Overview & Reviews

One of America's most storied automotive brands, Dodge has been around since the early days of the auto industry. In the past couple of decades, it has revitalized itself to be a producer of aggressively styled and performance-oriented vehicles.

Two brothers, Horace and John Dodge, began the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company in 1914, after having worked as manufacturers of bicycles and automotive parts. Their first vehicle was a touring car that proved a fast favorite with car buyers; it was soon joined by a roadster and a four-door sedan. By 1917, the company's model line had grown to include trucks. Dodge cars and trucks were used as staff vehicles and ambulances in World War I.

Dodge was briefly owned by a banking firm and subsequently sold by its new owner to the Chrysler Corporation in 1928. From there, the brand slowly evolved into the division responsible for trucks and performance-oriented cars. Post WWII, Dodge introduced vehicles like the military-inspired Power Wagon truck, Hemi-powered Coronet and the Royal Lancer; in addition, the manufacturer began offering dealer-installed air-conditioning.

Vehicles like the Dodge Dart and the Coronet kept the manufacturer in American driveways throughout the 1960s. That decade also saw the launch of one of Dodge's most iconic vehicles, the Charger. Dodge's muscle car was based on the Coronet platform, and featured a fastback roof line, hidden headlamps and a full-width taillamp panel. Best of all, the Charger could pack one heck of a wallop under the hood. A 318-cubic-inch V8 was standard, but buyers seeking maximum brawn could upgrade to a 426-cubic-inch, 425-hp Hemi V8. The company also introduced a Mustang-fighting pony car, called the Challenger, in 1970.

As with other American auto manufacturers, Dodge's fortunes started to slip in the '70s due to changing tastes and increased competition. The company was saved from extinction in the early '80s thanks to government loans and the sales success of its Omni and Aries economy cars (the former an attempted copy of the VW Rabbit). But 1984 was when Dodge made its mark in the history books with the introduction of the wildly popular Caravan. Ideal for families and able to seat up to seven, the space-efficient Caravan started a whole new vehicle segment -- the minivan.

The early '90s saw the company wow the public with the V10-powered Viper roadster and an all-new Ram pickup that set a new standard for big-rig-like styling. A few years later, Dodge came to be part of DaimlerChrysler, a result of the merger of the German company Daimler (owner of Mercedes-Benz) and Chrysler.

The merger never really worked, however, and Daimler sold Chrysler and Dodge to a private equity firm in 2007. Soon after, America's economy slid into recession. Due to poor sales and debt, Chrysler had to declare bankruptcy. The federal government intervened and eventually Dodge came under control of Fiat, a European automaker known for its small cars, an area where Dodge's entries had been roundly criticized for mediocre build quality and unrefined performance.

More recent years have seen Dodge concentrate on the more practical vehicles in its lineup, making notable improvements to the performance and overall quality of its midsize Avenger sedan and Journey SUV entries. Dodge also spun off its truck line, making it a separate Ram brand. But make no mistake; Dodge is still considered Chrysler's performance division thanks to cars like the Challenger and Charger. Time will tell how successful Dodge's latest makeover is.

User Reviews:

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  It costs how much? - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By hatedodge - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I have the 2.4 DOHC in my Stratus and have had problems every December since purchase. Ive gone through 2 head gaskets and a head (it was cracked AND warped) and just took it to the shop for my 3rd round of head work. Chrysler has covered 2/3 of the cost each time, but they should just recall the suckers and get the problem solved!! I used to love Chryslers, but this one has soured me forever.

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  bad rear end - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By oc dd - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Does this sound familar. Great looker, nice features, had to have it when I saw it. 58K miles later I get 10.2 gallons per mile, the AC evaporator replaced twice under warranty and once by me. Now it needs a new rear end! My mechanic says it is quite common! It still looks good (other than rust on bottom of window frames).

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  Should have known better - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By JoshM - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it a couple of months and the computer is already going on it. I have a 91 Ford Escort with 185,000 on it that runs like a jem. Unless Dodge suddenly improves, this is the last Chrysler product I will purchase. I do like the interior design and my wife likes the way it looks but as far as the engine and overall build, there is much to be desired.

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  I thought 93 was the best one built - 1993 Dodge Dynasty
  By apc - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I thought they had more to offer them a Taurus. Now I had a chance to get a great buy and a comfortable car too. The bigest headachs are no cup holders in the base modle, and the back doors pop open or do not latch shut in cold weather. I have to warm up the car and then the (both) back doors will stay closed. I also was surprised to put $300 in paint to remove lower body surface rust. I guess when they warrenty 10 years against rust through it best have a hole in it.

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  aarrgggg - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By SlvrNeon2000 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Ok where do I start Ive had the neon for about 2 1/2 years now and it has 63k on it... and the air conditioning went after one summer use the sunroof went on me after one summer use... it makes awfull noises... and vibrates horribly although it does surprise me for room im 61 and able to fit in it not very comfortably but, i do fit... but, I wouldnt recomend this car to anyone that has high expectations... it is very affordable but, you get exactly what you pay for!

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  Granny car gone wild - 1992 Dodge Dynasty
  By Moparfreak - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car looks like crap. So darn ugly. But, I have to admit, the thing ran not too bad. it had the "beefy" 3.3 in it. It served its purpose. It was ok, BUT, the tranny went out at 115,000. And this is not a freak deal. My father-in- law has had 4 of these, and the tranny went out in every one of them. Most were with more miles on it than this one. And none were 92s, but the same deal with all of them.

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  Never again - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By T J T - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of this car and really enjoy driving it....when it works. The great looks are more than offset by the significant quality issues Ive had since the day I purchased it. First it was electrical problems (which have continued to this day) such as all dash lights going out and the overhead console lights going out. Then the car just doesnt start at least once per year. And now the heat cuts out and the car overheats. All I can say is never again! Ill never buy a Chrysler product again.

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  Designed fast, fast is not always good. - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By gbelo - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car the 1st year it came out . It was attrative and cheap. problem is that the designers designed it so fast they did not pay attention to the engine. $800 head gasket replacement. Would I buy another Stratus, maybe ..A couple of drinks would help with the decision.

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  Nice car -- bad trans. - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By jstiles - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The spirit is a generally reliable car, with good V6 power, decent interior comfort, and a smooth ride. The only problem I have with it is the 4 speed automatic. The unit in mine died two weeks after purchase, throwing itself into safety mode in which it will only go forward in second gear. Even after a $1200 rebuild and about 18 months, it still doesnt feel like it works correctly, occasionally searching for gears while attempting to downshift or slamming itself into first gear.

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  dodge fan scarred for life - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By what a joke - November 23 - 2:00 am

  this was the first new car i bought. I have taken awesome care and have always been an avid dodge fan. this car has been a bad joke. it had major electrical problems at one month, a new stereo at two months, a blown headgasket, two major oil leaks one at 38000 just after warrenty and dodge told me" its too bad, those cars all have oil leaks" they wouldnt help at all. the repair of the leaks cost me about 2000.00 total. now it hasa transmission leak, the trunk will no longer open from the inside and the rear doors will no longer unlock with the power locks. What a dissapointment.