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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  Why would Dodge get rid of em?! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Matt - January 4 - 1:56 pm

  Had this car for a very short time but its amazing on gas, has a sporty look with just a little kick to it! I previously owned an 01 Sebring and I loved it but it fell apart and I had to get rid of it. If your looking for a small fuel efficient car with sporty looks and handles like a Luxury car than the Dodge neon is just for you!

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Courtjar - January 3 - 12:54 am

  I have had this car for about a month. We downsized from a Chevy Tahoe and I thought I would not feel as safe, but this little car has a big feel inside. Love the gas mileage compared to the Tahoe. My kids love it - they can see so much more now. As with any car, there can be a bad one in the bunch that needs a lot of work, but dont let those discourage you from checking out this car!

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  Great car if you have a warranty! - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Jim - January 2 - 8:29 pm

  When I sold my business after 27 years I treated my self to my second new car, ever. I loved it until 48 hours later when the engine knocked like heck during warm up. I was told it might go away. 14k later a new short block was in stalled. A trans recall for reprogramming, brakes warped, tie rod ends came loose, both tail lenses fogged up, the clear coat on the wheels peeled in 6k from rusty rotors,rear speakers buzz even on low volume, u-connect works less than half the time but only while answering the phone. (you get a call, you push the button, it tells you your phone is unavailable!)Frustrating!. SYNC in my wifes ford works much better. I wanted to buy American and still glad I did.

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  nice truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By pmorales - January 1 - 10:37 am

  bought truck new with 18 miles on it has 4.7L with towing setup I pull a 28 foot travel trailer 6300 lbs (loaded) w/no problem. Fuel mileage 15/19 city/hw,9/11 pulling trailer rear differential gasket replaced under warrenty @ 23000m, front bumper loose when purchased missing bolts , dependable truck for the money,unfortunatlly wife has taken it over she loves it

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  Big Small Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By stonebear - December 29 - 9:50 pm

  A remarkably adaptable little car. Seems far more spacious inside than it appears from outside. Really, what most SUV drivers actually need. Handles great on the many dirt roads in the Southwest. Perhaps a little underpowered with the 2.0 liter 4cyl and the automatic trans, but dont opt for the 5 sp and the 1.8 liter (a bad match and very sluggish). Smartly designed interior. The story, my wife was rear-ended in a Caliber she had as a rental car. The Lincoln Town Car that hit her left the inpression of the front license plate frame in the rear bumper and that was roughly the extent of the damage done to the Caliber. Needless to say, we were sold.

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  used purchase - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By calibergirlz - December 27 - 10:10 am

  I recently bought my caliber earlier this month.I love the gas the mileage,the 4 doors because im used to having 2 and the speakers. The music sounds very clear when turned up high. On the down side i hate the plastic interior,i dont like how far the back floor is from the seat. Also the drive is not smooth i can feel every bump on the road and i wish it had more pick up and go.

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  Dodge on the dodge - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By meatbkr - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 96 Caravan new, and it the time to see it was when the warranty ran out. Transmission problems, air conditioner problems, brakes and rotors are always giving out. I just replaced the master cylinder at 80,000 miles, the engine and exhaust are the best features, no problems there, yet.

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  Awesome - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Julian Shipp - December 26 - 2:21 am

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  Prior Caravan Owner - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ednurse - December 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love our Grand Caravan SXT, Its the fourth van that we have owned. Our last van was a Voyeger and it was nothing but trouble. We have had good luck with the Caravans that we have bought so far. The room in the back is great for traveling and the seats are easy to fold for cargo. The only thing I wanted was the fold down DVD entertainment system but its not worth the price. I was interested in buying the Toyota Sienna but could not get use to the placement of the shift, also Dodge had a much better rebate.

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  So many problems - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Marissa - December 23 - 12:25 am

  I purchased this car brand new and since then Ive had nothing but problems with it. Ive had 4 recalls fixed. Also, I had to get my speakers replaced because they were making noises. The exterior of the car is great. However, the car has horrible blind spots and the gear shift causes horrible glaring when the sun hits it. Also, when it gets snowy and cold outside, my car shuts off by itself when I come to a stop. It happens about once a day under these conditions. Ive taken it to the shop numerous times but they say that everything is working fine and they cant find a problem. This is the second winter Ive had the car and it still does it. It shutters and then shuts off by itself.