Dodge Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.18/5 Average
11,324 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 10291 through 10300 of 11,324.00
  • heh - 1996 Dodge Neon
    By -

    i bought a 1996 std neon for my first car, from a guy at school. i have had a few problems with it nothing real big. not to quick in acceleration wish i would of got a 6 banger now. but one set back is going up steep hills you can have the pedal to the floor and you will barely get going. other than that it drives pretty good. good steering. so all in all i am satisfied with it but advice to you get a 6 cylinder unless you want to be putting along up a hill

  • Pleasantly surprised - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
    By -

    I bought a Dodge Caravan in 1997 and it proved to be so good I decided to switch to a Dodge Intrepid for our family sedan. This turned out to be a wise choice as it has been trouble free in the first 18000+ miles and gets reasonable gas mileage as well. The car handles great in snow and whips around freeway ramps like a sports car. My wife drives it daily and loves it. We made a wise choice.

  • Styled well, but poor quality - 1998 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Purchased my Durango in 98, The body style is looks good. Problems with my Durango - All 4 window moldings rusted and Chrysler nor the dealer would replace them. The differential started grinding around 50K miles. A loud clunk noise when put in Reverse. Dealer says its normal (their answer for everything) I have tested other manufactures Chevy, Ford, Lexus and its not normal. The company only cares about the sytle not the quality. Planning on Selling and buying a Lexud RX-300.

  • My White Rider - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
    By -

    This is the most comfortable car that I have had in my years of driving! The only thing is that the roof of the car has lost its paint and needs a paint job. Other than that, I feel as though that I am riding a 2002!

  • Love my Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
    By -

    I was hesitant to spend $30,000 on any car classified as a "station wagon." But the styling grew on me, and the 340-hp HEMI goes a long way to dispelling myths about boring station wagons. The car handles better than any other 4,000-lb. full size car Ive ever driven. Im getting about 18 mpg city and 21 or 22 mpg highway, which is quite good for a car this size with this much power. I use the recommended mid-grade gas. This car is fun to drive and comfortable on long trips. I have had the dealer fix the "pulls to the right" problem, and I had to have the rear seat center seat belt replaced because the retractor jammed.

  • Dodge Grand Caravan AWD - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
    By -

    By far the best minivan available on the market today! AWD gives us the piece of mind and safety to get us through the unexpected storms that pop up in the Poconos. The kids love the DVD and Mom loves the Quad seating so the kids arent on top of one another. Its the 3rd Dodge Grand Caravan weve owned. Well nevewr buy another.

  • very pleased - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
    By -

    I too have had air conditioning troubles but consider that to be a minor problem. I have now more then 180000 miles on the car and it still runs extremely well. The body is holding together very well considering the car has seen a lot of gravel road. Excepting routine maintainance (oil changes, tires, windshields, timing belts and brakes) the car has cost well under .01 cents per mile to keep it running.

  • durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Fun to drive, excellent for towing. Nice for family.

  • Exellent Family Van - 2002 Dodge Caravan
    By -

    Superb comfort,responsive engine,luxurious ride.Last but not least Exellent value with current rebates.

  • A Fun Ride - 2007 Dodge Caliber
    By -

    Terrific car for the money. From the surround airbags to the responsive power steering it just doesnt seem like a base model vehicle. Ive had no problems of any kind so far. Car feels tight and solid, just right. The 1.8 liter engine is peppy enough for me, though steep hills will challenge it. Stereo sounds fine. Seats fit well. Headrests offer good protection. Tons of cargo room with seats folded down. (I bought some carpeting at hardware store to make my own floor liner.) Headlights give good coverage without blinding anyone. Not too big, not too small. Whats not to like?

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