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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  What a hearbreak! - 2013 Dodge Charger
  By kreb17 - June 28 - 7:22 pm

  Purchased the vehicle in March and enjoyed driving it until the transmission went at 5,000 miles. Still waiting for new transmission and its been about a month. Very dissatisfied with Dodge.

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  Great Value on Dodge Journey - 2013 Dodge Journey
  By sarasotadon - June 26 - 1:41 pm

  I just purchased the base American Value model, and dont regret it a bit. The RAV 4 and the CRV were close to being the winner, when I gave Dodge another look. I dont feel short changed at all, except I saved thousands off the sticker compared to those two. Beautiful inside and out, with great build quality. My kids love the back seats that move and recline, great for long trips. The rebates the other guys did not offer really made it a no brainer. Living in S. FL I didnt need or want a sun roof, so dont feel cheated out at all. Runs smoother than the other options, less get up and go with the 2.5, but will save on speeding tickets.

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  My 2011 Dodge Avenger is JUNK - 2011 Dodge Avenger
  By don419 - June 24 - 6:24 pm

  I bought my 2011 Dodge Avenger New (23 miles on it) I started having transmission problems at 500 miles, clunking,jerking, its scary sometimes, it now has 21000 miles been in shop 14 times, still no fixed, Dodge Corp. says all dodges do it , its normal.. there liars to me the main dodge mechanics came on feb 4 and checked my car out I don`t know how when it was in my garage on that day..I feel that anyone wanting to buy a car Stay Away From Dodge there Junk..this is my first dodge & last.. Dodge transmission mechanic told me the computer needs updates witch Dodge doesn`t have, last Tuesday Beth at Dodge Corp. told me it was a one driver car ! Liars , Liar`s , Liar`s . Very Sad Com

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  Not the best, Not the worst - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By 350rocket - June 22 - 11:01 pm

  I have the 3.7 with just over 80,000 miles. it runs phenomenally considering the amount of torture ive put it through. It does lack power and torque. however, it is a reliable vehicle. the 4x4 to be quite honest should be used strictly for what it was designed and not mud running. I get just over 11 miles to a gallon, which is disappointing but, again this thing just keeps running. The only real issues Ive came across are having to replace the entire front suspension and all four o2 sensors. I highly recommend that if you are to own one of these trucks especially the 2005 that you have advanced knowledge in mechanics, otherwise you might as well just give your paycheck the garage.

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  Dodge exclusive. None other like it. Increasing the fleet. - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By pepteye - June 21 - 11:46 pm

  A Dodge boy needed a commuter. OK Mitsubishi in Wolves clothing. That said it is a unique offering. 4000 lbs and 30+ MPG is a good compromise. When Im making my commute for 50 miles each way over a 1800 foot pass in the silicone valley I feel good. Take care of the timing belt it will cost you if it breaks. Best Dodge commuter until the new Challenger gets 30MPG. and you have 30K to spare.......Have one for the daughter and will likely win up with 4. CAME BACK A KILLER WENT OUT A WINNER...Thanks Brad....

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  Junk - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By gedged - June 20 - 3:56 pm

  First, the car is a total slug. Makes alot of noise and goes no where. If youre merging onto the highway, PLAN AHEAD. If there is a vehicle coming, let it go by to give you a LONG launch pad... The auto trans is the worst unit I have seen. Its variable = junk. Finally- the antifreeze problem. When I left the dealership, the car overheated 5 minutes down the road. The radiator was only a 1/4 full!!!! After that, I would have to fill it every week...No puddles under the car, no obvious leaks, clean oil.. So, where did the fluid go?!?! In closing, with exception of the gas mileage, this was the biggest auto purchase MISTAKE I have made!!!!

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  LOVED THIS CAR / Did its job! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By safedrivertoo - June 19 - 10:46 am

  I bought it at 36,900 (mileage) and am now giving it to my daughter at 126,8000, and Ive never had a problem other than wear/tear except the fuel pump, which went at 50,000 miles. I think I replace an alternator too, around 90,000 miles, but it runs great, never stalled, never left me on the road or anything. I LOVE this car. Wish me luck with my new Dodge Journey! )

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  love/hate 09 Journey owner - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By skymel13 - June 18 - 10:36 pm

  I bought my 09 Dodge Journey used in July 2009 thats where my love started for the Journey. Everything great- loved that it was a 3 seater and a v6 engine. My Journey took our family on many family outings. My hate for the Journey started around 40,000 miles where it started to have starting problems, everything powered worked and it would start after 5 minutes. At, 50,000 miles starting issues again more often and taking longer to start. Took to dealer 3 times in one month. Told it was the battery (wrong). Starter and alternator good. problem: WIN Module and FOB key price to fix w/o ext warranty $800-$1000. I have ext warr paid $100. Please current Journey owners buy the ext warranty.

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  2012 SRT...Going great through 25K - 2012 Dodge Challenger
  By orbwins - June 18 - 5:00 pm

  Moved from 4 cyl honda accord to SRT Classic, Automatic, fully loaded. I drive highway, Im getting about 20 miles to the gallon, again 1 year 25K miles into ownership.

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  Great Ride, Mechanical Nightmare - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By samwill89 - June 16 - 6:52 pm

  Bought a used 2002 Durango Sport at 95k miles. Was immaculate inside and out. The good: Fit my large 65 frame comfortably. Fit my 66 twin sons well too. Nice controls and easy ride on all terrains. The bad: Constant overheating. Replaced fan clutch and thermostat within a month of owning it. Still would overheat. After 10k miles of use, blown head gasket. I will NEVER buy another Dodge vehicle again. Sad, because I really liked the SUV. Not worth the mechanical problems that are SURE to happen.