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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  junk - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By jamie562 - January 14 - 10:02 am

  i have had my intrepid for only 6 monthes it has alternator problems check engine light problems wont stay running stalls when i turn a corner and stop, has engine sludge, blown head gasket oil problems hesitates shakes etc this car is worthless and i would suggest not to buy ive had more problems than anything oh yea this is the 2nd motor and its still [non-permissible content removed] do not buy

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  SuperFunCar - 2012 Dodge Challenger
  By lawnman24 - January 12 - 9:39 pm

  I traded a 2012 Ford Fusion for this car and I am extremely pleased with my decision. The MSRP was a little over 30K and I was able to purchase for 27K which is very reasonable for the features the Challenger has. I currently have 4000 miles on the car and have enjoyed every mile! It is black with chrome 20s which make it look great! The car is very comfortable as long as you are in the front. I normally drive on a 150 mile round trip and average around 30 mpg. I drive up many hills and there is always power to spare. The car handles great around curves. I have Sirius radio and really enjoy that. This is a Great college car! I have to hide keys from my mom.

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  Dont buy this car - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By samaro - January 11 - 3:28 pm

  Since I purchased this vehicle in September of 2011 I’ve had problems from the radio not working, power outlets not working, bad cylinder heads, bad gas tank and fuel pump. According to the technician at the dealer the Journey has a problem with the cylinder going bed within the first year. The fuel pump had to be replaced twice. The first time they replace it I broke down in the middle of the freeway 3 days later with my family in the vehicle. The breaks and steering wheel locked up and the vehicle shutoff. I was a sitting duck waiting to be hit be oncoming vehicle s. I had the vehicle towed back to the dealer and 3 days later I’m told that the vehicle is fixed but I need to replace the b

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  After 1100 miles - 2013 Dodge Durango
  By waygrabow - January 9 - 8:12 pm

  It is everything I expected. The Durango got a good review from Edmunds staff, and I have learned to trust their reviews. Consumers Reports also rated the Durango tops in customer satisfaction which says something. This is the first Chrysler product I have ever purchased. I looked at the Explorer, CX-9, new Pathfinder, Highlander, and Pilot also. The Durango matches the others in most attributes and exceeds them in having the shortest turning radius (maneuverability), longest driving range, and highest towing capacity. It is also great looking.

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  Dont Buy IT. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By rwrasman - January 9 - 6:17 pm

  This car is the worst car ever and dodge is an absolutely HORRIBLE company to have to endure if anything happens. Dont buy a dodge....

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  Fantastic SUV, it just cant get any better - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By ggms16 - January 9 - 2:50 pm

  This is a fantastic vehicle.. And I have owned many many cars before, this is one of the vehicles I love the most. Ive always had BMWs and Mercedes (Still have) and I love german technology, I think Mercedes Benz ownership over Chrysler inherit a lot of nice features, this truck handles like a german SUV, its not short on anything, it is very comfortable, amazingly nicely equipped and very attractive, fantastic MPG. I get around 22mpg in average driving here in Orlando, FL. Dont ever think twice if you are buying one, this car is amazing. Similar cars owned before: - Chevy Tahoe 2007 - Ford Explorer V8 2007, Explorer V8 2010 - Toyota Tundra 08 - Toyota FJ Cruiser 08 - Grand Cherokee 07

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  Challenger 2013 SXT Rally Redline - 2013 Dodge Challenger
  By 1publicservant - January 9 - 1:39 pm

  I traded in my 2010 Mustang Premium coupe for a 2013 SXT Challenger due to a defect discovered in the Mustang after my warranty conveniently expired. Its a very different ride. I got the rally redline package with all of the bells and whistles. Black with over the top red stripes and 20" tires with red rims. Leather, heated seats, navigation, BA speakers in the trunk, sun roof, reverse sensor to compensate for the blind spot when backing up, proximity keys and touch to start. Very comfortable ride, good pick-up in a straight line. Its got chunky handling around corners at higher speeds- my mustang really gripped the road. Handles much better than the ford in inclement weather. Im happy.

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  Master Piece From Guys in Detroit - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By rudy_tx - January 8 - 11:06 am

  First of all let me give more information about my ride: Mopar Limited Edition, Transmission: Auto, Engine: 5.7 Liter I love this car. It is powerful, fast, comfy and attractive. Before this, I did not believe in American cars. Especially I was concern their built quality and reliability. Well, I was wrong! At least in this case, Chrysler made a masterpiece. Now I am driving this car for 8 months and 13000 miles. I have not had any problem what so ever. And it is so much fun to drive this beautiful car around and get lots of compliment for it. As you probably agree, this baby is a looker, especially with those pretty blue mopar strips.

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  R/T fun - 2013 Dodge Charger
  By sebastienp - January 3 - 10:39 am

  Lots of fun to drive with the R/T plus. Good balance of handling and comfort for those who commute and dont want to race this beast. Acceleration is awesome and fun, although its so quick you need to take it on a race track to really see what that Hemi can do. Long commutes getting 23 mpg, long freeway trips 25 mpg. Cruising in this car is a delight, quiet and cozy seats, good sound (no beats upgrade) and loud enough. Rear visibility is poor, but with the rear view camera backing up is easy. Blind spot is huge, but with the side mirror proximity sensors light, you get that warning that somebody is in your blind spot. My opinion is that that these two technologies are important.

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  not sure yet. - 2013 Dodge Journey
  By marioa23 - December 30 - 9:29 pm

  I bought the 2013 dodge journey and fell in love with it but after about 300 miles on the odometer the vehicle started pulling to the right . My first thought was that the tire pressure was the cause but tire pressure was ok. Also the vehicle started riding rough and so I took it back to the dealer. 2 days later I picked up the vehicle from the dealer and according to the work order description some adjustment had been made to correct the problem. But as soon as I drove off the dealer I realized that the problem was still there only this time was not as bad as before. I bought a new vehicle to avoid going to the mechanic but ironically Ill be going back a second time already.