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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  Just bought a 97 in 2013 - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By sstevek - July 29 - 8:47 pm

  My model is actually a Sport 2WD 3.9 5 speed manual that I bought with about 102,500 miles. I get plenty of snow in my area, but the truck is for occasional use. I wanted a truck with a V6 and a manual transmission, something not easy to find. I think the V6 with the manual is a great combination - and a rare find. The regular cab is a little tight for me - but thats ok. I do enjoy driving the truck. It rides well, and the interior is solid. With the windows up its quiet - theres not one rattle in the truck. My first fuel calculation, highway and around town was 18.8 mpg. Very satisfied with that. I feel good about this truck.

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  so far so good - 2013 Dodge Durango
  By dokutman - July 29 - 2:12 pm

  purchased this new, may of 2013. Have put close to 6k miles on it already, but that included a trip to florida from md. Getting very decent gas milage for such a big vehicle, with AWD. Rides great, its quiet, with plenty of power. I average 23-24mpg in mixed driving, but got over 27mpg on the last fillup on the way home from florida! So far weve been very happy with this vehicle, and will post an update down the road....

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  Canadian Chrysler Intrepid - Better Engine - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By kipstorm - July 28 - 1:36 pm

  After 235,000 miles, I finally had to lay her to rest. Many mechanics will tell you the 2.7 Chrysler engines have a timing chain problem but this one was made in Canada and I had no problems the engine was quiet on the last day. (Wife had same engine but made in USA and all the problems.) Through the years, I replaced: strut assemblies, coolant hose, normal batteries and brakes, lights. It was solid best car Ive ever owned. Goodbye, Ill miss you.

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  1997 Intrepid - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By tybri93 - July 27 - 2:26 pm

  We had this car for right up until about 160,000 miles. At that point it just started to go down hill, weird wiring problems seemed to plague the car. Just after 160,000 though. Before that, it was a great car. Ran great, and gave us years of faithful service. I wonder what happens with these cars at 160,000 or if it was just us. Performance was excellent even up into its last days, the engine still had plenty of pep. Very roomy, even on long trips going from Cali to Utah multiple times with four people in it, very comfortable.

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  Best Car Ive Owned in 50 Years - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By ocita - July 26 - 2:58 pm

  I special ordered my 2008 Magnum SXT for delivery in the USA while serving in, Afghanistan. It currently has 50K miles on it, most of the miles from long-distance driving. It averages about 27 mpg at 65-70 mph. Out west, at altitudes above 5,000 ft, where the speed limit is 80, the mileage jumps to 33 mpg. Most of the miles on the car have been cross country. I was stopped by a police officer only once. The officer only wanted was to know the name of the color on the car. She loved the color. This is the most comfortable riding and reliable vehicle I have owned n 50 years. The only problem I have had in 5 years was a burned-out license plate light bulb.

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  Underrated and Misunderstood - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By dartdriver - July 26 - 2:42 pm

  Ive had my Dart about a month now (Limited model with 1.4L Turbo and DDCT Transmission), and I couldnt b happier. What a steller small car. I havent been able to get the mileage to approach the highway rating yet, but it seem sto be slowly creeping up. It definately pays to put premium in the car (its recommended) and keep the A/C off when possible. I love the DDCT now that Im used to it. Remember, its an automated manual, NOT and automatic. For those of us that have driven plenty of manuals, we know what that means and should be used to the way this transmission behaves. Its smooth and very direct, as long as you dont hammer it like a maniac. Its tuned for smoothness.

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  SRT8 - Greatest Supercar on Planet Earth - 2013 Dodge Charger
  By hbtmd - July 25 - 6:18 am

  I now have over 4,000 miles on this Beast. Over 2 tons of American muscle, however, it consistently gets 0 to 60 times of 4.6 to 4.7 seconds. Build quality is superb. Better than my 4 previous Acuras and 1 prior Lexus. Base sound system is wonderful. I have not found a single flaw or problem with it yet. The 6.4 liter hemi that puts out 470 hp is beyond description. Acceleration is so wonderful that I am addicted to it. Every day I wake up eager to drive this incredible vehicle. My son has a 2012 Challenger SRT8 with the same 6.4 liter hemi. His experience is the same. Like me, me plans to drive his SRT8 forever.

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  update from dec 2012 - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By dipstick5 - July 25 - 5:29 am

  have driven 3.6 L sxt fwd 6 spd auto to Wisconsin and Michigan attaining 28 to 30 mpg. gas mileage averaging 21 all around city/highway. almost 6000 miles on odometer without any complaints. adding a Mopar backup camera system sometime in future to improve safety when in reverse.

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  All around great suv - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By myrango - July 25 - 1:29 am

  Ive had my durango now for 5 years. Let me tell you this has been the best suv Ive ever owned. Its realible and tough. It is just what i needed. Ive driven it to Florida and back to Louisiana 4 times, with no problems!! Outside of regular maintenance its been no problem. My 1999 durango owes me nothing. I would recommend this suv for anyone. Plenty of power(5.9 liter engine). The gas milage could be better but seriously I have no complaints. 3rd row seat provides more than enough room for friends and family. 4X4, nice ruged but stylish look and bold body style.. A great suv for camping or travel. A 5* hands down.

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  Best vehicle Ive driven in years - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By kackerman - July 23 - 11:30 pm

  I picked up an Intrepid ES as a temporary car while my new one is in for major repairs and fell in love. The exterior looks drab (an older sedan style) but it drives like nothing Ive seen before. Handles all road conditions beautifully and has more than enough power. Im actually considering some body work (snazzy stuff) and might keep it. Shame that Chrysler didnt stick with this engine - its magic.