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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  I dont know what edmunds is talking about - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By dajobr - May 17 - 2:37 pm

  we have to 2.0 liter automatic se base model drives great looks great great mileage plenty of acceleration when needed

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  2 Many problems Disappointed - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By renesmi - May 12 - 8:19 pm

  I really wanted this vehicle for starting my new family but all that started happening was problem after problem,I hate it now wish it didnt have so many problems.Have only 80,000 miles on my vehicle to have so many problems.

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  Challenger SRT8 392, 6 MT, Yellowjacket Edition - 2012 Dodge Challenger
  By genlove1 - May 12 - 11:39 am

  05/12/13: Traded a 2012 Hyundai Gen Coupe, which definitely was not my cup of tea, for this. In comparison, the Challenger is a huge car, but pleasantly so. Needless, to say, the 392 is a torque monster, which puts a constant smile on my face, and the Yellowjacket paint is a real head turner. Gonna flush and fill all the lubes with Amsoil synthetics this week at about 300 miles or so to protect the investment. Ill review reliability at the end of summer. In the meantime, gonna have one fun summer getting to know this BEAST of a car.

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  Best first car ever...I love you "Bertha"!! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By bmore410 - May 10 - 10:02 pm

  Probably my favorite out of all the cars Ive ever driven. I love this car to death. Ive done all I can to keep it running and its still running like new. I definitely plan to keep this car well into college. Not only is it stylish, but it just has character. Theres just something about it that I love so much about it. Ive really developed a "connection" with "Bertha", shes a part of the family:) I highly recommend this a teens first car.

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  POOR QUALITY - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By lyndaw1 - May 10 - 7:36 pm

  Everyone on here talks about how great there van is. Mine is a piece of junk. The automatic side doors do not open. The a/c has been broke for over a year. The automatic trunk door doesnt open. The driver side door for the passenger doesnt open up for my daughter to get out now. Now the transmission is starting to slip. Should I go on with the problems??? We bought this van for something reliable not for something that would break down. The van has been a big disappointment to say the least. I will never buy another Dodge. Now I am stuck with it. I do not have the money to go out and buy something new.

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  1.4ltr Fire MultiAir Intercooled Turbo Rallye 6speed DCT auto - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By arrrggghhhh - May 9 - 10:46 pm

  This car is packed with everything you could ever want... Its very quick and great handling... born from and Alpha Romeo Giulietta. sharing a lengthed and widened chassis, suspension and engine. to make up for the extra 120 pounds over the Alpha it has more hp and torque. 1 billion dollars went into designing this car and it shows big time...We have the 1.4l intercooled turbo, 16valve, vvt with 6speed DCT auto transmission with auto stick. This car will not dissappoint!!! this car has 100,000 different variations upon ordering and then after that Dodge offers a full book of all kinds of accessories and add ons from suspension to racing strips.

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  Modern Muscle - 2011 Dodge Challenger
  By bigles985 - May 9 - 10:08 pm

  I absolutely love my SRT8. Has enough power to throw you into your seat but still can get over 20 mpg if youre easy on the throttle. I love the styling and love the fact my kids can fit in the back. I also have the Green With Envy color and get compliments on my car all the time at the pump.

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  Junk - 2012 Dodge Avenger
  By james273 - May 9 - 2:32 pm

  I bought the car brand new and now have 21000 miles on it. Worst car I ever owned. Has been in the shop multiple times for the hvac system not working properly. Now the ride has gotten worse. It feels like the rear struts went bad. The 4 cylinder engine is okay on power but not something to brag about and I dont get anywhere near the estimated mpg as the sticker says. Also had problems with the speedometer and transmission intermittently not working properly. The trade in value of this car is low. For the age of the car I expected more. With this car it truly is buyer be ware.

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  Dodges Dart Hits Its Target - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By darius07 - May 6 - 9:09 pm

  I purchased the 2013 Dodge Dart SXT for $16,500. Considering all its features, I found it to be a tremendous value that competitors would be hard-pressed to beat, especially domestic makers. The car is agile, very responsive, solid, and offers a very smooth and pleasant ride. Dodges compact has now returned to its sleek aerodynamic roots, offering a bit of flare and enough customization options to make it more personal. Expected features like power windows and locks were very welcome on this vehicle, and unexpected amenities like an auto dimming rear mirror and illuminated cup holders were a pleasant surprise which made it more a value altogether. Definitely a great first car.

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  Love my lil Neon. - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By simplyme - May 5 - 10:07 pm

  Love this lil thing! bought for 1800 as a commuter for school. Accidentally got a 3spd auto. but for living in a small town it does fine, I just avoid all hwys. Parts are reasonably priced its burnt orange manual everything cept auto obviously, but this lil nellie gets the job done no rain issues lights stay off =)