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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  Pretty good car - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By fidesetratio - February 25 - 10:37 pm

  Ive had the Avenger now for about 8 months and its really nice. All the negative things that Edmunds says arent entirely true. Its pretty powerful for a 4 cylinder and being so heavy, were not drag racing it, it accelerates and merges onto the highway just fine. I havent had any problems with it not starting or cutting out, actually Ive had no mechanical problems at all with it. All around, its a solid midsize car. Great on gas, (just took it 1400 miles on highway, 32mpg average) looks good, has plenty of room and feels right at home on the highway. It is heavy, so you cant take a 90 degree turn at 40, thats just unsafe anyways. If youre commuter with a family, its a great car!

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  dodge tough - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By ryan newmen - February 24 - 8:28 pm

  just a really fun car i like it.....

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  Good truck for the $ - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By jkf - February 24 - 4:15 pm

  All things considered not a bad truck in a 140k miles. Bought used with 30k miles and 2k later transmission went and was repaired under waranty - no problems since. Have the 5.2l V8 with positraction. Used the truck for hauling a 4500lb boat just about every good weather weekend and commuting to work. Replaced dist pickup at 65k and 120K, O2 sensor at 120k due to a "21"error code, and blower resistor at 110k. Aside from normal wear items such as tires, brakes, plugs, fan belt, radiator hoses etc. no other problems - very reliable. Been using Mobil 1 at 7.5k oil changes and does not leak a drop of engine or tranny oil. As with all these dakotas, the headliner fails, and fuel gauge is whacky.

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  I dont let my wife drive it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By ZTONY - February 23 - 2:01 pm

  I bought this car mainly for the AWD, I live in Maine. I have had no problems except tires last about 25000 mi. Im on my third set with 62000 on car. Love the CVT w/AutoStick. Summer 30mpg, winter 23mpg Love the roar of the exhaust, handling, brakes, and of course, the 485 watt stereo. Im 52, drive 40mi. one way to work.I wish the seat fabric would clean easier.

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  Where were the Germans? - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Perry Webb - February 22 - 6:48 pm

  Actually is wifes car but there are definitely problems with it. Ate the original tires under 25000,Then around 50000 check engine light reared its ugly beam.Dealer came up with a $900.00 fix something about fixing valves with add on clamps?Never understood that,bought some gum out light stayed out for over 6000 then came back on.When I drive it there are just too many blind spots,the ride seems harsh,bump My head on the low roof,dont like not being able to rest arm on window sill.Now also finding out about tie rod problems,My guess the chassis is weak to handle stress of engine and rear wheel drive.

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  Save Yourself. - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By dont do it. - February 22 - 2:41 pm

  Chipped paint, burns oil like crazy, coolant leak, fuel pump is going out, serpentine belt is squeaking, the backseat is a joke -- really, nobody can fit in this car. There are some good things. I love the acceleration. Love the manual trans. I like how it handles and parking it is great. But there are so many other better cars out there. You may get it for cheap -- but it will cost you more in the long run.

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  just bought it and i hate it - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By marc2789 - February 21 - 11:06 pm

  the car is a decent car but has way too many problems the car does have some power to it which i like but the cars brake burn out way too quick the transmission does not shift good at all after a couple of days the car clunks on every single bump (i know what that problem is) too much ride noise cant see that good out the back window i mean come on not everyone is that tall i do like the power everything sunroof but that dont matter if after every stop sign your car dont move and also after reading all the dangers from other websites i would not recommend it at all

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  Great car for the money - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By RW - February 21 - 9:25 pm

  Drove a couple when test riding, along with some other vehicles in the price range. Read some reviews about low power so I was a little concerned but not much. Car is fine. Drives great. If you like the look and the price go ahead and get it. Bought this car for the wife, in town driving with a 20 minute commute to work. Surprised she liked it. It was her call. Turned in a 2000 Honda Accord that we drove to its death.

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  NOT HeavyDuty - 2007 Dodge Dakota
  By frank - February 20 - 10:27 am

  Front suspension will not hold up if driving off-road. Replaced tie-rod ends and torsion bar ends just driving slowing on dirt and gravel roads. This truck? is not as sturdy as my 98 or 2001 Dakota.

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  LOVE THE CAR - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Steve NY - February 19 - 7:25 am

  Switched from a short wheel based Town & Country. Love the style. Handles great. $ cyl not as responsive as 6, but I need better mileage.