3 Star Reviews for Dodge

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.18/5 Average
11,324 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 451 through 460 of 11,324.00
  • Jury is still out - 2007 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Jury is still out on our 07 Durango purchase. Wife has complained about poor gas mileage, lack of power, windshield cracking for no apparent reason and steering column falling apart. We still have the wifes old 98 Durango that has 220,000 miles on it. It has the 5.9 liter engine where the 07 has the 4.7 liter. That could be the reason for power complaint. The 98 has had minimal repairs done to it (ball joints and some suspension repairs. However we do live in the mountains of Colorado on some rough roads.) So hopefully this 07 does as well as the 98

  • Dodge Caravan 10 Year Owner Ratings - 1998 Dodge Caravan
    By -

    Overall, I am disappointed with the vehicle. I spend a lot of money the first 4-5 years repairing problems - what a piece of junk. While the car settled down in terms of repair after that, the repairs are again spiking as the mileage builds beyond the 200K mark brakes, trans (again and again...), radiator, heater core, brakes again, cat. converter). While there are some good design features, mechanically the car is a design failure (my personal opinion).

  • Ok but I wouldnt write home about it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    She is a good road car, I am a person who likes to travel and she does very well with highway driving. But now as she gets older when you step on the gas its like she is going faster than it really is. And the pedals always have been low. You will think you need new brakes when you really dont.

  • 6 cylinder misfire - 2004 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    The check engine light comes on about the #6 cylinder misfires. Engine is losing pressure. I found 2 others with the same problem in their 04 Dakota.

  • this car goes the extra mile! - 1995 Dodge Neon
    By -

    I have had my little neon since 2000 with one other owner. Shes a 1995, an old car but very reliable, getting me through many a snowstorm and trips up north. I get about 30 miles to the gallon on highway...a fun car to drive with not a lot of time in the garage. I love my neon and would like to get a newer model of the same car someday...when my old one finally dies

  • its o.k I guess - 2002 Dodge Neon
    By -

    O. K, I have a 2002 Dodge neon. My brother gave it to me because the tranny went out. So I got it rebuilt for 1500 dollars. Now I still have it, when I turn sharply enough the engine light comes on, then goes off when I straighten up. It shakes bad on the highway and when I get to 55. The alternators going up, hopefully no time soon, but the lights on. Um, I got a performance muffler and took the airbox off and a performance air filter, so when I give it some gas it sounds excellent for a 4 cylinder. My recommendation though... Get another car. Why spend 3250 on this when you can get a civic or something?

  • Buyer Beware! - 2002 Dodge Caravan
    By -

    I bought this minivan because it fit into my budget. The Toyota and Honda were rated higher but I didnt like the way the Toyota felt and the Honda was too pricey. About 2 months past the 3 year warranty on my Caravan I started having to dole out for repairs. To date I have spent about $6,500. I think I spent $2,500 of that in year 4. The rear seat bench cup holder has broken off twice...I dont have young children who abuse it. In fact, it rarely gets used. Each repair for that has been over $100! The bearing on the sliding door has also broken 2x and I refuse to fix it again! Also had sway bar issues, power steering issues, defective spark plugs, oil leaks,...I will never buy a Dodge again

  • I wanted to like the Durango... - 2007 Dodge Durango
    By -

    As the title says, I wanted to like the Durango. It truly saddens me to see what has happened to the American auto manufactures and I will always buy from the big three, but this Durango was the bottom of the barrel. First let me say that I have owned several fullsize SUVs and trucks: 2000 Ford Expedition, 02 Chevy Tahoe, 04 Chevy Avalanche, 05 Dodge Ram 1500, and now this 07 Durango. This truck drives and rides like a horse drawn wagon. It is hands down the worst handling vehicle I have EVER driven. I think I would rather drive a Mack truck on a daily basis. Then gas mileage...oh man, each of my previous trucks got significantly better mileage. Overall, a huge disappointment

  • Good for the money - 2008 Dodge Nitro
    By -

    I got this vehicle as a rental for a couple of weeks, it was practically new with only 2000 miles and I had a good chance to evaluate its features so here is my opinion to be shared with you, potential Nitro buyer. EXTERIOR: Good looking mid-size SUV. Its external design is appealing and it has the look of a tough all terrain SUV able to handle anything, I have to admit that from any angle it looks good and tall. INTERIOR: Well distributed space, not high quality finishing but OK. Im 62" and I had no space problems, leg room was OK for driver and passengers. I feature I loved is that you can fold down all the seats creating a large cargo space for what you may need. They tried to max

  • Chrysler Quality Sucks !!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
    By -

    I purchased a 2005 SXT AWD, new in June of 2005 (cost $31,500). Here is a list of the issues Ive had with it. First, after only 30,000 miles, the factory Continental tires would not pass inspection. Second, after numerous visits to the dealer, about intermittent problems with the rear power windows, the window regulator seized up. Just outside of the warranty. (what a coincidence, and I have the other side to look forward to repairing now) The engine has been running rough for the last 27,000 miles and, of course, the dealer has been unable to diagnose or fix. They just perform the basic "shotgun" technique of plugs, wires, etc... I have had the transmission ROM flashed twice and was charged!

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