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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  dodge gc - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By conniev - September 19 - 10:00 am

  major mechanical problems-all major components had to be replaced at @ 95,000 miles, transmission failed twice, in addition engine, ABS, front brakes problems

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  BURNOUT MASTER - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Eklipse Man - September 19 - 2:00 am

  The viper has a classic problem that comes with massave hp and a rwd ststem IT WILL SMOKE THE TIRES OFF WITHOUT FAIL inotherwords Too much hp too little traction

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  Sharp little car with common pep - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By 01rtman - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Sharp little car with nice body stlye. Engine isnt any faster than any other car in its class. So far 19,000 miles and no problems except for a a/c compessor switch and recalled brake vaccum line. Stock tires only lasted 11,000 miles. Slim selection with stock tire size. Went to a wider selection, 205/50/16, car handles better. Should have come with a Turbo option, really needs extra pep. Fortunately, companies like Hahn Racecraft are developing such systems. Stock suspension is pretty good. Interior is kind of cheap, but very roomy. Trunk space is plenty for its class.

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  HEMI Power - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Robert L67548 - September 17 - 8:16 pm

  First of all, wheres the "5.7" option in the list at the start of this page? Fit and finish under "cons"? please, thats old news, if you didnt know you where in a Dodge you would think it was something built in Japan! they have come a long way, it simply amazing what Chrysler has done with this truck, just go drive one, and then compare the price with anything else in or near its class, unbeatable! dont even get me started on the HEMI, man this thing is fast!

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  Hemi Van - 2018 Dodge Durango
  By Kim S - September 17 - 11:29 am

  Great car if you know what you are getting into. Engine is loud and thirsty, but is part of having a super fast tow and family vehicle that is faster than my Porsche in a straight line. We checked every luxury and tech box. After a few initial set up gremlins, things have been going fine

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  great family suv - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By cajun rrick - September 17 - 10:00 am

  bought it with 24000 miles. the barrey died the first month. dealer replaced it. Then the driver side window would not work, motor cable was stuck.The speed sensor went out,easy to fix part cost very little.Of course this happen after the warrenty went out.A year latter the barrety died again, had to buy another one.beside this its a great suv.good power,plenty of room. gas mileage not bad on trips(5.2engin) abit noisey when first starting. wife loves her durango.O the goodyear tires are crap,donot wear will.

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  Stay Away from this Car - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By NoMoreNeons - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I promise this, is my last Chrysler product. I have had bad experiences with everyone of them except a Jeep Wrangler, but I got rid of it just in time. My neon is the worst of the lot. Head Gasket blew at about 30K, fortunately, still under warranty. I have 80,000 miles now and pray it wont blow again based on other reviews. Constant problems ever since though. Cant seem, to keep the AC running more than 2 months at a time. Spent $1,000 repairing it this June, and it went out in less than 6 weeks. Took three more trips to the shop to try to fix it. Leaks oil, transmission fluid, etc.

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  cars great-dealership is not - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By cuddlecat - September 16 - 2:00 am

  the car runs great! Im very pleased with the car itself. I traded a Dodge Stratus in for this and I am very confident with my decision. However if I were to reccommend buying a dodge product- do not but from Dambrosios Dodge. I am very unhappy with my entire sale and the salesman I dealt with. Luckily the car is worth having, because I almost didnt buy it at all because of the dealership.

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  Car review - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Traci Unger - September 15 - 5:03 pm

  It is a nice car. The only thing I do not like is the carpet. I think they could have went with a little more plush carpet. It is very thin.

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  1996 Dodge stratus - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By VAYASTEVE - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Good car well bulit but many minor problems which can be a headache.Better off with the V-6 for more power.2.4 4 cyl is good for local driving but it,s not enough power for passing and acclerating.Brakes good.All in all its a good car and Chrysler has doone a lot to inprove their automobiles.But I feel that the service at bayside Dodge after I biught the car was poor.