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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  Never Again - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By Sad and Soaked - January 17 - 2:00 am

  At 100,000 miles, I am replacing the front struts, the links and bushings to the front swaybar, and valve cover gaskets. There is also an as yet undiagnosed problem with an electronic control. Not to mention the three recalls we have had. My first Caravan was a lemon, and I was able to get this Caravan instead. At least we had a few decent years before it started to fall apart. I may not make the repairs, but just get a new van. Not a Dodge.

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  This Car is overpriced........ - 2000 Dodge Avenger
  By ihatedodges - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Avenger in the year 2000 brand new, it was sticker priced at $22,740. what a ripoff....to find out its worth $8,500 now.....talk about a let down...This car only looks nice,it rides rough, is slow as hell, it is too small, uncomfortable, every single item on this car is pricy, special, or hard to find....I most likely will not buy a Dodge product in the future,,,,service and parts absolutely stink.............

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  Steer Clear of Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By twyatt - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems with this "truck." Ex: gear shift melted off after 7 months due to heat in the car. Dodge refused warranty coverage. Engin blew after 82000 miles. Certified Dodge dealership in Chicago repaired the vehicle incorrectly, which led to future main gasket problem. The dealership which caused the problem since went out of business and Chrysler refused any warranty coverage. The list goes on. I will never purchase another Chrysler product.

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  Get Serious Dodge - 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By art3 - January 12 - 11:07 pm

  As an owner of 4 Caravans since 1985 I was seeking to replace my present Caravan with a 2014 "Grand Caravan." Much to my chagrin Dodge has a base seat in all but the SXT which has no height adjustment. This is not Grand at all as th tall driver does not have legroom. This I see has been noted by other consumer reviews. You can get a power seat that has decent adjustments, but your going to have to pony up serious dollars to get the SXT model. I contacted the Dodge Customer Assistance Center and this is their response,Dear Art: Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center with your product improvement suggestion, however Dodge only works thru consumer forums. Thanks Dodge

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  never again - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By what was I thinking? - January 7 - 2:00 am

  After just 2 years and 34,000 miles, Im told that my Durango needs $3800 worth of essential repairs, including suspension. Excuse me, but we have maintained this car as if it were one of our children and now its not safe to drive? Even the dealer said he was appalled at the problems. Never again, Chrysler!

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  Soda can - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Becky - January 1 - 9:32 am

  I was traveling 35 mph.a car in front of me slammed on brakes, I hit the back of his 2005 Jeep liberty.my front end,motor,and axle was smashed almost into the inside of my car.while his back bumper had only scratches.the air bags didnt deploy.my car was a total lost.always had front end suspension problem also

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  CHEAP CAR - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By lofty08 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle for my wife to commute back and forth from college approx. 100 miles round trip. Price was $10,000.00 brand new. After six months the battery died. After 36000 miles water soaked trunk and rear passenger floor after rain. Very very poor fit and finnish of body panels. Dont get fooled by the cheap price. You get just what you pay for. A piece of junk..

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  Steer Clear ONLY as a LAST resort. - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By dodgeneveragain - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Have had ALOT of problems since the purchase. Lost the transmission within the first 2,000 miles. Still having some problems at shifting points of the transmission. Rough idle. Surge in the motor at hwy speed. Several other misc. problems that mysteriously cant be recreated at the dealership. Have noticed very poor overall craftsmanship upon closer inspection after the purchase. Little Late then!! Oh well, stuck for now. NEVER again!! If I can keep at least ONE person from buying, this comment will not have been in vain. Will look at Chevrolet, Ford or Import next time!!

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  too many reparis - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By ephiladelphia - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds lists the 5 year cost of repairs at about $600. In six years, Ive spent almost $2500 just on engine repairs! This is all after the 3-year warranty ran out! Ive tried to get satisfaction from the company and they are totally unapologetic (customer service at corporate headquarters in Michigan even hung up on me when I asked to speak with a manager!) about the shoddy repair history. Though its fine when its not in need of repair, the frequency and expense of repairs means that I have purchased my first and last Chrysler product.

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  Brake Recall Please! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By irate - December 22 - 12:23 am

  I have had my car for just 2 years, I had to replace the front brakes in January again like everyone else was told I was riding the brakes, then yesterday got to pay another $300.00 for the rear brake pads. Have never had brake pads wear out before at least 40k-60k miles!! There is a problem and they are waiting for something drastic to happen? Do not buy one unless you are excited to spend an extra $600 every year or two on brakes! Also the interior stains horribly no matter how careful you are. Even water stains. Look elsewhere. If it were worth anything I would trade in.