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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  This is power - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By starks1 - June 2 - 11:53 pm

  Bought this one a few months ago with only 98,000 miles on it. I put mid grade gas. 45 dollars to fill up the tank and lasts a week. Putting about 40 miles daily. As long as oil change plug wires and fuel cleaner is done every 4,000 miles(full synthetic) sea foam fuel cleaner, runs perfect solid smooth. Oil change is about 70 16 plugs runs about the same for good quality. But on the highway no daily driver can catch up to you. Peaking at 148 mph. Back from jersey at night no Lexus or Mercedes can keep up. Warning pistons rated at a max of 500hp. Be careful tuning just add k&n flow master full exhaust w headers and family and muscle car cant ask for more as a family man.

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  Just an awesome vehicle - 2015 Dodge Challenger
  By jayinwv - May 28 - 9:11 pm

  Just traded in a 13 charger RT for the tri coat red 8 speed challenger srt 392 with black racing stripes. In 2 days the transmission has already begun to adapt to my driving style. I am using it as a daily commuter and it is a joy to drive. I loved my charger but the 6.4L and the 8 speed is just flat out awesome. The sound is nostalgic as is the acceleration. Everything about this car is catering to the driver. MPG is not why you get such a car but in 2 days of mixed city/highway I am averaging nearly 19. That is nearly what i got with the charger in the 5.7L and does include having ample fun too. This car is not for everyone but beats the snot out of overpriced euro imports.

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  Fabulous ride - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By wickednice - May 25 - 1:22 pm

  I just love this car. Best car I ever got. Had one problem. A mechanic replaced my fuel cap with a generic cap. And I had ploblems with the sensors until I replaced the fuel cap with the proper dodge fuel cap. Never had a problem with the car ever again.

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  2012 DODGE AVENGER - 2012 Dodge Avenger
  By slowhand2 - May 12 - 4:53 pm

  I just love my 2012 dodge avenger r/t I have not spent a penny on it since I bought it.i get more double takes from people..wow nice car is it new? I would buy another again but they dont make the avenger anymore:-( still a damn nice car.

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  Great Car - 2014 Dodge Dart
  By nick4118 - May 11 - 10:01 am

  We originally had a 2013 Ford Focus. We hated it. We took it to Akins Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram, in Winder Ga. We traded it in and they hooked us up with the 2014 Dodge Dart Ralley. We have been nothing but impressed! There are some minor things that could be changed, but overall it was a great choice. We recommend it to anyone looking for a small but powerful (with the 2.4 liter) car!

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  Great car! - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By nick4118 - May 11 - 9:49 am

  The vehicle is amazing! We were choosing between this, a Dodge Charger R/T and a Durango Limited. We loved them all so much, but we went with the journey because it was the middle size (not to big or not to small for our family) It has amazing options, plenty of room, nice features, nice look, and so much more. It looks sporty but yet nice at the same time. It is AMAZING! My sister in law has a Ford Expedition, and my other one has and Acura MDX, and they are both jealous. Everyone loves it!

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  Thrilled with the car - 2015 Dodge Challenger
  By Terrence Devlin - April 10 - 1:11 pm

  I traded a 7000 mile 2010 SRT8 for the R/T Scat Pack and couldnt be happier with the decision. The car is comfortable, powerful, good looking, and sounds amazing.

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  A great car - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By bbfd86 - April 9 - 7:42 am

  I bought my Charger R/T Max AWD in 2011. This car has just now had its first service issues after 3-1/2 years and 66K miles. The check engine light came on and the blind spot feature is only working intermittently. I am sure my Dodge dealership will fix these problems tomorrow. This car is really fun to drive and is very safe. With the AWD and snow tires it has no problem handling the tough Upstate NY winter conditions of snow and ice.

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  This car is an amazing machine. - 2015 Dodge Challenger
  By elt2jv - March 29 - 1:38 pm

  Dodge really hit the perfect blend of retro styling and modern performance. Aesthetics are always subjective you either like the looks or you dont. Empirically, the interior is very nicely driver-centric and easy to access all functions and features. The 8.4 Uconnect system is great and easy to use. Ride and comfort are sporty, even in "Street" mode, but still very comfortable. Performance is, of course, breath-taking. Absolutely beastly power at your command, but still can get 23 MPG on the freeway (manual). Summary: A true muscle car with all the modern conveniences of a luxury coupe. Not for everyone, but for those who want one, you will not be disappointed.

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  My 2015 Dodge Dart SE - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By fordfan31 - March 25 - 3:28 pm

  I recently purchased a brand new Dart SE with the 2.0l engine. I work in the automotive field and have driven plenty of vehicles. I love my Dodge Dart and Im a big Ford guy, but I did not like the Focus as much as I love this Dart. Edmunds has their "expert" review all wrong. I drove all trim levels and the base model with the automatic does perfectly well. I even replaced the terrible Kumho tires with Bridgestone Driveguards because there is no spare. Inside the Dart is very comfy, stereo is great, HVAC controls are nice and easy, Engine Power is from the 2.0 is good and the transmission shifts perfect. I have been averaging 35mph on the highway at 70mph and I drive 600+ miles a week