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:

• 

  BUY A V8 ! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By FULLER - April 24 - 2:30 pm

  If you bought a V6 dont complian about power . You bought a v6 duh. The V8 screams and the only problem i have is getting traction to break inertia,

• 

  Like it a lot - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By rtcalibergirl - April 22 - 10:43 pm

  I like to drive it a lot, town mostly, but have had it on the highway for some 260 miles. Rides nice for me. Got it for graduation and its fun to drive. Looks good, my friends like it to. Has it all, and Im loning it.

• 

  happy nitro customer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By nitro owner - April 20 - 1:07 am

  Love the way it rides and the overall look is great.. Only a slight raddle int the dash but is 2 years used.. Love the front grill wide and mean.. They know its an suv when I pull up behind them. Read a few bad reviews but didnt pay much mind. Im a Chevy man but me and my wife love this thing and to the bad reviews, sounds like they should stay with there fords.. And leave Dodge alone they got everything under control with the nitro..

• 

  2006 Dodge Caravan - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By al p - April 19 - 11:55 pm

  Second minivan I have had from Chrysler - bought it used with 28k kms (19000 miles). Quality seems good but mileage is terrible -3.3 litre is averaging 12 mpg in city and 16mpg on highway ( have translated to US gallons). It has been back to dealer who changed sensor but still the same - they just shrugged when I told them unacceptable. Van is not being driven fast nor rough. HWY is 60-65 mph. Mileage is no comparison to previous 1993 Caravan 3.3 litre.

• 

  A good first new car... - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By JB - April 19 - 3:43 pm

  I bought my Neon new in 2003, and for the most part, enjoyed it. Ive had some rough idling issues which were covered under the powertrain warranty, but other than that no major repairs. Considering I spend about $12,000 for the car, its been well worth the money. Id definitely take a look at this car if youre looking for a commute vehicle. I probably average about 28 mpg with 85% highway/15% city driving. Not bad at all!

• 

  A good value & a solid vehicle - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By usnavoff - April 17 - 9:02 am

  I have owned SUVs from GM, Ford and Hyundai, both new and used. This is my second used Durango- the other is a 2007 which I just sold to my daughter & son-in-law. For performance, ride quality & comfort, safety features and purchase value, I feel the Durango is unsurpassed. I recommend purchasing a Certified Used Vehicle- peace of mind for a few more dollars, especially if you intend to keep the vehicle for at least several years.

• 

  Not bad at all!!! - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By R - April 16 - 4:18 pm

  The 2015 Dodge Charger is a dirty dog. If you want power, shes got it! Comfort, shes got it! Gas efficiency, oh yeah, shes got it!!! Just , a tad,above my budget. Im almost certain, my next vehicle will be one.

• 

  still running - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Still going - April 16 - 6:40 am

  I bought this used in 2004. It had 66,000 miles when I got it. At 126,677 miles I replaced the radiator, water pump and the starter only. Outside of new tires, brakes and an alignment I have had no Major issues with this vehicle. Gas mileage isnt the greatest, but it is still running the same. I am in the navy and move around a lot and this vehicle has been overseas and on several long distance trips. Most dodges seem to go down around 80,000 miles, this one has gotten better and better with age. Everyone complains about dodges having a million issues. No car is perfect, sometimes they come the plant with problems and at times quality control is the issues. Preventative maintainance is the key

• 

  WELL WELL WELL - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By MILLA - April 14 - 4:55 pm

  Well I have had my Dodge for about 5 yrs now. Bought it with 120k on it now it has 185k. Was ok I guess. I replaced the tranny computer 2 yrs ago and done someother stuff. As in my strut broke blah... I am giving the beast up tho very soon. Its on it last leg. I have to give it some credit. I drove it hard and didnt treat it very Nice. It lasted for the money. Ive been reading some of these reviews. I havent had my handles break but I have the oxidation all over. Super annoying... And the turning radius is worse then a semi truck. But other then that it was a good car for lil old me. Now on to bigger and better things. Sad to see it go : (

• 

  Good Car... not for tall people. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Big_Mike - April 10 - 2:13 pm

  2007 Caliber SXT 2.0L w CVT. Currently at 83000 KM or 52000 Miles. Very reliable .. only repair was a lower control arm which had to be replaced (apparently common cause dealer had 7 in stock Drivers side only) Car interior is not designed for anyone 6 ft or taller. Im 65" and my right knee is always rubbing against the center console. Blind spots are bad.