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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  After 120K miles My Caravan doing great! - 1991 Dodge Caravan
  By Happy inHawaii - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Not all 91 caravans bad. I got an SE w/ 3 speed auto w/ 3.0 liter mitsubishi engine. 4 spd caravans had a greater than 20% risk - problems. Early on - some electrical problems. Paint is doing well, wax twice a year. Last year I replaced my radiator , the distributor, as well as my muffler 2 years ago. Transmission original. MPG is 23 mostly highway at 55-60 mph. Air conditioning original and doing well. I changed spark plugs a wires twice. Throttle body adjustment once a year and have rebuilt/replaced brakes/pads twice. There have been numerous recalls but most were small . Today performancee same as at 40,000 miles. One squeak from the left mid rear panel.

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  Most Incredible American Muscle Car - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By getbit - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Most exhilarating drive I have ever experienced. This is my third Viper and cant seem to find a peer for sheer adrenaline rush that this car provides.

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  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Christy Smith - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It great for a small family. Since I dont work it a great car to just run around in. Its also good on gas when traveling. It as alot of nice safty things plus Radio & 6 CD change has been great for traveling too. All the push botton things are great too.

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  Love the car! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Rusty23 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my thrid Neon, and I love it. they handle very well, and extremely well in the winter months. Ive never had another car I have enjoyed more.

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  awesome car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By iliwerdili - May 14 - 10:00 am

  this car is a great buy. i just got the new dodge neon in electric blue for my new car on my own. its a great buy for any young person whos trying to find something affordable.

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  Great - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Maegan - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car to have. I have a lot of fun with the option of having manual or automatic. I have small children and its not hard to get them in and out for it being a sports car.

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  Good little car. - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By jarriop - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Neon for my girl friend. But found that this little car quite fun to drive. Aside from the little noises, the drivers door opening sensor not working (Even after having dodge fix it.) This little car is a brisk accelerater. Ihave currently begun modifying the car, starting with a cold air intake, and next is my exsaust.(Manifold is shot, as is my muffler.) I purchased the car with 62000 miles on it.

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  Buying a Toyota - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Buying a toyota - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 Durango in Jan. 2001...I have driven it about 50000 miles and have had pretty good luck with it up to now but I think my luck is beginning to run out. The drivers side passenger window wont goup and down all the time unless yo slam the door, the transmission wont shift gears when you first start it and the suspension is getting really loose. This truck is not good for alot of highway driving. And forget about the mountains...you have to turn off the overdrive and just watch the gas gauge go down at the speed of sound....

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  My Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ronald H. Pierson - May 13 - 8:20 am

  I now have 6,500 miles on my new Dodge Magnum RT. I really love the performance of the 5.7 Hemi engine, (Especially with the "Magna-Flow" muffler system). For the size of the engine and the weight of the car, I think the average 18 to 20 MPG I am getting is really awesome. This car handles really well and has a very smooth & quiet highway ride. It is a very roomy "Muscle car" that has the power you need when you need it.

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  sweet - 2001 Dodge Viper
  By sweet - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I have one and it is very fun to have one