Dodge Hits And Misses
Dodge has built a legacy that swings between unforgettable hits and head-scratching misses. Some models still spark excitement when their names pop up in conversations, while others only bring back memories of awkward designs or questionable ideas. This list looks at both ends of the spectrum. So, first, let’s take a look at ten Dodge models we’d be thrilled to see back on the road.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
1. Dodge Magnum SRT8
Those LED-illuminated cup holders and door pockets might seem like a subtle touch, but they signal how far the 2008 Magnum SRT8 evolved beyond basic wagon duty. With its redesigned hood scoop and aggressive front styling feeding a 6.1-liter HEMI V8, this 425-horsepower hauler rockets to 60 mph in just a few seconds.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
2. Dodge Demon 170
When Dodge engineers achieved the seemingly impossible 1.66-second sprint to 60 mph, they created more than just the quickest production car ever. The 2023 Demon 170 channeled over 1,000 horsepower through its E85-fueled, supercharged HEMI V8, delivering one spectacular finale.
3. Dodge Omni GLH
With just 500 examples produced, the 1986 Dodge Omni GLH-S stands as a coveted piece of American performance history. Its rarity is matched by serious credentials: a turbocharged 2.2-liter engine delivering 175 horsepower and development oversight from Carroll Shelby himself.
4. Dodge Dakota
The 2011 Dodge Dakota stood out in the mid-size pickup class with its rare V8 option. Built on a sturdy frame, it offered an impressive 7,250-pound towing capacity. Plus, the Crew Cab’s four full-size doors offered family comfort and work-ready practicality.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
5. Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo
With its automatically adjusting rear spoiler managing high-speed stability, the Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo showcased advanced engineering throughout. Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 delivered potent performance, all based on technology shared with its mechanical twin.
6. Dodge Neon SRT-4
A small, determined group of engineers known as the "Skunkworks" team at Dodge had an audacious vision: build an affordable sport compact that could challenge established performance giants. Their creation, the turbocharged Neon SRT-4, delivered on that promise with its potent 230-horsepower 2.4-liter engine.
7. Dodge Ram SRT-10
In an era when manual transmissions were vanishing from trucks, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 boldly offered a six-speed stick shift, complementing its Viper 8.3-liter V10 engine. This mechanical marriage produced a Guinness World Record holder, reaching 154.587 mph before production concluded in 2006.
8. Dodge Coronet R/T
Among the rarest and most sought-after muscle cars of 1970, HEMI-equipped Dodge Coronet R/Ts represent an elite tier of American performance. Their scarcity is matched by the 440 Magnum V8 or legendary 426 HEMI engine.
9. Dodge Challenger T/A
When the Challenger T/A debuted in 1970, it pushed boundaries with engineering firsts that muscle car fans still revere. It features a 340 Six Pack V8 engine, and its Trans-Am homologation upgrades proved it was born for competition.
10. Dodge Aspen R/T
At the core of the 1979 Dodge Aspen R/T was a 360-cubic-inch V8, infusing compact proportions with raw muscle. Dodge emphasized its performance edge with aggressive graphics and a rear spoiler, producing a variant that celebrated attitude and horsepower more than commuter convenience.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
Now, let’s check out ten Dodge models we’re glad stayed in the past.
1. Dodge Journey
While a Chinese-built SUV now wears the Journey badge in Mexico, it's merely borrowing the name of Dodge's original mid-size crossover. The real Journey, built on Chrysler's JC platform, never escaped criticism for its dated design and uninspiring performance.
2. Dodge Caliber
Touted as a versatile hatchback replacement for the Neon, the Dodge Caliber quickly disappointed buyers. Its cheap interior, rough ride, and lackluster performance gave it a poor reputation. Instead of being practical, it became an example of missed potential best left in the past.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
3. Dodge 600
Marketed as Dodge’s answer to the growing demand for mid-size sedans, the 600 promised comfort and refinement it simply couldn’t provide. Its uninspired styling, mediocre performance, and lack of identity kept it from making a lasting impression. Today, it remains a forgotten attempt at upscale appeal.
4. Dodge Raider
The burgeoning SUV market of the late 1980s presented a strategic opportunity that Dodge addressed through partnership rather than independent development. By rebadging Mitsubishi's Pajero platform as the Raider, Dodge made its first SUV entry, though the limited two-door configuration and basic feature set proved insufficient for sustained market success, leading to discontinuation by 1989.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
5. Dodge Dynasty
Framed as a practical family sedan in the late 1980s, the Dodge Dynasty failed to inspire confidence. Its boxy design looked outdated even at launch, and the sluggish performance did little to help. Forgettable styling and lack of innovation left this model stuck in the past.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
6. Dodge Monaco
The 1990-1992 Monaco was revived to fill Dodge’s full-size sedan slot. Built on a dated platform and lacking any distinctive qualities, it quickly fell behind competitors. Uninspiring design and forgettable performance ensured this model disappeared without leaving a mark.
7. Dodge Colt
Imported as Dodge’s compact economy car, the Colt struggled to carve out an identity. Its small size and modest power didn’t stand out in a competitive market filled with stronger Japanese rivals. Forgettable styling and minimal appeal left little reason to bring this model back.
8. Dodge Rampage
The L-platform innovation behind Dodge's 1982 Rampage marked a fascinating technical bridge between cars and trucks, bringing front-wheel drive to the pickup segment. While aiming to shake up the El Camino and Ranchero's dominance, this experiment also spawned a Plymouth Scamp variant before wrapping up its brief production run in 1984.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
9. Dodge Lancer
Positioned as Dodge’s compact contender, the Lancer never found its footing. Its plain styling and underwhelming driving dynamics made it forgettable in a segment filled with better options. Lacking character or innovation, the Lancer faded quickly, leaving little reason to see it return.
10. Dodge Intrepid
Introduced with a sleek design for its era, the Dodge Intrepid initially seemed like a bold step forward. Unfortunately, reliability problems, weak build quality, and rapid aging of its styling erased any early promise. What was once eye-catching is now remembered mostly for its shortcomings.
