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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  Love my Durango - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By hart - July 3 - 3:35 pm

  I enjoy my Dodge Durango 4.7 auto 4x4 air and all the xtras! I have figured out how to get over 20 plus on fuel mileage. This has me sold on further Dodge investments

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  Vibration at 45 MPH and up - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By tin - July 3 - 7:30 am

  I just bought AWD sxt Journey this past week. AS soon as I drove out of the parking lot and onto the highway starting to excelerate to 45mph the car start to shake, seem like from the rear. The next morning with 80 miles on the gauge I stop in the dealer to have it check. They told me it needs a new rear right axel and discovered that the right rear tire had a defect in it too. Took a week to get the parts. The dealer shop put it on and I was excited to finally get to drive my new car until, the mechanic call back and told me the problem still there. What a disappointment! On a lighter note. It drove nice, looks nice but next time I will think twice before too loyal to American car

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  Dodge Stratus r/t - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By joe - July 3 - 12:18 am

  Very good performance. Better than expeted gas mileage, (about 26 mph city). Car is admired by young people. Have not had it back to the dealer except for one minor issue. Lots of room in trunk. I like the automatic stick shift.

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  4th one, LAST one! - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By gchrismer - July 2 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my first in 86, second in 90, 3rd in 96, this one in 2001. Traded last one in w/112K on it, transmission starting to slip. This one is a Sport FWD model. Has 60000K on it, 98% are highway miles. Front end is "shot".....needs new struts and ball joints. You should hear and feel the thing ride. Its horrible and obvious to anyone. Dealer refuses to even acknowledge this.My own mechanic (who is known in town as GOOD and trustworthy!) gave me the bad news. Thats it.....I am going out to buy Japanese...Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey. They lost a loyal customer - who isnt stupid.

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  Great little car! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Chanda - July 2 - 10:34 pm

  I have had my Neon since May 5, 1997. Shes only let me down once due to a freak problem with the idler pulley causing the timing belt to disintegrate at 87,000 miles. We rebuilt her and shes stronger than ever. She was hit on the front passenger corner in November of 2005 and was declared a total loss by the insurance company. We bought her back, fixed her up, and she lives yet again. Shes a great car that gets awesome mileage while being a total blast to drive! Shes a hoot on the autocross course, too )

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  Fast for Cheap, Sleeper from Factory - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By CMonsterGT - July 2 - 6:41 pm

  Im a 300 lb guy. I wanted a fast car that was relatively easy to get in and out of. At first in my car shopping experience, the SRT4 didnt even show up in my searches due to the fact that it only comes in a 4 door. Its one of the sharpest 4 doors Ive ever seen. Even better looking than the WRX and Evo8. It still needs to be dropped at least an inch, though. This car is fast and fun, and with 4 doors, you can still have a family and enjoy this car! Plenty of room and plenty of sound from the kicker sound package. Make sure you get the sunroof! It feels great to drive, and its hard to keep your foot out of the gas. Plenty of room in the trunk, and the Viper seats keep you planted!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By DS - July 2 - 4:30 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 01. Have had zero problems and Im very happy with the performance of the 4.7 engine. Towing a 17 foot boot is a non-issue. The gas mileage is ok. The paint has put up with the everyday use and its kept outside 24/7. The rear end is a little loose in the snow while in 2wd. Other than that a real nice ride for this car. Plenty of go when needed.

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  Id buy another - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Ray Bank - July 2 - 1:19 pm

  This has been a fine car in nearly all respects. The only gripes I have is the difficulty of replacing the air filter and the battery. Otherwise, the car has everything I want: looks, performance, handling, comfort and economy. I have the 2.7 V-6. Maintenance costs have been minimal and I have 77,400 miles on it. Ive been looking at other cars, but I guess Ill just wait until they come out with the re-styled Stratus and Sebring sedans.

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  I love my Maggie! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Terrie - July 1 - 1:25 pm

  Have had a few electronic gliches, but otherwise, a very good car thats fun to drive.

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  Overheating - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By jsmith - June 29 - 3:17 pm

  What a pig. I like to buy cars and drive them forever. I had this Durango in the dealer for overheating problems no less than 5 times over the course of 1.5 yrs. (yes I am stubborn). New water pump, new radiator, new thermostat, new hoses... still overheats. Replaced sway bars and a few yrs later the front end squeeks again. Fast truck and fun to drive. But not reliable and terrible mileage (14-15 on the hwy doing avg 70-75). Hit a bump and youre airborne. You can do better.