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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  2007 Dodge Caliber SXT 2.0L I-4 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By carguy03 - January 15 - 9:00 pm

  My Caliber had a 2.0L, but most come with a 1.8L. For the type of car, it wasnt all that bad. It had an acceptable amount of power for a stock 4 cylinder, got great gas mileage (about 24 city 28 highway), and it was fun to drive. The styling is great, looks bigger than it actually is. I had the Caliber from June 2011 until I traded for a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer in November 2011. I drove my Caliber on a 400 mile trip through WV, and it handled the mountain roads like a champ. I replaced the left front lower control arm and ball joint becase of a squeak, but other than that, no problems. When I got the car, it had about 116,000 miles on it, and about 124,000 miles when I traded it off.

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  2004 dodge durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By coolsamuel1123 - January 12 - 11:42 am

  hello every one i just got a used 2004 dodge durango in dec of 2011 i have had a month know and have put over 2500 miles on it and i love it every mile that i drive it the ride is very nice

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  What a great experience - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By steve409 - January 10 - 9:00 pm

  I liked these things the first time I saw one, and have enjoyed my 2001 Durango as it comes up on its 11th birthday at around 125000 miles. 4.7 V8, almost no problems at all to speak of for 10 years, then 11th year I have replaced Throttle Sensor (vehicle quit on the freeway) and a few o2 sensors and one power window. Other than that no issues for a decade, and a fantastic vehicle for my wife and two daughters. Still driving it and plan to get at least two more years out of it.

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  Ebay Buy - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By mopar5711 - January 10 - 6:06 pm

  I bought my Neon from the original owner thru Ebay in 2005 paid $8400.00 - drove it from Phoenix AZ to Dallas , Tx. it had 18K original miles. As of today 01/10/2012 it has 74K - repairs consist of new wheel cylinders and brakes front and rear and a crank sensor. I put a K&N air filter in it and have had the transmission and coolant serviced on the factory schedule. I use Pirelli tires and I always run middle grade gas. Most of the miles are hiway @ 34-36 mpg. It handles like a small Porsche and has plenty of zip. My only complaint is the seating - not terribly comfortable. It has been a truly wonderful car and an excellent investment.

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  Giving my Journey back due to so many problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By costafamily5 - January 10 - 10:43 am

  I bought my 2009 journey about 6 months ago and it has been sitting in my driveway the last 2 months due to grinding when trying to drive and transmission fluid pooring out of it:(I bought it because its roomy and my family and I like to take road trips but this was a bad buy we had to replace 3 tires already and to me the problems we are having means its not a safe family vehicle.I am not paying on it anymore and I refuse to buy another one,not worth the headache or the money its sad to say but true.Good luck future buyers if you want a lemon this would be a good choice.

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  A Durable Powerhouse - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By marty2916 - January 9 - 3:30 pm

  I absolutely love my Dodge magnum. Its roomy, versitile, fast, and it looks great. I am in the process of renovating my new house, and I have hauled everything from tools to new hardwood floor to 10 beams (And yes, I was still able to close the hatch). Even with a heavy load the rear struts never bottomed out. The car is very durable and will keep you safe in case of a collision. I was recently struck by a hit and run driver that caused me to lose control and lightly knock the front end up against the barrier. The car was still running silently, and the damage was repairable. The only 2 downsides is the weight of the car which robs a bit from the performance and the average mpg.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Dodge Durango
  By aml2 - January 9 - 10:12 am

  Been driving Durango for 2 weeks, getting 21 - 22 mpg mostly city. Excellent suv , quiet ride, heated and cooled seats, clear sound system. Third row comfortable for 6 ft adult. Did alot of research / test drives, the Durango is the best kept secret in the marketplace. Now consumer reports recommends.

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  Great vehicle but questionnable reliability - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By xbob7117 - January 6 - 10:17 pm

  Love this vehicle. Comfortable, quiet, good performance for the type of vehicle, good road manners, good brakes (No issues yet after 26,000 km), well designed. On the dark side, fuel consumption is high. Up to a couple weeks ago, the only issue was the backup camera that goes crazy when temperature is below freezing. A week ago however, the transmission got wrecked for no reason. The vehicle could no longer move. Was like the brakes were always fully applied. Got to the dealer. Transmission had to be replaced. Completely wrecked inside apparently. It was replaced quickly and successfully. Great service from the dealer. But now my confidence link with the vehicle is broken.

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  2010 Dodge Challenger SE - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By fusion42694 - January 6 - 9:53 pm

  While the Challenger is fun to drive, it wares out easily. The plastic on the inside is cheaply made, as it is with other Dodge cars. The engine power is great though, and the seats are comfortable. It does not have the handling and pep of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, but that is probably due to its larger size. Mine has your basic features, and it is noticed as much as the more expensive ones. If you want an all american muscle car and like american cars, this is the one for you.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By eleclady - January 5 - 7:09 pm

  I felt compelled to write after reading some of the bad reviews. Im sure there are lemons in every bunch........I got my Caliber in April 2006, first one on the block so to speak. Right out of the Auto Show... Didnt see another for months. I drive a min of 80 miles a day, and still get 26 mpg. My original set of brakes lasted 85k miles. Original set of tires lasted 86k. (I drive all highway) I now have 153k on the car. Just put on the 2nd set of tires. I am putting on new struts as one has a slight leak and one ball joint. Other than a new battery, this car has just gotten the std oil changes/maint required. .