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:

• 

  "trouble" - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By ky-fan - March 16 - 9:58 pm

  I was initially attracted to the Durango for its body style and size. Since buying it i have experienced considerable trouble with it. In the last year I have replaced the wheel bearings, brakes,and rotors. Weve also had wiring trouble and are currently experiencing oil pump failure. although i love the body style i would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

• 

  ES is Best - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By JH - March 16 - 9:50 pm

  My 98 Stratus ES has been a great all-around car. The ride in the ES is much better than the 97 SE that we have. Only complaint is the front cup holder.

• 

  Ok car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By leanboy - March 16 - 12:35 pm

  Pretty reliable, only suprise problem was a fuel pump failure at 40,000 miles. Well known engine gasket problem at 60,000 but Chrysler will pay for it if you push them. I get 25mpg, which I think is low for such a small car.

• 

  Dodge intrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lydiadh - March 16 - 4:38 am

  so far this vehicle seems to have a problem with the air conditioning unit....it seems to be an ongoing problem with this car, not sure if it is a regular problem with this type and year of vehicle.

• 

  disposable car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By danitamb - March 15 - 4:53 pm

  lets face it this is not a high end car. But for what it is, its worth the money. It has been very dependable for me. Ive had trouble with the brakes squeking from the start, they say its just the neon. But other than that, with maintence upkeep it has kept me on the road, never has it broken down. Ive driven it cross country several times. From IA to NC, TX to IA (4 times)

• 

  Dodge Caravan - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By rhed - March 15 - 4:01 pm

  Bought brand new. Rides nice, is very comfortable and is great for lots of passengers and is great for hauling things after removing seats. Lots of room. 3.3L V6 is very responsive and gets van going quickly despite the extra weight the van has. Only repair needed was a wheel alignment but it was covered by warranty. As long as I rotate tires evey 6000 the alignment has stayed true.

• 

  Holds the road - 1995 Dodge Stealth
  By Elwood - March 15 - 2:53 pm

  Car is a lot of fun to drive, there is no corner it cant handle. Suprisingly comfortable on long trips (as long as noone sits in the back seat). Have had no mechanical problems (80,000 mi.), my only complaints are the transmission lags after you slow down, unless you come to a complete stop, and the base 3.0L engine is a little underpowered. Handles excellently, but rides hard. Recommend no person over 40 purchase one of these.

• 

  Not too bad for the price. - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By JohnK311 - March 14 - 8:44 pm

  I was forced to buy a Neon because my Dodge Ram crapped out and I needed trade it in to the dealer who had towed it in to be repaired (again!). The Neon was supposed to be temporary until I fouond something I really wanted to buy. Ive been satisfied with the car, payments are low, and I have no good reason to buy anything else. The car is a little noisy with some vibration, but since I always have music cranked it doesnt bother me. I had to have the drivers side door lock fixed. but except for a $50 it was paid for by the warranty. I think Ill keep it.. at least until the warranty expires.

• 

  GREAT CAR....... NO POWER THOUGH - 1995 Dodge Avenger
  By djbubsy - March 14 - 10:34 am

  i have had no problems yet other than a new air filter needed so far

• 

  Rides, and Looks GREAT!!!! - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Swenson - March 14 - 2:26 am

  This truck is near perfect. I love the looks and handling. I can push, pull, haul, and drag just about everything. This truck is very hard to get stuck. Very fun to drive. Great for Hunting.