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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  Excellent Choice - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Journeyman - May 12 - 2:10 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle! After shopping around, we decided on a Journey for its combination of basic features and price. Our red V6 R/T cruises effortlessly, noiselessly and comfortably. It sits 7 and the layout is ingenious. Elegant, less nerd than a mini van. Fun and well designed. Wholeheartedly recommend.

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  Not your old Charger! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Doug Jackson - May 11 - 8:03 pm

  Daimler influence on style and interior features is unmistakable. The Hemi, though, is pure American muscle. I hear the marriage with Daimler and Chrysler has been bumpy, but this car is a great example of a successful collaboration. Meets my large car needs while giving me a sporty, fast, and great-looking car. What a concept!

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  2006 Dodge Durango - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Michael Fonte - May 11 - 1:10 pm

  Has power when needed. Very comfortable inside and the design of the interior looks great.

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  WOW!!! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By oheeare - May 11 - 2:56 am

  This R/T is one unbelievable car... The 5.7L Hemi is very responsive and fast. Not too bad on gas consumption due to the computerized switching from 8 to 6 to 4 cylinders, depending on the cruising situation--all occurs in 1/25th of a second. UConnect bluetooth set up with bluetooth enabled cell phones. Alpine Navigation with Boston Acoustic sound system. Leather accoutrements. The autolink transmission has the auto/manual feature that adds to the fun to drive quotient.

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  Troube Free - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dennis - May 9 - 10:03 pm

  No complaints or problems to date. Got the SXT with Stow N Go, power hatch, sunroof and tow package. Makes excellent tow vehicle, just make sure to get tow package to get 3800lbs ability. Mileage....24 highway, 20 normal, and 18 towing large popup RV.

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  The Durango with bad gas mileage - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By What is it? - May 9 - 4:32 pm

  The Durango has a good interior. But there are some things that you think about changing. First you cant see the front if you are small. That could be a problem in driving the car. Second I didnt even get a hemi and its a living gas pig. Third where is the side skirts?

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  Solid Car with Alpha DNA - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By Russ Furchner - May 8 - 4:38 pm

  In the sea of compact sedans, the Dart GT stands out. Its very nice to look at, definitely not your cookie-cutter import. I honestly dont understand the criticism of the car in general. The car never feels under powered, the shifts are crisp and positive. The handling and brakes are very good for a front wheel drive car. My only complaint was the OEM tires which were overly harsh and really a poor match for this chassis. Once replaced, you now have a firm riding, quite and comfortable car, but not harsh or jarring. What you have is a quick, sharp and fun drive that is inexpensive to own and operate. Good value for money. Update at 34k miles - Aside from Interior rattles, which are quite annoying, still a solid workhorse and fun to drive package. Perhaps the firm suspension contributes to the rattles, but they are quite annoying when the cabin is gold. Still happy with the car, just annoyed at that aspect.

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  Wish I could afford to drive - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By brokefromgasprices - May 8 - 3:33 pm

  I love my Durango it has every feature including the sickest aftermarket sunroof Ive ever seen. This SUV is the most beautiful on the market in my opinion. But I just cant afford to drive it ever. I havent been out of town since owning it! This SUV is so plush and comfortable, with a tight turning radius and a ride like a Cadillac, like youre driving around sitting on your couch. Infinity speakers stink though. I blew out the side ones within a week. My Durango reminds me of something seen in a classic car collection. It should be looked at and admired for its beauty and quality but never ever driven. Ill miss it when its gone but I love to drive too much to keep it.

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  Has run like a champ - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Chip Wade - May 8 - 1:14 pm

  I bought the car with 11k miles. Has run great and always been reliable. Just now starting to need engine work, 6 years later. Either it goes through brake pads quickly or I do.ha I do have some nasty paint oxidation but the may be thanks to the Missouri DOT and their salt. Have broken both door handles twice. Do not take to the dealer to fix them they charge $100s when you can buy and replace yourself for $40 and a couple of beers. Overall, great car. Great for tall people like myself. I have heard and witnessed shorter people not being able to check blind spots very well. No real complaints. But time for a new car. Great car for a high school kids 1st car these days.

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  my leaky boat - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By d manuel - May 6 - 7:43 am

  i had my journey in twice to repair a major leak still leaking booking another appointment today floods drivers side have 3 inches of water in the floor storage compartment.My seats are a mess if i open my doors in the rain or snow water drops stain my seats .cant be cleaned.dealer says dymler will not accept responsibility