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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  fun to own fun to drive - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By cgraham - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive enjoyed this car so far. Good performance, good gas mileage. Very comfortable on long trips it drives smoothly and has no trouble at all with interstate on-ramps or passing. Havent had to have any work done on it. Only downside is the 205/55R16 tires, which could be expensive depending on where you go. (I had the OEM Goodyears put on and it was over $400. Other than that, great car.

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  Journey Problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By John - September 6 - 3:13 am

  After the first 3 months of having my journey, it started having nothing but problems. It uses quart of oil every oil change. Transmission problems already, components falling apart or not working now, when filling up with gas it stinks inside it, no matter if u fill it up or put a couple gallons in. The antenna fall off when driving down the road. Which is not covered under warranty. After buying this, I would not refer this vehicle to anyone. Let alone purchase another chrysler/dodge vehicle again. Very unreliable and quality is very poor.

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  nice rocket - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By puertorico - September 6 - 2:00 am

  awesom car for the price that can beat cars in higher price and performance. grab the live by the horns.

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  dodge - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By vincent01 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  overall good car

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  Precious memories revisited - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Robert Sponseller - September 5 - 12:56 pm

  With the introduction of the "K" car, I wrote Chrysler Corp. off, now with the Charger Im back again. My Charger Daytona R/T has taken 50 yrs. off my life! Its very difficult to find fault with anything about this vehicle. The only thing bad is this Dodge has radar target written all over it. I guess its either be careful or pay the man. Dodges blending the old school, Hemi V8, rear wheel drive, and slightly retro styling with new tech. Great supension, stability control, M.D.S., etc. has made it with me, and I hope enough other people to keep it going.

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  Not a happy camper - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Jdarthz66 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Needless to say I have had my Neon SXT for A month and so. I have been to the dealer close to the 4th time, Same Issue. Go figure. I have received the worst customer service from the dealership. then they expect you to give them good reviws on the customer review letters HAHA. Main Issue has been the fuel gauge. DOES NOT READ Correctly. A few rattles which I really dont care. Lets see if i can get it replaced. By the way I agree with the Trunk lid Review, it feels like it is gonna break your rear window.

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  GREAT LITTLE NEON SXT - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Sharon S - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car about 2 months now.I like it very much. Quite alot of room inside so you dont feel cramped. The trunk also has alot of room. The ride is pretty smooth. Seems to handle well in rain. Havent tried snow yet. Im very happy with it and think I made a good choice.

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  one of the best - 1992 Dodge Dynasty
  By Dyno II - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Dyno fresh off the assembly line. She only had 2 tenths of a mile on her when I signed the papers. Today she has over 180,000 miles and asking for more. I did have to replace the transmission, but at no cost the dealer paid (great). Original sound system was replaced with cd changer and in dash cd player. The air conditioner system has been charged only once (ice cold). For a better ride and style upgrade I moved up in tire size with chrome wheels. The Dyno is my work, pleasure, long road trip, and hauler. The trunk consumes almost anything I buy. I would buy another Dodge product but the one I have is still doing her job very well.

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  My Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By dafenderman - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Grat vehicle. Has helped out immeasureably in the hurricane season

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Awesome Truck - September 3 - 11:20 pm

  I just traded my 04 SLT with leather and Hemi for a Limited with Hemi, sunroof, DVD, nav sys, I absolutely love it. Its fun to drive, its comfortable, its got that muscle look on the outside, I would recommend this car for everyone. Its a great buy for the price.