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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  Great to pull my Travel Trailer - 2008 Dodge Durango
  By Dave - July 9 - 3:51 pm

  I was a bit worried since my 28 travel trailer weighs 6,000 but the Durango 4.7 V8 pulls it like a champ! Better than my 2001 Toyota Tundra did and it handles great. I average 16 mpg around town and 18 on the interstate. Good vision, comfortable on long trips, fun to drive.

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  Finally, I waited 40 years for this! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Finally - July 8 - 8:07 pm

  24+ MPG on the road, quiet interior, great sounding exhaust, well balanced ride, no rattles or squeaks, killer sound system...what a car! NO REGRETS. Get yourself one of these MONSTERS, tint the windows, slip on your shades, go styling at the local retro drive in and enjoy showing your new baby off. I got this to trailer behind our RV but I find myself looking for ANY excuse to hop in it and enjoy the experience. Well done Dodge. Thanks!

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  I love my Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By donnakay - July 6 - 11:18 pm

  Grandma, me, had to have the Hemi. I was a little apprehensive at first. I have not had one problem with the 5 year old car. Lots of Power, looks sharp, handles well, doesnt overheat like my Camaro did. A/C is cold, power windows work well and dont leak. Very comfortable family car. I have driven it to Idaho twice now. 11 hour trip each way. No problems. I would definitely buy again.

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  A Lot of Car for the Money! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By JimfromNC - July 5 - 1:17 pm

  I traded in my Porsche Cayenne for the 2010 Dodge Challenger and I traded up! The Challenger rides smoother,is more comfortable, more fun to drive, and has knock out looks! I really feel that this car is as much a Luxury car as a sports car! It has sport car looks with a luxury car ride! I was surprised by the excellent build quality and the good gas mileage, also the six runs smooth and strong. I do plan on adding the cold air induction for a little more oomph and gas mileage but after driving the hemi, I preferred the six! I have owned some of the best cars made, a BMW 745, a S Class MBZ, a Jag, and the Cayenne, and I have to say that this car is among my favorites. You have to try it out!

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  A value leader - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By GIO - July 2 - 8:15 am

  After reading " Motor Trend " positive expert review and "Yahoo" users group on the Dodge Journey it certainly re-enforced my decision to purchase it. Since I have been extremely satisfied with my reliable 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan it was really a no brainer. At only $21,165 sticker price it was the least costly in it`s class. It`s roomier and has more cargo space than others. The 4 cylinder is no powerhouse but it`s certainly adequate. The ride is quiet, and handling is good. Bottom line is if you want something significantly better you are going to have to pay significantly more. There`s just no free lunch.

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  Way Cooler Than a Minivan! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Sandi - June 30 - 10:09 pm

  Ive owned my Caliber for a year now and my husband and I have been very pleased with it. After driving a Chevy Venture for 10 years, I was really excited to have something sportier and I have not been disappointed. This car is fun to drive and and it looks great. I still get a lot of compliments on it. The controls are easy to use, it handles well and has been completely reliable.

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  A True, Bonafide Charger! - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Chairman of da Bored - June 30 - 4:19 pm

  This is IT, man! If you want a big, burly, unapologetic All-American car (yeah I know it was built in Canada, but still) that shoots a middle finger to any sort of political or social correctness, this is your car. With its lowered stance, wide tires, deep front air dam and raised rear spoiler, it has the looks that strike fear in small children - yet can still fit 4 adults comfortably (5 if you squeeze) with all their luggage and a soft enough ride for a nice long road trip. Try that in a Camaro or a Mustang - it aint happenin!

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  Great first car! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Matt - June 30 - 3:03 pm

  This is my first car to personally own. Ive also driven a Lexus ES 300, a Honda Odyssey, and a Ford Ranger in the past, and this car is by far the most fun to drive! I bought it last October with 68k miles on it, and I now have about 71k on it. Havent had a single problem with it, except a flat tire, but thats only because I ran over a nail. I love this car and I really wish that Chrysler still made them, especially now that everyone is looking for small fuel- efficient cars. Bringing them back would probably be a good idea, as theyd probably sell really well in this market.

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  Impressed - 2010 Dodge Avenger
  By AJ - June 29 - 3:23 pm

  I bought a new 2010 Dodge Avenger R/T with the 4 cylinder engine. I was a little skeptical because of the small engine and "being a car". I have driven trucks around my whole life. I bought it because I drive a minimum of 600 miles a week with my new job, so the thought of 30 mpg was the deciding factor. I have had it for almost 3 months and have 7,000 miles on it, and I could not be happier. I average 27 mpg, that includes city and highway. I have had two trips that were all highway, my first I got 37 mpg and the second was 33. I always fill it up and reset the tripometer so my calculations are true. It is a great car and fits all my needs, even putting my rode bike in the back seat

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  I like it! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Russell - June 26 - 2:47 pm

  I tried the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Compass, and the Ford Escape. The Journey, in our opinion rode better and was a much better buy for the dollar. It has plenty of power with the V6. You have to be careful to avoid spinning the tires. I have owned Dodges before and have found you cant wear them out, you just get tired of looking at them. We have taken it on 2 long trips so far and have really enjoyed driving it. We are getting @19 mpg in town and 26 mpg highway at 75/80 mph.:)