Is Dodge a good car brand?

Yes — Dodge remains a strong pick for buyers who want high-performance, visceral driving and a bold, distinctive presence. But it isn’t the best option if you value reliability, broad electrification, or cutting-edge safety tech, and the lineup has narrowed as the brand pivots toward electric performance.

Owned by Stellantis, Dodge built its reputation on muscle cars and bold design. The brand’s performance heritage is undeniable, with models known for loud exhaust notes, strong acceleration, and a sense of American horsepower. In recent years, Dodge has shifted toward a more selective lineup as it maps an electrified future, including the Durango SUV and limited-run, high-performance variants, while signaling a broader transition to electric models in coming years. The question for potential buyers isn’t only about speed, but about long-term ownership costs, daily practicality, and how well the brand’s future lineup aligns with expectations. This article breaks down what Dodge offers, its strengths and weaknesses, and what buyers should consider before making a purchase.

Overview of the brand

Dodge’s identity centers on “American muscle” and accessible performance. The brand has a loyal following, with vehicles that are entertaining to drive, featuring strong engines and distinctive styling cues. It operates under Stellantis, sharing platforms and technology with other brands while trying to maintain a unique, performance-focused character. In the near term, Dodge is recalibrating its lineup toward high-performance electrified options and a practical SUV, with a longer-term plan to introduce additional electrified models as part of Stellantis’ broader EV strategy.

Performance heritage

Dodge’s performance story rests on rear-wheel-drive platforms, big engines, and loud, engaging driving experiences. The Challenger and Charger were long-standing symbols of American muscle, delivering impressive straight-line speed and a rowdy exhaust character that appealed to enthusiasts. Critics note that some models trade modern interior quality, advanced driver assistance, and fuel efficiency for that raw performance feel. In parallel, Dodge has experimented with performance-oriented electrified variants under its SRT umbrella, though the future of those programs has evolved with the brand’s shift toward electrification.

Current lineup and future direction

As of 2025, Dodge has trimmed its traditional gasoline lineup from the peak muscle-car era. The Durango SUV remains a practical option with available V6/V8 power, while the long-running Challenger/Charger have largely ended production in favor of a more electric-focused strategy. Dodge has signaled plans to introduce electrified, performance-oriented models in the coming years, leveraging Stellantis’ EV platforms and performance engineering to preserve the brand’s heritage while meeting tighter emissions and safety standards. For buyers, this means choosing between a current gas-powered option and anticipation of future electric performance products.

Pros and cons

These lists summarize the core positives and potential drawbacks you should weigh when considering a Dodge purchase.

Pros of owning a Dodge:

• Distinctive styling and strong brand personality that stands out on the road


• Engaging, high-performance options—especially in V8 trims and performance variants


• Good value in the performance segment, with more accessible pricing than some European rivals


• Active enthusiast communities and aftermarket support


• Affordable entry points into high-performance driving relative to some competitors

These strengths make Dodge appealing to buyers who want drama, speed, and a sense of American automotive culture, but the brand’s limitations in reliability and electrification mean it may not suit everyone.

Potential drawbacks to consider:

• Reliability history can be hit-or-miss, with some high-performance variants requiring more maintenance


• Limited current lineup; fewer new-model choices compared with rivals


• Lower fuel economy in many models, especially with V8 power


• Older interiors and tech in certain variants, compared with newer competitors


• Ambiguity around long-term warranty coverage and parts availability for older or discontinued models

In short, Dodge can deliver exhilarating experiences and strong value in its niche, but reliability variability and a narrowing lineup are important considerations for buyers seeking practicality and long-term certainty.

Safety, reliability, and ownership costs

Safety features have improved across many Dodge models, but the level of standard equipment and the availability of advanced driver assistance can vary by model year and trim. Reliability records for Dodge are mixed, with some models performing well and others showing higher maintenance needs, particularly with older high-performance variants. Ownership costs—fuel, maintenance, insurance, and repair—can be higher for performance-oriented trims and V8 powertrains, so prospective buyers should factor in expected mileage and driving style when evaluating total cost of ownership.

Bottom line for buyers

If you crave raw performance, bold styling, and a brand with a devoted enthusiast following, Dodge offers a compelling package in its core strength area. If you prioritize long-term reliability, a broad and modern electrified lineup, advanced safety tech, and predictable ownership costs, you may want to compare Dodge with brands that emphasize those aspects more consistently. As Dodge transitions toward electrification, keep an eye on future model announcements, warranties, and dealership support to gauge how the brand will fit your needs over the next decade.

Summary

Dodge remains a distinctive and exciting option for performance-minded buyers, with a storied history and a loyal fan base. Its value lies in horsepower, dramatic design, and a strong sense of brand identity. However, reliability can be uneven across models, the lineup has narrowed as the brand pivots to electrification, and ownership costs can be higher in high-performance variants. For some, Dodge is a joy to own; for others, a brand with more comprehensive reliability and EV options may be a better fit.

What is better, Nissan or Dodge?

When comparing the Dodge brand to the Nissan brand, Dodge has the advantage in the areas of used car pricing, depreciation, horsepower, towing capacity and retained value. Nissan has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, fuel efficiency, overall quality, safety, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered.

Do Dodge vehicles last?

Of all the SUVs on the market, the 2022 Dodge Durango is one of the most dependable. With an estimated lifespan of 200,000 miles, the Dodge Durango should last as long as you and your family need it to. With its V8 engine and sleek interior, it feels more like a muscle car than an SUV at times.

Is Dodge as reliable as Toyota?

Toyota is significantly more reliable than Dodge in the long run. Toyota has a long-standing reputation for durability and fewer mechanical issues, requiring only regular maintenance. Dodge vehicles, while powerful, are more prone to problems like electronic failures, drivetrain issues, and inconsistent build quality, leading to higher repair costs and more frequent trips to the shop, as supported by owner experiences and reliability ratings. 
You can watch this video to see a comparison of reliability between Toyota and Dodge models: 59sRudyCarsYouTube · Sep 9, 2024
Toyota reliability

• Lower maintenance costs: Toyota vehicles typically need only standard maintenance like oil changes, tires, and brakes, with fewer major repairs needed. 
• Proven track record: The brand has a strong reputation for reliability that allows many of its vehicles to be driven for many years and miles. 
• Higher quality scores: Toyota consistently receives higher ratings for quality and reliability in comparisons with other brands. 

Dodge reliability

• Higher repair costs: Dodge vehicles have an average annual repair cost of \$634, which is above average, indicating higher ownership costs. 
• More frequent issues: Owners often report problems with electronics, drivetrains, and other components that require more frequent and costly repairs. 
• Lower reliability ratings: Dodge ranks lower than Toyota in reliability rankings, with one source ranking it 19th out of 32 car brands. 

Which is more reliable, Dodge or Chevy?

Chevrolet generally holds an edge in reliability over Dodge, with many owners and studies highlighting Chevy's long-term durability and fewer reported issues, especially in trucks and SUVs. Dodge vehicles are often praised for performance and design, but some models have been associated with higher maintenance costs and certain mechanical concerns like transmission and electrical component longevity. However, reliability can vary by specific model, so checking the performance of individual vehicle lines is recommended. 
You can watch this video to compare the reliability of Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram trucks: 59sLemon Law AssistYouTube · Dec 11, 2022
Chevrolet reliability

• Reputation for durability: Chevrolet vehicles, particularly trucks and SUVs, are widely considered reliable and built to last, with many owners reporting long-term success.
• Fewer issues: Studies indicate Chevrolet vehicles tend to have fewer reported issues over time compared to Dodge models.
• High-quality parts: Many sources note the use of high-quality parts and sturdy construction in Chevys, which contributes to fewer unexpected repairs. 

Dodge reliability

• Performance-focused: Dodge is often praised for its powerful engines and performance, but some of this can come at the cost of long-term reliability. 
• Higher maintenance costs: Some Dodge models have been associated with higher-than-average maintenance costs over time, especially concerning transmission and electrical components. 
• Model-specific concerns: Reliability can vary significantly between models, with some individual vehicles having a reputation for specific problems. 

This video discusses some of the more reliable Dodge and Chevy models over the years: 54sCUBGarageYouTube · Dec 8, 2024
Specific model comparisons

• Trucks: In the truck category, studies have often ranked the Chevy Silverado and Silverado HD slightly higher for reliability than the Ram 1500 and 3500, though individual results can vary. 
• SUVs: Reliability rankings for SUVs differ by model. For example, the Dodge Durango has ranked highly for reliability in certain categories, while Chevy also has strong performers in different SUV segments.