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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  Pretty good machine......... - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By ILIKEMOPAR - May 9 - 1:19 pm

  I have had this car for a year now and I must say I am pretty impressed. Although I have had a few little issues (fuel pump replaced to correct a rough idle in wet weather, front swaybar bushings and rear swaybar links replaced, some dirt in rear brakes cleaned up, fuel guage reprogrammed), overall this car is reliable, it now has 40 000 kms on it. Rides great, gets between 25-30 mpg overall driving, handles well. CVT transmission is a great setup and the 2.0 engine has planty of power. Nice sound when full throttle.

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  People are Attracted to my Baby! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By YG - May 6 - 5:43 pm

  My baby is a real monster. My supervisor once told me it was too manly for me.. Manly? LOL! Im a girl and I love this thing. I have had it for a year and a half and I have had no problems with it... Its a keeper. It attracts peoples attention. I know they say that Dodge is not very good with its cars... I hope that this statement is wrong and I hope not to have any problems with it.

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  Ever Lasting - 1990 Dodge Dakota
  By Mentalmike1981 - May 6 - 1:34 am

  My dad bought the 90 dakota back in 1998. Just recently in 09 did the truck become undrivable due to a electrical fire under the hood. Up until then the entire family used this truck. It always was ready to go. The paint did fade and peel requiring a new paint job. Other than that the truck was very durable. It oulasted alot of other vehicles the family has had over the years. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Awesome, except... - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Seely - May 5 - 3:14 pm

  ... for the predictably dismal fuel economy. If you get one, USE PREMIUM GAS! Interior is clean, but a little cheap looking. I love the exterior styling, and the engine noise is addicting when revving, yet quiet when crusing at low engine speeds. The only notable problem weve had is a malfunctioning transmission speed sensor. The AWD is a lifesaver in Iowan winters, and, with its ride height, has proven a useful vehicle when hunting. Lots of cargo room! And a fair tow rating (approx 5,000 lbs) increases versatility. And despite weighing 3 tons, doesnt feel too ponderous.

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  Not bad - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By mikoyagi - May 5 - 10:13 am

  Now Im a fussy car guy and this is the wifes car. I like the smooth CVT. It is a crossover so its higher with all that that brings to handling. The car feels big on the road which is good, and bad. Previous car PT Cruiser. This has a smaller engine, more pep, and better gas mileage - whats not to like? It doesnt have as much storage or clever nooks as the Cruiser. It is very smooth around town and is great for running errands but Firestone tires are noisy - cant wait to change them out. Good gas mileage. Overall - funky new design. Are there better dynamics out there - yes, but this is crossover. Is it better than a SUV - yes. Bang for the buck = excellent.

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  Great price, but not such a great van - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jay - May 3 - 10:36 pm

  I traded a Chevy Venture for the Grand caravan. The mileage has been way below what Chrysler quotes. We have had numerous problems with the A/C, although they cannot duplicate the problem. The pick up isnt the greatest, especially up hills. It is great on the highway, smooth and comfy. I probably will not buy another.

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  good basic transportation - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By Chris - April 30 - 11:36 am

  I have owned my 99 neon sport for nearly 7 years. I purchased this car with 46k miles and have since put nearly 120k on it. It has been a very reliable car and has only left me stranded 2 times. First time was a radiator leak @ 130k miles and the second was just a loose neutral safety switch. Good in snow w/ snow tires. Performance is pretty good and cornering is a blast. Fuel economy ranged from 28mpg on low test in normal driving conditions to 39mpg on very long highway trips w/ high octane. Clear coat started to bubble up 2 years ago and headlights have fogged over due to sun exposure and need to be replaced. Over all, I feel that this has been a very good car.

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  Bobs Short - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Bobbie - April 29 - 6:00 pm

  Its a nice vehicle and a tough one to due to the dakota chassis. Milage is good with the small motor but if you have to tow a boat of 4000 lbs your milage goes to 8 to 10 maximum expensive on a long trip. nuff said

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  Decent car for money - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By Ray - April 28 - 10:28 am

  Hard to find a more rounded car for the $$. I own a 91 Plymouth Acclaim and a 94 Spririt. They have the usual issues around 100k such as the head gasket and the paint on the 94 (white) is flaking off. I get 22mpg average which is not too bad. The local salvage yard is full of these cars so parts are almost free. The car has a surprising amount of room and decent build quality. Ive had both cars head gaskets replaced around 90k. I bought a rebuilt head for the 94 for <200.00. The ignition switch broke in both cars but is a really easy fix. I found a car at the salvage yard with a new switch and keys in it. Slapped it in and off I went. I keep spares on hand from salvaged cars.

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  2001 dakota quad cab 4x4 - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By eddie - April 26 - 7:29 am

  truck has 197,000 and still running strong. 4x4 works great and has a 4.7 v8 that will get up and go. great truck!