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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  Electrical problems - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By robert - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for 5 years with no problems. Now it has 200,650 miles on it. I am having trouble with check engine light staying on and the air bag light stays on now and some how it is connected to the air conditioner and windows they dont work when light is on. Also a mechanic told me the air bag can blow at any time in this condition when driving. this could be very dangerous or cause a deadly accident

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  Contented - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Happy - October 14 - 2:00 am

  After buying my Caravan in 03 I did have to rebuild the starter solenoid, but other than that Ive had regular maintenance done on it, which of course is expected. New tires, brakes, radiator and transmission flushes filters etc. The only unexpected problem was with the serpentine belt, but I think the mechanic may have been the problem when I had to get a second one 14 mos. later. At that time I had to replace the tensioner which may have been the cause of the second serpentine. Ive been very happy with this car. No car is going to be problem free if you dont do regular maintenance. And Im still driving it and going to pass it on to my daughter.

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  Awsome - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Bogey69 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Best truck I have owned yet. Went looking for a new one this summer and was not happy. They have nothing like this out there. Ford and Chevy gave up making Rangers and S-10s. Toyota has a smaller interior. This truck has been excellent in upper Michigan. In snow and off road it handles like a champ. Never had any major issues yet and has been a joy to drive. I plan on keeping it for another 80K. Why spend money on the new junk! The 4.7l V8 really goes and has tons of power that can tow a 24 ft trailer with no problem.

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  This is Love - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By JusBringIt - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this fancy car over 230 miles away from home in Pennsylvania. Ive been through the best and the worst with this car and every time I turn it on, it returns the favor. Ive made some additions over the 3.7 years Ive own the car, however nothing that takes away from the original showmanship. There were very few problems with this car and most of them were self inflicted. The only issue I have is that I dont have a manual transmission. Keep up the maintenance and the car will give you years of service. This car drives even better than it did the day I bought it. It ages like wine.

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  Ultilty with comfort - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By D.R. - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Owned 99 Dodge truck for 10 years. Time for a change. Truck ran great 150,000. Staying with Dodge. This journey is a blast. I love all the room it has. Light construction projects are breeze, all the seats lay flat for hauling 8 ft. 2x4, s and can still close the hatch. Family of 5 no problem with 3row seating. Interior nice, gps and sound system, awesome. No regrets.

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  love it - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By zack - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2004 dakota with the 4.7 v8 it has a lot of power towing wise its great i pulled 12,000 pounds and the truck doesnt struggle at all. But i have a problem with the window when you close it it will fall and not go back up dose this happened to a lot of people with this truck? But I can tell you its the best truck so far I had it has 147,000 miles on it and it still runs like a beast. But gas wise it drinks a lot but if you drive on the highway it will do great I drove it to new jersey and I only filled up 3 times and I was pulling a trailer so I can say that its a awesome truck and I love driving it.

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  Love my Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Scott - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Nitro for about three months now and its the best SUV Ive ever owned. It looks great, drives smooth, and reacts very nicely when driving at high speeds! The only thing I dont have is the cruise control option. I will have it added in the near future.

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  All-around Cute and Practical - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Kim in Iowa/Illinois - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Everyone is impressed with the look of my Caliber but I always add how well the MPG is on it. The safety is high too hopefully I wont have to test that. I love the room I have fit 2 adults bikes in the back with no problem. Except for changing the dealer tires at 35K, I have not had an issue at all.

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  Excellent car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By love my charger - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned a Dodge product prior to this, was always a Chevy guy. This car takes the cake. A rear drive, powerful, affordable car! I had a small transmission fluid leak at approx 29,000, but that was a seal. Fuel mileage is very respectable for a car with almost 400 hp. Seats are quite comfortable. Took the car on a 4000 mile road trip with my then 13 yr tall son and dad. Everyone stayed comfortable. I have not seen the tire problems listed w what seem to be the SE Chargers. Stereo very nice. I have a K&N filter, and a part of flowmasters for exhaust (so its not quiet any more). Paint has held up very well. In snow this is a little tricky to drive. All in all I love this car.

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  Get a Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By JD - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had SUVs for years and this is my favorite. I researched and drove a lot of SUVs before purchasing and overall, the Nitro just fits what I like perfectly. It looks great inside and out, its unique, functional, its comfortable, and fun to be in and drive. Mine is fully loaded, which makes it even better.