États-Unis
Dodge
Dodge traces its origins to the Dodge Brothers Company, founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1900 by brothers John Francis Dodge (born 1864) and Horace Elgin Dodge (born 1868). In its early days, the company manufactured precision parts (engines, chassis, transmissions) for Detroit's young automakers. Beginning in 1903, the Dodge brothers became a major supplier to the new Ford Motor Company, in which they also held a stake. In 1914, they launched their own complete automobile under the "Dodge Brothers" brand, a rugged, well-built car that quickly found success: by 1915-1916, Dodge ranked among the top American automakers in sales volume. The two brothers died in 1920, just months apart. The company was run by their families, then sold to the investment bank Dillon, Read & Co. in 1925, before being acquired by Walter P. Chrysler and folded into the Chrysler Corporation in 1928. Under Chrysler, Dodge positioned itself as a mid-range brand and developed a strong performance tradition, notably during the muscle car era of the 1960s and 1970s with models such as the Charger and the Challenger, powered by the famous HEMI engines. Over the decades, the brand weathered the industry's major restructurings: the DaimlerChrysler alliance (1998-2007), Chrysler's bankruptcy and rebirth in 2009 under Fiat's stewardship, the creation of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group, and then the merger of FCA with Groupe PSA on January 16, 2021, to form Stellantis. Today, Dodge is a division of Stellantis, whose North American headquarters are located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The brand now focuses its identity on performance, and its North American lineup is built around iconic models such as the Charger and the Durango SUV, while beginning a transition toward electrification.
ActivePerformanceÉlectrique / hybrideCamion / utilitairePopulairesAméricaines
History
History of Dodge
Dodge traces its origins to the Dodge Brothers Company, founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1900 by brothers John Francis Dodge (born 1864) and Horace Elgin Dodge (born 1868). In its early days, the company manufactured precision parts (engines, chassis, transmissions) for Detroit's young automakers. Beginning in 1903, the Dodge brothers became a major supplier to the new Ford Motor Company, in which they also held a stake. In 1914, they launched their own complete automobile under the "Dodge Brothers" brand, a rugged, well-built car that quickly found success: by 1915-1916, Dodge ranked among the top American automakers in sales volume. The two brothers died in 1920, just months apart. The company was run by their families, then sold to the investment bank Dillon, Read & Co. in 1925, before being acquired by Walter P. Chrysler and folded into the Chrysler Corporation in 1928. Under Chrysler, Dodge positioned itself as a mid-range brand and developed a strong performance tradition, notably during the muscle car era of the 1960s and 1970s with models such as the Charger and the Challenger, powered by the famous HEMI engines. Over the decades, the brand weathered the industry's major restructurings: the DaimlerChrysler alliance (1998-2007), Chrysler's bankruptcy and rebirth in 2009 under Fiat's stewardship, the creation of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group, and then the merger of FCA with Groupe PSA on January 16, 2021, to form Stellantis. Today, Dodge is a division of Stellantis, whose North American headquarters are located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The brand now focuses its identity on performance, and its North American lineup is built around iconic models such as the Charger and the Durango SUV, while beginning a transition toward electrification.
Public founding or origin of Dodge.
Challenger: launch or first listed period.
Charger: launch or first listed period.
Durango: launch or first listed period.
Viper: launch or first listed period.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Dodge has built its reputation around performance and big-displacement engines. The brand popularized the HEMI V8s, including the 6.2-liter supercharged "Hellcat" version producing up to 707 horsepower and more, offered across several of the group's models. Recent sedans and coupes were built on the rear-wheel-drive LX platform (shared with the Chrysler 300 and inheriting Mercedes-Benz components). Dodge is now beginning a multi-energy transition: the new Charger Daytona is fully electric on Stellantis's STLA Large platform, with a battery of approximately 100 kWh, while the Charger Sixpack relies on a twin-turbo inline-six "Hurricane." On the safety and driver-assistance front, the models include the common systems: autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear-view cameras, depending on the trim. Rear-wheel drive on the LX platform, Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines, naturally aspirated or supercharged (6.2 L Hellcat), automatic or manual transmission depending on the trim, high-performance brakes and drive modes on the SRT variants. Rear-wheel-drive LX platform (gas versions) then STLA Large for the electric Daytona; V6 and HEMI V8 engines, naturally aspirated or supercharged Hellcat, twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six, and a 100% electric powertrain with a battery of approximately 100 kWh. Unibody structure shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines, naturally aspirated or supercharged (Hellcat), automatic transmission and high towing capacity. Rear-wheel-drive architecture, large naturally aspirated V10 engine (up to 8.4 L), manual transmission, lightweight handcrafted construction and a pure-performance focus with high-end braking and suspension on the latest generations.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
An American Stellantis brand specializing in accessible performance, from muscle cars to muscular SUVs, transitioning toward electrification.
Reputation
Dodge enjoys a strong image as an affordable performance brand, valued for the character, power, and style of its muscle cars. Reliability, however, is considered variable depending on the model and year: certain Charger model years on the LX platform were the subject of complaints (front end, engine reliability in the early years). Resale value is mixed: ordinary versions depreciate in the usual way, but performance and collector editions (SRT, Hellcat, Viper) hold their value remarkably well, with some appreciating. Road tests generally praise the feel and the power, while noting high fuel consumption and interior refinement that leaves room for improvement.
Strengths
Dodge offers an excellent power-to-price ratio, a strong and recognizable brand identity, and high-performance engines that inspire enthusiast loyalty. The rear-wheel drive and proven platforms deliver a distinctive driving character. The performance and collector editions hold their value well, and the Stellantis network ensures good access to parts and service in North America.
Points to watch
The fuel consumption of the V8 versions is high, which weighs on operating costs. Reliability varies by model year, with some having been the subject of complaints. The lineup has narrowed in recent years (the end of the Challenger, the Grand Caravan, the Journey), and the electric transition temporarily blurs the offering. The interior and refinement sometimes lag behind certain competitors.
Models
Dodge models
Current or active models by market
Notable past models
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
A North American brand, Dodge builds most of its vehicles in North America, in the plants of the Stellantis network. The sedans and coupes on the LX platform (Charger, Challenger) were long assembled at the Brampton plant in Ontario (Canada). The Durango SUV is produced at the Detroit plant (Jefferson North / Detroit Assembly Complex) in Michigan. The Dodge Viper was hand-assembled at the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit until its production ended in 2017. The new electric, multi-energy Charger Daytona is produced at the Windsor plant in Ontario. This industrial footprint anchors Dodge firmly in the Great Lakes manufacturing region, on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.
Tires and wheels
Performance Dodges (Charger, Challenger) frequently use the 5x115 bolt pattern and large-diameter wheels, often 18 to 20 inches, sometimes with different widths front and rear (staggered fitments). The sporty versions get wide, high-speed-rated tires. The Durango generally shares a five-lug bolt pattern. In Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, it is often recommended to opt for a winter set in a slightly smaller diameter (for example 18 or 19 inches) in order to gain traction, better protect the wheels, and reduce costs. Always confirm the exact size based on the model, year, and trim.