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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  Cant Believe I Have No Tickets Yets - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Puffy - December 11 - 9:33 am

  Putting gas mileage aside, this car is wonderful. I find every reason to go for a drive. It handles like a champ on all roads. After removing the Goodyear RS-As, my wet traction wet up. As far as gas mileage goes, its better than I thought. Im getting over 19 miles a gallon overall. But a 2-ton, 425HP vehicle is not bought for fuel conservation. Now for style. Turning heads is what this car does. At traffic lights I can see people looking at the car (police too). Whenever I park, usually there is someone complimenting the car or joking about getting tickets in it. They always say the same thing though........... "Nice car." And it is that.

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  May be better, but not for the price - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By demonic_celery - December 11 - 1:36 am

  Purchased a brand new R/T almost 6 months ago with leather package, sunroof, 6CD changer with 9 speakers(2 of which drop down from hatch door) and a year of sirius and a chrome package for under $20k. Getting ~28mpg. I did look at many other hatchbacks, and there are a few better out there, but you will pay a premium for a "better" new one than this. And buying new, having a LIFETIME powertain warranty, come one, VALUE. Alot of consumers dont seem to quite realize what a lifetime powertrain warranty means for value, if you take care of everything else, you can drive this for decades. I have seen the touchscreen in action for the stereo with bluetooth, and plan on upgrading to that in time.

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  Dodge Charger Daytona R/T #1937 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Phil - December 11 - 1:11 am

  I own a 2006 Dodge Daytona with 78000 miles on the odometer and it still runs perfect !! Using the slapstick auto will save on rotors. I have only changed them once. A/C blows ICE COLD air and heater and seat warmers heat me up in no times. Adding K@N cold air intake and FLOwmaster gives me 20 mpg in town. Not bad for a HEMI. Dodge did well with this car and looking forward to getting a Challenger down the road. Glad I opted for the V-8 as opposed to the V-6 Charger. Best car I have ever owned .

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  Great Car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By tom - December 10 - 8:30 pm

  What a fun car to drive. Good milaege also. While cruising 55 to 60 mph no problem seeing 28 mpg with the 350 hp Hemi

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  My 2005 Dodge Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By GP - December 10 - 9:15 am

  I got a great deal on this vehicle from the dealership. Within the first few months, I had to have the gas tank replaced. However, this was a recall item and the dealership was very helpful and courteous in getting it replaced. Other than that, its been a joy to own. It rides just as good, if not better, than a Honda or Toyota. Fuel efficiency is decent in the city for a vehicle this size - about 17mpg city. On the highway, I know Im getting at least 22 mpg which is very decent for a vehicle of this size. This is definitely the best vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  First 3 months OCT - DEC 09 - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By SilentWarrior - December 10 - 8:29 am

  B+ Sweet SUV! Love it! High ride. Not sluggish as others have said, when cornering the computer protects vehicle from over acceleration. Can override w/EVP off. I DONT RECOMMEND THIS! Runs fast off line for 4000 lbs V6. R/T has even better performance. Best mileage w/ cruise control (highway 27 mpg). Rear seats nice & roomy, however exiting vehicle is awkward, especially for children < 10 (due to height of vehicle and far forward short floor). Front leg room is a little narrow. Has interior wind buffeting if only rear window down. Warms up quickly for heat/defrost (~10 min. at 10F). Cat Back exhaust makes vehicle growl. Turn off 4WD before tight turns like parking in mall.

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By PAT - December 9 - 12:55 pm

  My husband and I inherited this car in 2002 with about 10,000 mi. Now it is a little over 39,000 and has had very little problems. Is just starting to. Have a major oil leak & had new cam shank sensor put in. Getting 2 belts & new valve gasket. Is very good on gas. Ive driven highways long & short drives & it never failed me. If it only had a CD player and faster start-up it would be perfect! I chose to keep this car over 95 Nissan Maxima fully loaded to sell for husbands funeral, and am glad I chose to keep the Neon. Is a nice ride.

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  If you dont own one maybe you should - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Rick - December 7 - 7:43 am

  This is our second Dodge van, the first one a 2003 we tried to save money on and bought the Caravan SXT with no features. Never had any trouble with this van at all and really liked it. Until all the incentives came out and we upgraded for less money to the Grand Caravan. If you have kids, upgrade. You wont be sorry. Convenient hooks for grocery bags all over the place. 3 zone control. I never wanted a minivan, now I wouldnt be without it, kids or no kids. For the money, I dont think you will find a better deal. Started buying Dodge products 4 years ago and I have yet to schedule a service call. Sometimes you get lucky, and sometimes products are just that good?

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  happy in fresno - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By tony nuccio - December 6 - 8:44 pm

  happy with the car but disappointed that the paint did not hold it color though the years.

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  MORGANS MOPAR - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Morgan - December 6 - 11:36 am

  I posted a picture of the concept of this car on the wall for two years before I got one. I had my heart set on an SRT8 but found an RT with the Inferno Red and a six speed and one test drive and that was it. I am 41 and have owned 30 vehicles of every kind and this is by far my favorite. Great power, handling, ride, comfort, mileage and looks. It can get 28 mpg if you drive it under seventy and will run up to 140. This car is incredible for long trips. We had a family member go into the hospital 900 miles away and couldnt get any quick flights so took off at night. Got 24 mpg running 84 mph and after my wife fell asleep at midnight averaged 90 to 110mph for 400 miles on I80 and it got 19 mph.