Where was the Dodge car made?
Dodge cars were originally made in Detroit, Michigan, USA; today, production occurs at several North American plants in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as part of Stellantis. This article traces the brand’s origins and its current manufacturing footprint to provide a clear view of where Dodge vehicles come from.
Historical roots: Detroit and the Dodge brothers
From its founding by John and Horace Dodge in the early 20th century, the Dodge Brothers Company established Detroit as a central hub of American auto manufacturing. The brand’s early vehicles were built in the Detroit area, setting the stage for a storied history that cemented Dodge as a long-standing American automotive name.
- The Dodge brothers founded the car company in 1900, and their first cars were manufactured in Detroit, Michigan, helping to anchor the city’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse.
- In its early decades, Dodge’s manufacturing operations were primarily located in the Detroit area as the company scaled up production alongside the broader American auto industry.
- As Chrysler Group (now Stellantis) expanded, Dodge production gradually diversified to additional North American facilities to meet growing demand.
These points reflect the brand’s origins in Detroit and its evolution into a broader North American production network that persists to the present day.
Current manufacturing footprint across North America
Today, as part of Stellantis, Dodge vehicles are assembled at multiple plants across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The distribution of production reflects a North American manufacturing strategy designed to serve regional markets efficiently.
- United States – Dodge models are built at several U.S. facilities as part of the broader Chrysler‑Stellantis manufacturing footprint, with production shifts occurring over time based on product programs and demand.
- Canada – The Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario has historically produced Dodge models such as the Challenger and Charger for North American markets, among other vehicles, reflecting cross-border manufacturing ties within the region.
- Mexico – Dodge models are also produced at Mexican facilities as part of the North American supply chain, supporting regional production and export needs.
These sites illustrate a North American manufacturing network rather than a single, isolated location, highlighting Dodge’s integration within a continental production system.
Model-specific production notes
Challenger and Charger
Notable Dodge performance models such as the Challenger and Charger have historically been built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. While production has shifted over time to align with model year programs and corporate decisions, Brampton has been a key site for these iconic models in the recent era. Model-by-model production can change, so current assignments may vary.
Other Dodge models
Beyond the Challenger and Charger, other Dodge models have been produced at various North American plants depending on year and demand. The exact plant assignments are periodically updated by Stellantis as part of ongoing manufacturing optimization.
Summary
Originally rooted in Detroit, Dodge has grown into a North American brand with manufacturing sites across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the brand’s earliest cars were made in Detroit, today’s Dodge vehicles come from multiple plants within a continental production network that supports regional markets and adapts to evolving product lines.
Conclusion
In short, Dodge cars were first made in Detroit, Michigan, and today are produced across several North American facilities, reflecting the brand’s long-standing, continental manufacturing strategy within Stellantis.
Where was Dodge originally made?
Hamtramck, Michigan
The first factory was in Hamtramck, Michigan, and it opened in 1910. The first complete vehicle wasn't made until 1914. This first model was known as a four-cylinder Dodge Model 30/35 and was seen as an upscale vehicle.
Who came first, Chevy or Dodge?
The Ford Motor Company was the first brand as it was founded in 1903 by the very famous Henry Ford. Eight years later, Louis Chevrolet and William Durant started Chevrolet in 1911 and three years later in 1914 the Dodge brothers, Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge, founded the “Dodge Brothers” brand.
Are Dodge cars American made?
Dodge is an American brand with a long history in the U.S., but its vehicles are not exclusively "American-made" because they are part of the global supply chain owned by the multinational company Stellantis. While many Dodge vehicles are designed and assembled in America, some models are built in Canada and parts for all Dodge vehicles come from both North America and other international locations.
American heritage
- Dodge was founded in Detroit, Michigan, and is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
- It is considered an iconic American brand, known for its muscle cars and long history in the U.S. automotive industry.
Manufacturing and parts
- The manufacturing locations for Dodge vehicles vary. For example, the Dodge Durango is assembled in the U.S.
- Other models, like the Charger and Challenger, are assembled in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
- Even for vehicles assembled in the U.S., parts are sourced globally, and no car is 100% made in America from 100% American-made parts.
- The HEMI V8 engines, for example, are manufactured in Mexico.
Ownership
- Dodge is currently a division of the multinational corporation Stellantis, which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French company PSA Group.
- While Stellantis is a multinational company, the Dodge brand is still considered an American brand due to its design, engineering, and U.S. headquarters.
What was the tragic story of the Dodge Brothers?
Tragic Loss and Enduring Legacy
Tragedy struck in 1920 when both John and Horace Dodge died—John from pneumonia and Horace from cirrhosis of the liver. Despite their untimely deaths, the Dodge Brothers Motor Company continued to thrive.
