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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  A Good Car with no problems - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Sue - March 26 - 8:58 pm

  Bought my ES used from original owner. It is the top of the line for the year and the only problem I had is with brakes, changed twice in 3 months one year, but it was due to defective brakes. Engine has 151,000 miles. The car handles well and runs soundly. Never had an engine problem or anything major happen. Starts up every time, doesnt leak a single drop of oil, still gets 26 mpg highway. I have always had good luck with Dodge and my next car (picking up tomorrow) is the 2008 Avenger SXT, which is replacing the Stratus. The Stratus is a well made vehicle, at least mine is, anyway!

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  The paint chipped Neon - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Billy - March 26 - 7:29 pm

  Well originally my father bought this car for himself and it had 140,000 miles on it from the dealer. It was in good shape one paint chip on the right side of the car behind the driver side door. The car never seemed to give to much trouble, a blown head gasket and a transmission leak were two very big problems, other then that the car has run fine and been dependable. When I got it as my first car it became a bit of a nightmare, with 166,000 miles and almost no paint left with an oil leak and a fried electrical system I couldnt expect much though being that it was worn out and my father gave it almost little to no service at all Id say it had a good run as a fun sporty car.

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  Still going - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By hoylemd - March 26 - 3:33 pm

  Bought my truck new. Have driven 110 miles round trip to work daily for past 6 years. Now have over 257,000 miles and uses only a half quart oil between changes. Still runs great. No major repairs, only things that wear out on any truck, brakes, water pump, belts, rotors. Radio did go out and I replaced it with a nice one with cd, which I was going to do anyway. Plenty of power with the V6, gets about 21 mpg no mater how I drive or what gas I use.

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  Great looking car, but poor quality - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By ilcrosscountry - March 26 - 10:14 am

  I love the look and the power of my Dodge Charger if only I can keep it out of the dealership every month. So far its been in for transmission problems twice, carpet quality issues, leaking fluids, and several other small problems. If only DCX fixes the quality of their cars.

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  Vacation rental - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TEMuse - March 25 - 10:28 am

  Rented from Enterprice Burleson. Was very surprised no GPS. Fortunately I had a spare. No back up camera which for the length this vehicle could really use. Great on gas for size vehicle. Not easy exit from last row seat. Road smooth. Good luggage space for our 6 persons.

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  Outstanding Value - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By JR - March 25 - 12:27 am

  My Neon was purchased brand new with 38 test drive miles. I loved it in 2001 and I love it now. Value for the money and low maintance costs and upkeep is awesome. With 58000 miles I have put roughly $3500 worth of upkeep into. That includes tool purchase and tires.

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  The Machine - 1990 Dodge Shadow
  By Mo-Jo - March 24 - 11:33 pm

  Bought car with 64,000 miles for $2,700 and drove it to 240,000 miles before it died. I only wish I could find another work car like this.

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  Best value for the money, stylish, and unique - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By RT in NJ - March 24 - 6:40 pm

  The car will provide you the best value for your dollars. The car is so stylish and head turner. People will ask if its really a Dodge. A lot of power and fun to drive, either. This car is awesome!

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  Great All Around - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Aquena - March 24 - 5:44 pm

  No complaints. We haul a large camper, and it handles and performs wonderfully. Solid and dependable.

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  High Performance with Seating for Five - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By 2000rt - March 24 - 1:03 pm

  This is an awesome car. It has room for five adults yet performs like a two seater. I laugh at those that those that talk about fuel economy. You do not buy a car like this and complain about fuel economy. It is what it is, a gas guzzler. If I wanted to be economical I would by an econo box!