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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  Pretty Impressive for a domestic. - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By oberkell - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my Golf 1.8t for this vehicle. So far so good. For the price I dont see how you could pass on this, especially with the 2k rebate and 500 rebate from State Farm or Country Companies (Farm Bureau Member). Loaded with options. Brakes are top of the line. Better than the new Acura. Quick (not fast), handles great and gets outstanding gas mileage (35 mpg) first tank. Pretty roomy for a compact and has a big trunk. Doesnt look like anything on the road and there are a large number of aftermarket products on the market for this car. Replacement parts are also cheap, especially coming from a VW - 1,000.00 for a clutch and flywheel.

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  What a Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Chris Hussey - April 13 - 8:40 pm

  The Journey was the answer to all our questions. We didnt want a minivan, but wanted something with optional seating for 7. Lambdas were too big and too expensive. Love the design. Love the storage options. Fuel economy on a recent trip averaged 24.5, mixed city and highway, and I have the 3.5 V6. Built in booster seats are perfect for our two girls. It has plenty of power when you need it and handles great. Hanling is tight. Love the 19" wheels and the MyGig. Only negative is the huge blind spot, but I bought some spot mirrors and the problem was solved. I recommend everyone give this vehicle a chance. Dodge was right on target with the Journey.

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  The whistling Noise - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Karl - April 13 - 4:43 am

  Let me start by saying, I like the van and this is my second one. But the new design has a whistling sound when doing 65-70 MPH. The problem is around the windshield on the unit, Between the window and the pillar that extends to the roof. The rubber insert is not long enough and it causes a whistle sound. You will need to tape the outside until you can run a thin bead of caulk under the rubber to prevent the wind from getting in. I do a lot of driving in a year (42,000 annually) and I currently have it taped and it has stopped the noise. Good luck.

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  No Cruise control and poor interior - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Gunda - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I got Dodge Intrepid SE as a company car. I was surprised to learn that SE model does not have a cruise control. Even the very first car I bought 1984 Chevy citation had a cruise control. Indoor passenger side over head handle gave away when I took one of my customers for lunch. I could not believe that this car has such poor engineering indoors. There is a loss of power when I put car in reverse to pull out of a parking spot. Overall with my two months of driving this car daily, I am disappointed. Next time, I would not have this as my company car.

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  All Charged Up! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Seabird - April 12 - 4:26 am

  This car attracts a lot of attention. Performance is excellent; however, it would be better if the car lost a few hundred pounds. Exciting to drive!

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  1990 Shadow - 1990 Dodge Shadow
  By JTLevy - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for twelve years, since i bought it new. For the last several years it has been at my weekend home and is used only for local driving. Despite long periods of idlness, the car starts up and drives without trouble, maintenance is low. It is dependable transportation, and fun to drive.

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  nice car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Samanosuke - April 12 - 2:00 am

  awsome

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  My Pretty Magnum Sure is a Head Turner - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dennis - April 12 - 12:46 am

  My Magnum is one of the prettiest wagons I have ever seen or owned. It handles like a sports car rather than a wagon. Magnum has plenty of power when you call on it and believe me when I say it will run 0-50 in roughly 5 secs. With the ESP feature the Magnum sticks to the road like a road racer, and it is next to impossible to lose control of the car. Like the salesperson who sold it to me said, about the only way you can lose control is if you fall asleep at the wheel.

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  Durango a problem - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Thomas M. Fink - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a tank. have replaced the ball joints at 37,000 miles and the heater core at 47,000 miles both were major expenses. One of the worst 4x4 trucks I have ever owned. Dealership argues with you on everything. They had the gall to say ball joints on a four wheel drive go out about 35,000 to 40,000 miles. If this is the case Dodge should start making a different product other than trucks. Try washing machines it would probably have the same ride as their trucks.

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  Excellent! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By adowdell - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I would highly recamend this car to anyone wanting to have fun!! Its extremely fast, handles great, and gets plenty of looks. I have no major quables except that I would not recamend anyone with over a 37" waiste to get the stock seats. There are huge seat bolsters which are awesome if you fit. It has some wheel hope if ran hard and wheels start to spin. Im gonna get some new harder engine mounts to help limit that though. other than that great car and lots of factory upgrades!