The 5 Best and 5 Worst Cars Dodge Ever Made
Dodge has been a symbol of American muscle and performance for more than 100 years. When you think of Dodge, you probably think about some of the greatest pickup trucks on the road. You might also think about the Viper, Charger, or Challenger. They’re all classics. Not everything Dodge has produced has been a win though. Here’s a look at five of the best (and five of the worst) cars that the American automaker has ever made.
The Best Cars Dodge Has Ever Made
1. Dodge Challenger
When it comes to muscle cars, the 1970 Dodge Challenger is a legend. This iconic vehicle embodied the spirit of the American muscle car era. With its aggressive styling, potent engine options (including the 426 Hemi V8), and overall performance, it became an instant classic. The Challenger, available in a variety of colors and trims, continues to make waves with modern renditions, cementing its place as one of the greatest cars Dodge has ever built.
2. Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper was a wild ride from start to finish. Known for its unrefined, raw power, the Viper featured an 8.0L V10 engine, which made it one of the most powerful cars on the road. It was built for the hardcore driving enthusiast, and its brutal acceleration and distinctive design made it a favorite for sports car lovers. Though production ceased in 2017, the Viper’s legacy lives on as one of the best cars Dodge ever produced.
3. Dodge Ram 1500
You can’t think about Dodge without thinking about the Ram. The 1500 has been a standout in the full-size pickup truck market since its debut in 1994. Known for its rugged durability, performance, and comfort, the Ram 1500 quickly became one of the best-selling trucks in America. With its powerful engine options, smooth ride, and a luxurious interior in recent years, the Ram 1500 continues to impress and is often seen as the best American pickup on the market.
4. Dodge Charger
Both the original 1966 Dodge Charger and the modern-day 2005-present version have made their mark on the automotive world. The classic muscle car from the 60s and 70s was known for its powerful V8 engines and sleek design. Fast forward to today, the Dodge Charger has evolved into a modern muscle sedan with incredible performance and cutting-edge technology. It’s a car that balances nostalgia with modern-day innovation, making it a top contender in Dodge’s lineup.
5. Dodge Dart
The original Dodge Dart was an affordable compact car that earned a reputation for reliability and practicality. Its clean lines and simple design made it an instant hit with everyday drivers, and it was even offered in a performance package for those wanting a bit more excitement. Although the Dart was discontinued in 1976, it remains a symbol of the 1960s-1970s American automotive ingenuity and is still beloved by collectors.
Some of the Worst Cars Ever Made by Dodge
1. Dodge Lancer
The Dodge Lancer was meant to be a compact car that could take on the likes of Ford’s Falcon, but it fell flat in nearly every aspect. While it had a few decent features, such as a smooth ride, the Lancer’s lackluster engine options and uninspiring design made it forgettable. It was a car that didn’t quite know what it wanted to be and ended up being discontinued after just a few years of production.
2. Dodge Neon
Although the Dodge Neon had its loyal fan base, it’s hard to forget its reputation for being one of the worst compact cars of the 90s and early 2000s. Its interior was cheap, its ride was rough, and its engine, though efficient, lacked the performance drivers wanted. Add to that the frequent reliability issues and poor crash test ratings, and it’s no surprise that the Neon never became the staple of the compact car market that Dodge hoped for.
3. Dodge Aspen
You’ve probably not heard of this one, and for good reason. First, the Dodge Aspen was only produced for about four years. It was an attempt to jump into the mid-size car market, but it quickly became one of Dodge’s most regrettable cars. With poor build quality, underwhelming performance, and a design that was both uninspiring and boxy, the Aspen quickly gained a reputation for reliability problems. It was soon overshadowed by other, better competitors and faded into automotive obscurity.
4. Dodge Journey
This car recently got axed from the production line. The Dodge Journey has garnered a significant amount of criticism over the years. Despite being marketed as a family-friendly SUV, the Journey suffers from a lack of refinement, poor interior quality, and a generally unremarkable driving experience. Critics have noted that there are far better options available in the crossover SUV category, making the Journey one of Dodge’s less successful attempts at versatility.
5. Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota attempted to combine the utility of a pickup truck with the ride quality of a car, but it often felt like it didn’t quite do either well. Its performance was underwhelming, and despite being marketed as a “midsize” pickup, it didn’t provide enough capability to compete with full-size trucks, nor did it offer the efficiency and driving experience of smaller cars. The Dakota’s inconsistent quality and lack of innovation led to its eventual discontinuation in 2011.
The Highs and Lows of Dodge
At the end of the day, no carmaker is perfect. They all have hits and misses. There is no doubt Dodge has created some American classics, but they’ve also missed the mark with vehicles like the Aspen and Neon. Regardless of these few missteps, there is no doubt that Dodge has contributed a lot to the automotive world over the years. It will be interesting to see what they introduce next!
Read More
Popular but Problematic: 7 Cars With Surprising Flaws
10 Vehicles Mechanics Say Aren’t Built to Last
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.