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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  "Good Van" - 1992 Dodge Caravan
  By jacturn - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Although I am the third owner of this van, I am truly satisfied with the performance etc that I have received over the 3 years I have had it. Prior to my being the owner, my mother drove this van for seven years without any major problems.

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  Money Pit - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Karen - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is nothing but a money pit !!!

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Adam Wertman - April 1 - 2:00 am

  With over 77,000 miles and no issues to speak about. Would have liked the 200hp engine being used in the new Stratus, but car has plenty of power for everyday driving.

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  Should have bought a Chevy - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By scott281 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought my truck new in 󈨦. Thought it was great! That feeling is long gone. The mpg is awful! I average about 10.5 mpg. My highest mileage recorded was only 13.9 driving from SF to LA @ 70mph. I only have 31K on the truck and about 6 months ago the transmission started to go bad. And now just spent $1700 to have the whole thing rebuilt. The shop said it was the 6th Durango transmission they had rebuilt in the last eight months! Overall, I’m really disappointed with the truck. Should have listened to my friends and bought a Chevy!

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  Lousy Reliability - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By lee1340 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife loved the car at first. Delightful to drive off-road however, we rarely used the 4 wheel drive system. When it was needed, it failed immediately. On the way back from Reno, Dec. 2001, the 4X went out and it had to be towed into Roseville, Ca. In Jan. 2002, we experienced the same repeated problem. In Sept. 2001, I had the 4X system gone over by the dealer to avoid such a problem. Then I discovered they dont put gaskets in this car. They use RTV only. Maintenance problems are rediculous for a 4-year old vehicle.

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  Dodge Stealth - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By stealth - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, Excellent.

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  Not what I expected - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By tdilf - March 31 - 2:00 am

  At 70,000 miles I have had numerous problems: squeeky doors that no one will fix stereo speakers dont work- one does brakes replaced twice head gasket replaced (warranty because I whined) oxygen sensor replaced oil leak tires, of course tie rods replaced

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  trekkingg with the intrepid - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By susyn - March 31 - 2:00 am

  so roomy and comfortable. I gave in for a coupe and not a wagon and like the ride, space and total feel. got a great deal!!!

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  Good if you have children - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Thomas Harris - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been proven to be a reliable van and comfortable for long trips. We have 4 children and travel on short trips in Texas and longer cross country trips about once a year. This vehicle has always been great but at 140000 miles I feel that we need to purchase a newer car if we plan to take a long cross country trip now. The 6 cylinder is adaquate but an 8 cylinder can haul more. The van doesnt have a lot of room left for baggage after after the kids are all in their seats.

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  This car rocks - 1994 Dodge Stealth
  By Tyler - March 30 - 2:00 am

  My sister owns one and it is great i love driving it , it has givin no problems at all. The only complaint i have is i got long legs and the back seats are real small no room in the back at all but other than that this car is great