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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  Most Reliable Yet - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Captain EO - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The 3.8 engine is powerful and yet provides good mileage and is tight as can be for over 120,000 miles now. Not a drop of oil is used. Have not put any money into this vehicle in five years of ownership other than normal maintenance items. Passing it on to family member so we can try the new Chrysler Pacifica.

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  love my Hemi - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JoanE - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Have only had it a couple of weeks and I am really glad that I got it. Drove all the other SUVs, Chevy,Ford,Toyota, etc. and when this came out I fell in love with it. Handling, ride and quietness really great, and really easy to park. Not a problem.

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  Love my Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mrs.B - March 29 - 1:23 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever had. It is fun to drive, handles great, and even though I dont have a Hemi, the get-up-and-go is just great. I never wanted a station wagon, but this is one I will always drive

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  Drive It Youll Love It - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By bb1 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The ride and comfort are far greater than that of the previous Durango. Let the exterior grow on you. It is one of the few SUVs to have a different look. We have the Hemi but the 4.7 gets better mileage in town.

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  Brakes - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Thom179 - March 22 - 9:03 pm

  Most complaints seem to be about the brake system. I had to replace the brakes and rotors at 24,000 miles. The vehicle wants to "take-off" going down hills because of the 6th gear. I learned to use the shift lever, placing the transmission in a lower gear, to slow the car down and stay off the brakes. Its disturbing when the service rep tells you that the rotors are "throw-away". This is a good vehicle and I would buy another one in the future.

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  Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Alan - March 22 - 4:23 pm

  With cruise set at 65mph I averaged 24.5 mpg on I-25 south heading for Santa Fe over the holidays. I have towed a 14 ft. enclosed Pace trailer with ease. Mileage while pulling the big trailer fell to 12 mpg. I average 20-21 mpg on combined city/highway driving. The mpg drops into the teens if you indulge the urge to feel the hemi do its thing.

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  cool - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By nikki - March 19 - 7:43 pm

  i really like this car

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  Good car for the money - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By razalas - March 18 - 5:30 pm

  Overall this has been a nice ride. We bought it to drive from Newport Beach, CA to Key West, FL and back again. We also stopped quite a bit in between it was our honeymoon. Our honeymoon wouldnt have survived if we had any other vehicle for this trip. Big enough to take naps and sleep comfortable on a queen size air mattress in the back, and all the other things associated with traveling great distances.

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  love it - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By bryenw - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Dodge has outdone itself.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tblair - March 16 - 6:40 pm

  I love my new Magnum. It has great pick-up and handles like a true sports car. It has a very tight suspension and takes turns with no problem at all.