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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  Wasted our money on this car - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By tparktrash - March 25 - 12:16 pm

  Journey with 5900 miles has been in the Dodge shop four times this month due to oil seapage from the transaxle output seal and differential cover. Back in the shop this morning due to likely leakage from the output seal on the passenger side. Last month it was the BCM that needed replacement. Dealership has been accomodating but this issue needs to be corrected.

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  Smokin HOT - 2012 Dodge Challenger
  By challengerlady - March 24 - 1:17 pm

  I LOVE my 2012 Rallye Redline. Shes a show stopper and a pleasure to drive. Since I cruise in her and will take her cross country, it was important to me when selecting a sports car to find one that looked fabulous, drove well, and didnt rattle my teeth out with every single bump in the road. Comfort is a key component of my Challenger, along with the strong look of a muscle car (no mistaking what a Challenger is), and muscle car action. I drove a Mustang and a Camaro before choosing the Challenger. Okay, the Challenger is not as fast, but how could it be with its size and weight? However, it sure the heck rides and looks a LOT better!!!

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  rallye 1.4 auto stick poor fuel mileage - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By justinmccarter - March 23 - 8:36 pm

  well the first 800 miles of the dash showing 30mpg resulting in a hand calculated mpg of 21.4 mpg on my first three tanks, my truck that i traded in is more fuel efficient pulled 14.5mpg in my brutal commute, leaving my 08 king ranch and moving to the dodge costed me an extra 8400$ gain in loan which stipulated 32mpg would of had that loss consumed in 40k less miles, now with the 22mpg i should see the pay off at about 90k miles i have to drive the car before im left with 5 years of higher monthly loan payments, not worth it, not trying to rant either, fuel mileage really does no good for the car, radio quality poor like bad Bluetooth device but from all inputs fm,xm,cd

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  Best of the best built to last - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By bucksbigtrucks - March 21 - 10:28 pm

  Bought this truck with 201,000 miles, no problems. Now has 225,000 miles, still no problems. This truck runs so strong like it has only 25,000 miles. It can tow pretty much anything and 4X4 works great. Very satisfied with it. Only like the First Generation models though Second Generation looks too much like a van. Stick with the 99 - 03 and youll enjoy it.

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  Great car for a GREAT price - 2013 Dodge Journey
  By joe19462 - March 21 - 8:41 am

  This American Value Package is a deal. You get options included that cost additional from other manufactures. The car is great in the City and handles the Interstates well. I cant think of a better car with options for this price. We did not take the third row seating as it eliminates all the storage in the vehicle except for a space about the width of 1 suitcase standing on end. We are only two people and use the car to transport ourselves primarily. However, we take 2 grandchildren on occasion and need the storage behind the seating. I am not sure haw this effects the acceleration but mine get up and goes pretty good!

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  Best ecobox for under 20k! - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By fire_hawk3 - March 20 - 5:14 am

  I have the Rallye trim with the 1.4L MultiAir and a standard transmission. The styling is amazing and everyday I see it, it puts a smile on my face. The interior further enhances that smile. The exhaust sound is beautiful and turns some heads. While the engine does suffer some lag, once the turbo spools, it gets going! Everything seems solid and sturdy. The Uconnect system is one of the bests! And the best thing about this car: the MPG. Glorious 41 MPGs on highway!

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  I love my Journey!!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By schaff - March 19 - 1:03 am

  We have had our 09 Journey since its had 500 miles on it. It had a major think happen to it under warranty, I cant even think of what its called. It was 1500.00 dollars though to fix it thank The Lord under our coverage. Other than that one time thing we have put brakes on it at 40,000 miles and new tires at 42,000 miles the one tire was breaking down inside but they didnt have to many more thousand miles to go anyway that was last Friday at 900.00 dollars. We put a black wind deflector, and a bra on it too. I love the dependability the car has, and Id trust it to drive anywhere, and not be worried. I feel bad that so many on here have had nothing, but trouble with their Journey.

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  Buy it for the Motor - Drive it for the FUN! - 2012 Dodge Avenger
  By bige44221 - March 16 - 10:26 pm

  I waited to write this owning my R/T for almost a year and having over 8,000 miles on it. This car does ROCK & some Mopor aftermarket parts (I added a performance throttle body) can increase the HP to over 300. Some other reviewer talks about smoking other cars and such and still getting 30mpg, this is BS. You cant be racey and fuel efficient at the same time. If you take it easy, you will get 28-30mpg. Over 30? No. The car performs great, handles will and is a lot of fun. I tested just about every car in this class - Malibu, Fusion, Altima, Camery - none of them have the power of this engine. If you are considering any of the cars above, check out the Avenger.

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  Does what it was made to do GREAT! Bullet proof engine - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By qwiksilvertrav - March 10 - 1:59 pm

  Great car. Bought it new and have had it for 10 years now with 97k miles. Since 15k miles its been running more hp/tq so putting extra stress on the engine. It now pushes almost 500 hp and the valve cover hasnt even come off...all bolt ons! Runs strong and its STILL on factory internals. Unbelievable. Best bang for your buck period. Very solid car...have only had to replace wear and tear parts such as brakes, a wheel bearing, clutch, etc.

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  Brilliant for a first or second car. - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By dodgeneon1 - March 9 - 9:24 pm

  I just came upon a free 2001 Plymouth Neon. The only problem I had from it, was because the original owners let it sit, because it had a mold issue. from sitting the battery went bad, and the right rear brake seized. Other than that it is a great car. It starts right up, and stands up to performance standards, and is very good on gas. Its a very reliable car, besides its bad reputation. It has 120,000 miles, and it runs strong. Very good car, and would recommend it to anyone.