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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  Great Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Pbdb - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about a year and I have had no problems at all. It would be nice to have better cup holders in the car.

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  Me and My Shadow - 1990 Dodge Shadow
  By Mom - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I am the only owner and the only problem I have had was the fuel pump went out. Shame they dont make them anymore.

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  Love my Caravan - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By bikerdad - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my Caravan. Its one of the most versatile cars Ive owned. Great for hauling stuff home from Home Depot, taking the dogs to the park, etc. Have had no major problems in 4 years. Pretty much just routine maintenance. I would buy another one.

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  Issue with catalytic converter - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Bryan64 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my 98 Dakota. It has performed reliably, except in one dept: I seem to be replacing cats annually. A rattling begings to develop when the engine is pulling (I enjoy pulling Gs out of my V6 w/ low geared rear-end). Dodge warranty has replaced the cat twice, and a muffler once because part of the cat went down the pipe and damaged the muffler. I have discussed my need for acceleration with the Dodge Boys and didnt get any indication that my driving is affecting the cat. Dodge wont evaluate the O2 sensor when they replace the faulty cats.

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  Truck with Comfort - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By DaveO - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I have the 4.7L V8. This engine is very refined and smooth. I cant get enough of driving this truck. Its comfortable, quiet, rugged, and quick. It handles great and looks good while doing it. The infinity sound is pretty good. Very clear. This truck is roomy and fun to drive.

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  Dont buy Stratus - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By ssevim - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car like 15 months ago. The engine leaks oil (parts are only $30, but the repair cost is $650), There is a noise I dont even understand what it is ($450), Driver window is not working ($350) etc. The car is made out of junk and there are problems everywhere. If you decide to sell it, it doesnt worth that much. I think I should give it away and forget Dodge forever!

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  Disappointing - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Euly - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Everyone had told me Neons were crap but that 97 was the year they started getting better. I realized that this wasnt true. I love my neon because it is fun to drive but I have had numerous problems with it. The EGR valve was a big issue because the car would completely shut off while I was slowing down. I also dont like driving on a windy day because it feels so flimsy. It is a very unsafe car. Buying from a very dishonest car dealership did not help the situation either.

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  Do Not Buy a First Year Car!! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By JenD - May 9 - 2:00 am

  As soon as I saw the Sunflower field commercial with the Neon, I ran out and bought it. In 1994. I will never do that again. Too many variables. I can not stand the windows having no frames that they fit into. Constant noise!! A weird knocking noise coming from the back of the car that no-one ever could figure out. Squeaky brakes. The worst of all is the Air Conditioning went and until this day I only have 83k on the car. I really should have read that Lemon-Law booklet they gave me with the car. Also, 4 recalls for steering and brake issues.

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  Great car - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By jimats - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car two years ago and have been driving it hard ever since. Have had no major problems (less than $1500 since Ive had it) and it is still running great. I plan on getting the newer model now that I can afford a nicer one.

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  Should have looked here first!! - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Never Again - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned a 1989 Grand Caravan. Put three transmissions in it. Thought that by now Chrysler would have figured out how to build a reliable transmission. WRONG! The transmission in my 1998 Caravan went out at 55000. Fool me once, shame on you fool me twice...well, you know how it goes.