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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  Satisfied - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By satisfied - February 23 - 8:05 pm

  I love this car. This car makes me happier then any car i previously owned. it has everything you could possibly need to be comfortable and feel safe. just read it has a 5 star rating for both driver and front passenger. Airbags in places i never thought of and there are always 5 of us in the car. Fits seven very comfortably. hidden compartments everywhere.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By RjinSac - February 23 - 7:22 pm

  Ive had my Nitro just over a month now, I love the car, I have had no problems with it, It drives great, gas mileage is on low side. Really a fun car to drive.

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  I love my 2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Cornelius Daly - February 22 - 12:00 am

  I purchased this car in the fall of 2003 as I had owned another car that failed . So the Dealer replaced it with the Dodge Intrepid. Now this car is loaded and at the time of purchase it had 78000 miles on it. Other then the general maintenance and the origional parts like Starter, Belts,Battery, 2 pullys, Alternator, Brake Pads, and tires. I havent had any other trouble. The car came equipped witg an Auto-Stick and A/C and cloth Interior, and AM/FM Stereo Cassette/CD Power Windows, Mirrors, Locks, Alarm,Power Steering, Brakes, Bucket Seats, Fog Lamps, Front and Rear Lighter, and Alumenum Wheels and it delivers between 25-32 mpg and its an awesome car.

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  Great Midsized Car - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Robbie - February 20 - 10:34 pm

  Ive had mine R/T almost a year now. Its as fun to drive now as it was the day I bought it. The R/T suspension is tight with minimal body roll in the corners. The leather trimmed seats are firm but not overly so. Ive had zero defects in the first year of ownership. The fit an finish of the dash is excellent however the hard plastic material leaves something to be desired. However Ive yet had to sleep on it so who cares. Ill get a dash mat to cover it. My R/T came with the 4 cyl engine. Its not the most powerful, but it climbs the mountains in NM OK. The 4 speed transmission is the weakest drive train part. But its what I was looking for. Great gas mileage for my 65 mile commute

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  3rd SUV Ive Owned, and the BEST - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By K-D - February 19 - 6:39 pm

  Bought the SXT in 2005 and am still driving it daily. Love the engine and the look that is distinct vs Explorer, Trailblazer, etc. Great cargo room and perfect for weekend trips. Tows the 18 foot bass boat and trailer with ease. I owned a 1989 Blazer and a 1996 Explorer, and this has been MUCH better than the Blazer ever was, and even better than the Explorer (which was also very very good). In 4.5 years, Ive just had oil changes, brake pads, and tires. Not a single maintenance issue outside of those regular ones. Drinks a lot of fuel, but I knew that going into the deal. I highly recommend this vehicle and will likely buy another Durango (hope they didnt change it too much).

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  Shes BAD! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Marcus Seals - February 13 - 5:17 am

  I wanted this car when I saw the concept, but they completely changed the design. I waited and almost bought a G8. This is a very reliable car and is built pretty good. The dealership takes extremely good care of me and her. I got some exhaust work done and didnt even take off the factory system. It sounds like a champ now! I really enjoy driving this car. I paid only 26,000 brand new oh yeah! Best car so far! My mother calls it hers b/c she loves it.

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  2010 Challenger SE Rallye Group - Update - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Joe From Amarillo - February 11 - 9:15 pm

  It has been about two months with my new 2010 Dodge Challenger SE with the Rallye Pack. I have driven this rear wheel drive in the snow storms of 2010. I have not gotten stuck or even spin – out. The ESP, ABS and all the safety stuff has been a blessing. The driving experience is like going back to the old school days when people knew you by your car. I must say I still get excited every time I get in to go somewhere. My MPG is about 16 – 17 city and about 26 – 28 highway. Now remember this is during the snow storms of 2010. All the toys like my Nav system and the hands free U-connect is great. I have started adding things like the sport pedals, the T-handle, Air Force floor mats and do

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  Best SUV ever Purchased - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By 07 R/T - February 10 - 7:57 pm

  I have almost 75,000 miles on this now and it still runs great. My only gripe is the noisy rear carrier bearing. Overall love it, the 4.0 has awesome power and performance.

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  Very fast and comfortable car to drive - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Fast and Comfortable - February 10 - 3:19 pm

  I own the Intrepid LE 3.5L engine. I bought the car in 1998 to drive to Madison, Wi and Tennessee in the same week and it drove like a champ!! But, a few years later the air conditioner went out. I had to replace a floater in the gas tank and water pump. I had a couple of other items in the front end fixed and the regular maintenance. Now, the oil pressure light has came on which the car will just die out at a red light but starts back up again.A mechanic said that the engine is going out and that I might have a couple months left before it goes out completely. The check engine light comes on but it goes back out sometimes right away and maybe after a day or two. Could it be my crankshaft?

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  I love my charger! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By charger happy - February 9 - 9:54 pm

  I actually bought my 06 RT with 25000 miles on it and a minor crash with about 2000 dollars worth of damage to bumper, fender, roof. I got it fixed and then promptly hit an elk, car jumped it nicely. put black 18s on it,the car is metallic black and totally plain and I absolutely love it. Of course the hemi is awesome, I am totally stock, would like new exhaust for more sound but it is great just the way it is! Gas mileage is about 21 on the highway but I can NEVER keep my foot out of it, love to pass everyone uphill!