrant

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  Poor mileage - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By WWALKER - April 17 - 10:46 am

  You can actually see the fuel gauge move in this vehicle. I have owned vehicles in most all styles & from all different car companies over the past 40+ years. Up until I got this nitro with the 3.7 v-6, I have always loved Chrysler products. I was even a loyal Chrysler man back in the 1970s/ when "build quality" was just a word in the dictionary at Chrysler. Overall I am unhappy w/ this vehicle. I should have gotten the hemi, as it could not drink any more gas than this 3.7 does. This vehicle get the worse fuel economy of any of any vehicle that I have ever owned or driven. The 3.7 is also low on power, if you intend to make a pass, you better plan ahead & allow lots of room.

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  Good car, but transmission Â… - 1990 Dodge Dynasty
  By mike - April 13 - 2:33 pm

  Has been a good car, but the metal around the gas door has rusted out, nowhere else thou. We have had to rebuild the transmission once at 100,000 miles and got a junk yard trans the second time at 120,000ish... Talked to mechs and was told trans for these cars where crap junk yard trans had 60,000 miles so I have a few more to go before time to get rid of car. Electric window gear had to be replaced, odometer stopped moving at 124,512, radiator was changed. Besides the trans going bad more than enough, the other problems have been fairly minor for a car that is 18 yrs. Old... 3.3 engine has excellent power and will still put your head back into the seat when you kick it....

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  Brake Issues since buying - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Rob - April 10 - 2:44 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 05 Dakota. I bought it used with 20,000 in April, 2007. I had problems with the brakes from the start. The dealer replaced the pads and machined the rotors in May, 2007. I have not put 8,000 miles on the pads and they are almost GONE!!!! I believe it is the calipers. They are not releasing and my pads are running on the rotors while I am driving. The brake dust on my wheels is incredible!!! I brought it to one dealer and they said the calipers were working fine. I am still covered by the factory warranty and they are giving me the run around. How else would brand new pads be worn completely down after less than 8,000 miles? Stay away from this truck!!