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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  Victors 1995 Dakota - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Victor Williams - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this truck for daily transportation and towing travel trailer. Added aftermarket ignition and exhaust to improve performance with good results. Only serious problem was a water leak into cab that took 7-8 visits to dealer to finally fix. Heavy duty suspension and towing package well worth the $$ . Extremely pleased with it.

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  Scat Pack = NASCAR For The Street For 40k - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By G. Simon - April 24 - 4:18 pm

  All I can say is WOW! I researched this car forever! Finally got one I had my eye on as they closed out 2016 inventory. Driving this thing can be insane but also subdued for daily driving but always ready to ROAR into action. Mine is black and due to its appearance most people think Im a cop and move out of the way, its awesome, no speeding tickets yet with 6000 miles on it after 3 months (I cant help but drive this thing, its Charger after all, not a Bentley). Cruising in this 4,400 lb monster at 90 mph is very easy to do on a smooth freeway, feels the same as most cars at 55mph. It begs to go fast! Pros: mad acceleration and absolutely amazing soundtrack to go with it (neighbors who like quiet may not be your biggest fan after you purchase this car), people will stare at you in this car (maybe they think its a Hellcat), good tech inside, base Alpine sound system is decent, 20 inch wheels are sick, drive feel is simply great. Cons: gas mileage is bad (go figure with 392 Hemi and 485 horses - I get average 19 mpg), premium fuel required, super premium synthetic oil recommended (prob $125-150 at most shops every 6,000 miles with tire rotation needed also), visibility is not great (just look twice). This car is simply amazing, after reading this post go and get you one!!!!!

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  3.8L Grand Caravan - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tschuman - April 24 - 10:00 am

  The van has been a good driving vehicle and handles much like a car. Earlier Dodge vans we drove had squishy brakes but this years model was improved and brakes well. The infinity sound system sounds muddy, not high fidelity. Our major complaint has been major mehanical quality, in our case at 55000 mi, requiring a new engine despite proper engine care. This alone might not be a concern except for other nagging problems: transmission control module, engine ducting, engine mount problems, water pump, idler pulley replacement. Mileage has averaged 23 Hwy, 18-19 Cty

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  Good value - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Greg Hroch - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I recently pulled a 91 Stealth ES out of the junkyard for only 500 bucks. Im only 16, but the car was easily fixed and I had it running in two days. Even if this car was suppose to be about $3000 to $4000, it is a good buy for those street racers with a low budget. I have beaten all Hondas undefeated and the car is stock.

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  Stealth R/T-Under valued - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By dkguss - April 24 - 2:00 am

  My 91 Misty Blue Stealth R/T is awesome. Its not only fun to drive, but its practical and fuel effecient. I dont have the Twin Turbo model, but the 3.0L 24V engine rockets the car down the road. This car is "Under Valued" and is an excellent sports car. It beats the Vette hands down!

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  OK So far !! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By tamra - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Neon last Dec. from a very well know dealership for selling "BAD CARS" i did not know when they sold me the car. So far all I have replaced on my neon is the brakes and a signal bulb. My car is at 93,960. It still runs good, alittle hard sometimes, but overall nice- When I bought it they said I had a new head gasket kit done, etc., so I hope they did not lie to me because if anything goes wrong like the other people? I will be in court...

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  excellence on wheels - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By pibound - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Dakota that I have owned (first was an 88 model). Both were excellent performers and maintenance free other that the scheduled maintenance.

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  I LOVE THIS TRUCK - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By JOSH CORBIT - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS TRUCK

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  What a bargain! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By J West - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best bargains around! My SXT stickered at just over $14,000, then I found out about the $2000 cash back AND the 7 year / 100,000 mile extended warranty that was free! I priced both the base Neon and the SXT and the SXT is cheaper!! You get power windows, mirrors, locks, a 6- speaker CD stereo, tilt wheel, rear defog, remote keyless entry, fog lamps, spoiler, 15 inch aluminum wheels, and A/C!!! Wow!!! Ive only had it for 2 weeks and am already getting 34-35 mpg (w/ 5 spd). It is a blast to drive (and I traded a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT). It is a much better ride than the Pontiac.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By crazy guy - April 22 - 6:20 am

  I have had my Caliber for over 2 months now and I love it. Everything about the vehicle is great. I looked at a lot of vehicles like Caliber, but of its class, the Caliber was the best choice.