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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  Sporty economical comfort - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By rogeo - May 5 - 10:05 am

  Ive read lots of reviews and cant understand why the 2.0 liter never gets covered much. I like this engine. Its reasonably powerful, consistent and very smooth. The 6 speed manual is great and worth the learning curve if youve never driven a standard before plus youll go farher on a tank. It will also require less maintenance. I plan to keep this car for awhile and appreciate that I wont have the hassle of having to eventually get a timing belt replaced. Some reviewers complain about the seats not being comfortable. I consider myself of average build and find the support and comfort great with really good lower back support. They also look good. Highly recommended!

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  Dodge Dart SXT: Everyday Life - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By twedt3304 - May 4 - 10:17 pm

  I realized I didnt need a luxury performance beast, nor did I want a piece of tin. I was stuck between the Focus Hatch, and the Dart. I ended up choosing what I did because of mpg ratings and it being more attractive. Ive had it 4 months now and so far, so good. Its Really fun to drive, it has excellent handeling, manual transmission is great, But the only complaint I have is the lack of attention to detail. Some of the plastic inserts are a little cheep feeling Also I noticed the gas cap mechanism is all plastic, but all that is put to shame by things like the In-seat storage and huge Uconnect screen. Overall If you are considering this or its Competition, I would highly recommend the Dart

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  three times not starting - 2013 Dodge Avenger
  By marwan1 - May 4 - 4:12 pm

  a brand new 2013 dodge avenger, didnt start two times in the last 4 months,terrible service,they tried to fix it and messed it up and now died in the middle of the road.believe me you dont want to buy this car if you are counting on it to take you places.my experience with the service department was terrible and they almost make you feel responsible for their bad cars.windshield wiper pump died the second month and while fixing it they messed up my electrical system.dont believe anything about a star package

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  I will miss this car! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By bgoodrich - May 4 - 1:36 pm

  I owned this car for 7 years and put 165,000 miles on it. I never had a mechanical problem with it ever. It was fast enough, but what I liked the most was the handling. I never thought there was a curve I couldnt take without minimal braking. This car alo had exceptional top-end passing ability. If you ever neede to go from 70-80 mph quickly, you could depend on the Stratus R/T to do it. I got a lot of compliments on the cars appearance and it was nice to be the only person I know to have one. I cant believe they didnt sell more of these. I really cant put into words how much I enjoyed this car. I will miss her greatly.

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  Dont Ever Buy A Doge Neon!!! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By dodgeneonsux - May 2 - 4:11 pm

  i bought my 2003 doge neon with 98k miles on it. i thought this would be a perfect car if i took care of it, and always did the normal maintenance. i was VERY WRONG! this car is nothing but a money pit. and you will put every cent you have into garage bills. i only owned this car for one year. and i probably spent $15 thousand dollars in repairs. it was breaking down at least once a month. when it hit 120k miles the tranny went. when the mechanic told me it will cost $2000 to fix it. i decided to sell it. TRUST ME WHATEVER YOU DO DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2 years and lost its luster - 2011 Dodge Avenger
  By johntesh71 - April 28 - 10:21 am

  So after 2 years and finally trading it in....the Avenger just stopped being fun...35,000 miles and the engine and transmission just seemed slower and its as if the performance just got sucked out of it.....rust started corroding the rocker panels and the front bumper cover fell apart...some small interior faults such as tears in steering wheel and seats from overuse....its a great car just lost its luster for some reason

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  Neon not safe - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By drummer69 - April 27 - 1:05 am

  I keep hearing about the Dodeg Neon that its a fun, safe little car. Well, Im here to tell you thats its not. Anyone who thinks that this car is safe, needs to listen to me. My girlfriend was driving a Neon when she was T boned hit broadside on the passanger side when she was driving, and she was killed instantly. The car crumbled up like a tin car. The biggest piece of crap that was ever made. The unsafest car ever made, period!

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  Fun, fast, and reliable - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By sleepysrt - April 25 - 3:52 pm

  This is a reliable car for the performance that it puts out. Mine has 163,xxx miles and gives me no real issues. This car is built to last and last it will! The ride is a little on the rough side but isnt anything to really complain about, the seats are nice as long as you arent a larger person, gas mileage is great for a car that has this much power, I love the location for the factory boost gauge and that it comes with one, and the sound system is incredible. Possibly the best thing about the car is the sound it makes! The spoiler gets in the way when looking back, though you quickly get use to it being there. The only other bad thing is the rear windows are manual.

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  1994 Dodge Dicota - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By ahallum3 - April 22 - 10:24 pm

  My Grandpa left me a 94 Dodge Dicota & I like it its a good runing truck & iam never going to let it go iam going to keep it for ever & ever. hope you all are happy with your truck.

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  clear coat shedding off all plastic bumbers - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By seamusjames - April 21 - 3:44 pm

  Now when I bought this car new it was sitting on the show room floor and was loaded with every option the 05 had listed. Yes I even had heated seats WOW! $43.000 American, my first house cost 23,000. Bought it for my wife with dreams of getting it after she grew tried of it. Still waiting..... I wash the car myself and about 2008 saw a small chip in the front paint and a small rust spot. Heck I thought it was a road stone which chip the clear coat. Now 6 years later the whole top of the front plastic where the hood closes is peeled. As I washed it I notice the back bumper is also faded and pealing. Anyone else have this? planetary gears replaced, nav toggle broke ect..