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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  Winter in PA - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Kayleen - June 21 - 9:21 am

  Have had the car for four months & have experienced a winter w/ it and dread the next! Slides & gets stuck easily, hopefully I just need different tires. Couple blind spots. Had to get the seal around the brake light on the trunk replaced, leaked water inside Everywhere! Paint chips very easily on the bumpers w/ little pebbles. Car also runs very loudly even in park & under the hood is not very convenient, the battery is under fuses & stuff. Id certainly go back to my FORD.

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  Police Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By renrut - June 19 - 6:28 pm

  I purchased this car a couple years ago at 139K from a state police auction. It was an unmarked car. Since then, I have racked up 51K miles and now have 190K on it, only having to replace tires, battery and brakes. Fun to drive.The 3.5 L Hi-output V6 is awesome! Edmunds and KBB need to include the police version on their sites as style choices.

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  R.I.P. Beastie - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By rstlne - June 19 - 12:08 pm

  I was surprised at the number of bad reviews on here. Granted, this vehicle isnt perfect, but it is a tank. My dad hit a deer at 45 mph head on, and she didnt even need repairs. A/C hasnt worked since 2004 and you had to kick under the glove compartment to turn on the heater but it ran. Forever. I bought it with a bad tranny, replaced it, and have needed only oil changes all the way up until her death at 283,841. It might not be the prettiest, sportiest, or most exciting car on the road but it goes. Forever.

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  Same Stuff - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Shawn - June 17 - 3:08 pm

  I happened on this site because Im searching for a new door handle that snapped off. Mine lasted 3.5 years. Ive never had the windshield wiper problem, but saw the recall. I had the battery problem and the engine cutting off recall problem as well (in traffic, that was scary). I had to replace the master switch for the windows, too after the cheap plastic pulley snapped off. The left rear door trim peeled off the door when opened and drivers door was closed. Now when I drive over 65mph, there is a slight banging sound on the left side. I think its the plastic railing on the roof. The movable pieces seem to move on their own now.

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  99 Stratus ES - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By J. Anderson - June 16 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car when it was about 3yrs old with about 98,000 on it. It was my first car and not knowing a whole lot about cars back then, I havent done any of the required maintenance but it is still going strong! I did do regular oil changes! It has really been a great car! Im surprised it has lasted this long without the suggested maintenance! It has only been within the last 4yrs (about 12,000 miles ago) that the repairs have been costly. The car has 147+k miles and still gets me here and there with a few long trips. 6 disc cd player skips, that is about the only annoying part.

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  Perfect - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By customerjoe - June 16 - 10:13 am

  I love this vehicle, never had any problems and always get compliments on the look of it, also great in snow.

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  Overall happy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By iamme27 - June 16 - 9:27 am

  I bought my car used with 38,000 miles. Drove it from Boston to Georgia without any issues and quite comfortably too. So far only problem is with the ball joints/control arms wearing out, but thats likely due to the previous driver. I am still happy with it though. Drives comfortably, quiet inside, ok mpg, etc. The svt is a little strange. Takes a second to get pick-up after pressing the gas pedal. People complain about it, but they have made improvements with newer models. 2007 was the first yr, what do you expect?

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  Still good as new - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By luvmycharger - June 10 - 9:24 pm

  This car has help up extremely well, the paint is the only thing I take issue with as there is some light fading only. Interior has help up very well, leather still in great shape. Performance is as strong as it was when new, brakes still strong with the original pads!!! Gas mileage varies with how hard you hit the HEMI, set the cruise at 70 and get 26.5 mpg, set it at 60 and get between 30-31 mpg! The best part is while getting those mpg #s it will still hit 60 in under 6 seconds, I think the only car I would replace this with would be the Challenger R/T or SRT- 8 or another Charger R/T or SRT-8. They all run as good as they look, plus they can carry 4 or 5 people in comfort and style.

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  Small truck, V8 power! - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By B. Lange - June 9 - 12:18 pm

  Great little truck! Had an 02 GMC Z71 and this 318 Dakota outran it and is much more dependable. Only has 95,000 on it with no rust at all. Does have fresh paint 4 yrs ago. Would definitely recommend a dodge!

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  Great Full Size Car - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By commuter - June 4 - 2:48 am

  I replaced an AWD Magnum with this AWD Charger. A lot has been updated in five years in this essentially similar Dodge. First thing noticed is the improved interior. The seats are still firm, supportive and comfortable, but the trim and finishes in the Charger are much nicer, with brushed metallic accents against charcoal. The AWD system now reverts to two wheel drive when AWD isnt needed. This nets a couple more miles per gallon. Im averaging just under 23 mpg in mixed suburban and expressway driving on my 45 mile trip to work. Most recent tank of gas got me 28.5 mpg, truly impressive for a large, very solid vehicle. Handling is secure, and AWD great in slippery weather.